Florida Registered Agent: LLC Guide
What is a Florida Registered Agent?
A Florida Registered Agent is an individual or business that consents to receive legal correspondence and official notices on behalf of your Florida LLC.
The Florida Department of State might also use your Registered Agent's address as the main contact for sending official notices to your LLC.
A Registered Agent might also be called a Florida Agent for Service of Process. They refer to the same role.
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Why Do You Need a Registered Agent in Florida?
You need a Registered Agent in Florida because it's required by law (Section 17701.13 of the Florida LLC Act). Every LLC in Florida must have one to operate legally.
Registered Agents help with the court and legal systems. They make sure legal mail and court documents are properly delivered and tracked.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A Registered Agent gets important documents for you and then passes them on to you.
What Are the Legal Requirements for a Registered Agent?
In Florida, Registered Agents must:
- Have a physical address in Florida (not a PO box)
- Keep regular business hours
- Accept legal documents and Service of Process for businesses
- Quickly forward those documents to the businesses
Who can be my Registered Agent in Florida?
You have three options for choosing your Florida Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member.
- A Registered Agent Service in Florida
Opting to be your Registered Agent might save you money, but it does come with some risks.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Florida?
You have three choices for your LLC's Registered Agent in Florida:
- You can be the Registered Agent yourself.
- A friend or family member can be the Registered Agent.
- You can hire a Florida Registered Agent Service.
Being your own Florida Registered Agent
You can be your own Registered Agent if you:
- Have a real street address in Florida
- Are available during business hours
Pros: It will save you money.
Cons: Your name and address will be public. There are also some risks involved.
Asking a Friend or Family Member to be Your LLC's Registered Agent
You can ask a friend or family member to be your Registered Agent in Florida.
They need to:
- Have a street address in Florida
- Be available during business hours
Make sure they agree and understand their duties. Their information will be public.
Pros: It saves money.
Cons: Their address will be public, and they might not be as reliable as a professional service.
Hiring a Florida Registered Agent Service
A Registered Agent Service handles your LLC's legal mail.
Itās a good choice if:
- You want to keep your address private
- You don't have an address in Florida
- You're not available during business hours
- You don't want to handle the paperwork
- You need help with setting up your LLC
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How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?
In Florida, Registered Agent Services typically cost between $100 and $300 per year.
Florida Registered Agent FAQs
How long does it take to form an LLC in Florida?
The time it takes to form an LLC in Florida depends on your filing method:
If you file your Articles of Organization online, the approval process typically takes 1-2 business days.
If you file by mail, the state will process your Articles of Organization within 5-7 business days. Overall, you can expect about 3-4 weeks to receive your approval documents by mail.
Can a Florida LLC have an out-of-state address?
A Florida LLC can use an out-of-state address for mailing purposes and the Principal Office Address.
However, a physical address in Florida is required for the LLCās Registered Agent. If you prefer not to use your home address, you can hire a Registered Agent Service like Northwest Registered Agent. They provide an address for your business and ensure compliance with state requirements without exposing your personal information.
What is the best Registered Agent Service in Florida?
We highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the top choice for Registered Agent Services in Florida. They are our preferred service for our own LLCs due to their exceptional service and privacy protection. For a detailed review, check out our full Northwest Registered Agent review.
Related article: Best Registered Agent Services in Florida
Can I use a PO Box for my LLC in Florida?
While you can use a PO Box for your LLCās mailing address, it cannot be used for the Principal Office address or the Registered Agent address. The Principal Office must have a physical address, and the Registered Agent must also have a physical address in Florida.
Can I list myself as a Registered Agent in Florida?
Yes, you can serve as your LLCās Registered Agent in Florida. You can also appoint any consenting adult resident of Florida, including yourself, a friend, or a family member, provided they have a Florida street address.
Keep in mind that your address will be part of the public record. If you prefer to keep your address private, consider using a Registered Agent Service like Northwest Registered Agent, which allows you to use their address and maintains your privacy while ensuring compliance with Florida legal requirements.
Is there a difference between a Registered Agent, Agent of Process, or Statutory Agent?
No, there is no difference between a Registered Agent, Agent of Process, and Statutory Agent. All these terms refer to the same role, which is to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC.