What Is a Florida Registered Agent?

A registered agent is the designated person or entity that receives legal documents and official state correspondence for a Florida business. Florida Statutes Chapter 605 (for LLCs) and Chapter 607 (for corporations) require every registered entity to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

The Registered Agent's Job

Accepting Service of Process When someone sues your business in Florida, the complaint must be formally served on your registered agent. This is the primary reason the role exists — it gives courts and opposing parties a reliable way to deliver legal documents to your entity.

Receiving State Correspondence The Florida Division of Corporations communicates with your entity through the registered agent's address. This includes filing confirmations, annual report reminders, and administrative notices.

Ensuring Availability Your registered agent must be present at a physical Florida street address during normal business hours. PO boxes do not qualify. If a process server shows up and nobody is there, service may still be attempted through alternative methods — but the consequences of missed service fall on your business.

Who Can Serve as a Registered Agent in Florida

Individuals: Any Florida resident who is at least 18 years old and has a physical street address in the state.

Business Entities: A corporation, LLC, or other entity authorized to transact business in Florida may serve as a registered agent if it maintains a Florida business office.

Who Cannot Serve:

• Your own entity — a Florida LLC cannot appoint itself as its own registered agent
• A person without a physical Florida address
• Anyone using only a PO box

What Happens Without a Registered Agent

If your Florida entity does not have a valid registered agent on file:

• Administrative dissolution: The Division of Corporations may dissolve your LLC or revoke your corporation
• Default judgments: Courts may authorize alternative service, and you could lose a lawsuit without being properly notified
• Loss of good standing: Your entity cannot transact business, enter contracts, or access Florida courts
• Reinstatement costs: Bringing a dissolved entity back requires fees, penalties, and refiling

Professional vs. Self-Service

You can serve as your own registered agent, but consider the practical implications:

• You must be at your registered address during all business hours
• Your home address (if used) goes on the Sunbiz public record, searchable by anyone
• If you travel, work remotely, or simply step out for lunch at the wrong time, you could miss a critical delivery

A professional registered agent addresses all of these issues. We maintain a staffed Florida address, scan documents same-day, and keep your personal address off public records.

Our service costs $99/year with no additional fees.

Get Started — $99/year

Learn more about changing your agent or forming a Florida LLC.