Florida Registered Agent
What is a Florida registered agent?
A Florida registered agent serves as the legal contact point for businesses operating in the state. They accept state mail and other legal correspondence on the entity’s behalf per state laws. The agents must maintain regular business hours and be physically available to receive documents in person or by mail. They forward these documents to the business to maintain the company’s good standing and allow them to keep operating in Florida.
The Role of Florida Registered Agents
A Florida registered agent meets the minimum requirements outlined by the state for all agents and must be available to accept state notices and service of process on behalf of the business they represent. Florida registered agents accept important documents on behalf of your business and forward them to a designated contact at your request, usually providing digital documents by email or within a secure account. While some merely provide a registered agent address for state filings to fulfill state laws, others offer additional services and filings for your business.
Who can be a registered agent in Florida?
The state of Florida has established some guidelines outlining that any of the following can be a registered agent:
- An individual residing in Florida with a business address identical to the address of the registered office
- A domestic entity authorized to do business in Florida whose business address is identical to the address of the registered office
- A foreign entity authorized to transact business in Florida whose business address is identical to the address of the registered office
Regardless of who is your registered agent, they must express consent to accept documents on your behalf in Florida. Once that consent is given, any documents delivered to them are given the same legal consideration as those delivered directly to you.
Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?
Individuals can be registered agents in Florida, and they must provide a business address identical to the address of the registered office. You can appoint yourself, a trusted friend, or a family member as long as the individual can receive all legal process and forward it to the business. One major downside to being your own Florida registered agent is that your personal details become public. Since Florida allows companies to provide minimum information on state records, you can easily keep your details from state records by utilizing a registered agent’s address for your business. When you act as your own registered agent, these details become publicly available and permanently tied to the company.
How Do I Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida?
To appoint a Florida registered agent, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Get your registered agent’s consent
You’ll need a statement consenting to accept your documents including your registered agent’s signature. Florida online filings require registered agent consent, which you can electronically sign by including your registered agent’s information in the corresponding field.
Include registered agent info in your formation documents
Remember to include your registered agent’s name and address when filing your LLC’s Articles of Organization or your corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. You can submit this information by mail or electronically. After the state accepts your filing, your registered agent will be designated to receive documents on your behalf.
Can a Florida Registered Agent Keep My Personal Information Private?
Yes. Providing a registered agent address for your company on state records is a great way to keep your address private. Florida requires no member information for formations until the first annual report is due, providing flexibility to those with privacy concerns. In yearly filings, you can still use a registered agent address for members or officers, meaning only name information will be public record.
Can I use a registered agent address for my LLC in Florida?
This primarily depends on whether your registered agent provides an address suitable for this purpose. When you hire Registered Agents Inc, we provide a physical address in Florida that can be used on state filings, keeping your sensitive personal information and address off state records.
Can I use a P.O. Box for an LLC in Florida?
Florida won’t accept a P.O. Box as a Principal Place of Business Address—though it can be used for the Mailing Address as long as it doesn’t match the principal address. If you’d like to do business while keeping your address private, you may consider using a Florida registered agent’s address. They can provide a viable principal business address and you can use a P.O. Box or mail forwarding address to accept regular mail and packages.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc in Florida?
We go beyond accepting your important documents in Florida. Here’s a rundown of what we provide when you sign up:
Document handling
We accept and upload your important documents the same day and send you handy email notifications when new items are available to view. You’ll never miss an important document or deadline.
Compliance filing
The most important part of being a registered agent is accepting your important mail, but that’s not enough. We also aim to keep your business in compliance by filing your annual report when it’s due—all you pay is the state fee.
Secure account
By storing your documents in a safe online account for immediate download, we provide the most private and secure online experience possible. Documents are available to view 24/7.
National support
Florida is one of 52 jurisdictions where we have a local office, so we’re ready to help if you ever decide to expand into Texas or California. We can help you navigate filings and processes in Florida and beyond.
Other services
Whether you need help to form your business or get started building your brand online, we have competitively priced services that help your business flourish. Our standalone services, like business formation and domain registration, bolster your business and return your investment.
Human help
Give us a call or email, and our team will be here to guide you through the world of Florida filings with ease. We’re real people and we’re here to provide real answers and help for your business.
If you’re looking for options to offer your clients the best multi-company registered agent service possible, our Wholesale Program could be the solution you’re looking for.
How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Florida?
You can appoint a new registered agent in Florida by filing a Statement Of Change Of Registered Office Or Registered Agent Or Both directly with the Florida Division of Corporations. The Sunbiz website houses the correct forms for your entity type, where you can download the paper form for LLCs or corporations and complete the required fields. This can be submitted to the mailing address listed, or you can save a stamp by filing online.
How much does it cost to update my registered agent in Florida?
The cost for Florida LLCs is $25, and corporations are $35. This can be completed by mail or filed online using the Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz website. You also have the option to change your Registered Agent in your annual report filing, but only when it’s due. Otherwise, you must file the standalone form to change your registered agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Florida?
The average cost of Registered Agent service in Florida ranges from $50 to $300 annually and can vary based on the services offered. Registered Agents Inc provides service for $200 annually, with annual report compliance built-in.
Do I have to file any annual reports in Florida?
All profit corporations, LLCs, LPs, or LLPs will be required to file an annual report in the state. Filing an annual report costs $138.75 and must be completed by the third Friday in September to avoid administrative dissolution.
What do I need to start an LLC in Florida?
You can form an LLC in Florida by filing Articles of Organization for $125, which you can file online or by mail.
Do I need a business license in Florida?
Some businesses in Florida require a license from the state. Check out the Florida Department of State’s Business License Guide for more details on requirements by industry.
