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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)
Chapter 48
PROCESS AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
PROCESS AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
CHAPTER 48
PROCESS AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
48.011 Process; how directed.
48.021 Process; by whom served.
48.031 Service of process generally; service of witness subpoenas.
48.041 Service on minor.
48.042 Service on incompetent.
48.051 Service on state prisoners.
48.061 Service on partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited partnerships.
48.062 Service on a domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company.
48.071 Service on agents of nonresidents doing business in the state.
48.081 Service on a domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation.
48.091 Partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies; designation of registered agent and registered office.
48.092 Service on financial institutions.
48.101 Service on dissolved corporations, dissolved limited liability companies, dissolved limited partnerships, and dissolved limited liability partnerships.
48.102 Service by other means.
48.111 Service on public agencies and officers.
48.121 Service on the state.
48.131 Service on alien property custodian.
48.141 Service on labor unions.
48.151 Service on statutory agents for certain persons.
48.161 Method of substituted service on nonresident.
48.171 Service on nonresident motor vehicle owners, etc.
48.181 Substituted service on nonresidents and foreign business entities engaging in business in state or concealing their whereabouts.
48.183 Service of process in action for possession of premises.
48.184 Service of process for removal of unknown parties in possession.
48.19 Service on nonresidents operating aircraft or watercraft in the state.
48.193 Acts subjecting person to jurisdiction of courts of state.
48.194 Personal service in another state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States.
48.195 Service of foreign process.
48.196 Service of process in connection with actions under the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act.
48.197 Service in a foreign country.
48.20 Service of process on Sunday.
48.21 Return of execution of process.
48.22 Cumulative to other laws.
48.23 Lis pendens.
48.25 Short title.
48.27 Certified process servers.
48.29 Certification of process servers.
48.31 Removal of certified process servers; false return of service.
48.011 Process; how directed.—Summons, subpoenas, and other process in civil actions run throughout the state. All process except subpoenas shall be directed to all and singular the sheriffs of the state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 4397, 1895; GS 1397; RGS 2594; CGL 4234; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 4, ch. 67-254.
Note.—Former s. 47.08.
48.021 Process; by whom served.—
(1) All process shall be served by the sheriff of the county where the person to be served is found, except nonenforceable civil process, criminal witness subpoenas, and criminal summonses may be served by a special process server appointed by the sheriff as provided in this section or by a certified process server as provided in s. 48.27. Civil witness subpoenas shall be served by any person authorized by rules of civil procedure.
(2)(a) The sheriff of each county may, in his or her discretion, establish an approved list of natural persons designated as special process servers. The sheriff shall add to such list the names of those natural persons who have met the requirements provided for in this section. Each natural person whose name has been added to the approved list is subject to annual recertification and reappointment by the sheriff. The sheriff shall prescribe an appropriate form for application for appointment. A reasonable fee for the processing of the application shall be charged.
(b) A person applying to become a special process server shall:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Have no mental or legal disability.
3. Be a permanent resident of the state.
4. Submit to a background investigation that includes the right to obtain and review the criminal record of the applicant.
5. Obtain and file with the application a certificate of good conduct that specifies there is no pending criminal case against the applicant and that there is no record of any felony conviction, nor a record of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, with respect to the applicant within the past 5 years.
6. Submit to an examination testing the applicant’s knowledge of the laws and rules regarding the service of process. The content of the examination and the passing grade thereon, and the frequency and the location at which the examination is offered must be prescribed by the sheriff. The examination must be offered at least once annually.
7. Take an oath that the applicant will honestly, diligently, and faithfully exercise the duties of a special process server.
(c) The sheriff may prescribe additional rules and requirements directly related to subparagraphs (b)1.-7. regarding the eligibility of a person to become a special process server or to have his or her name maintained on the list of special process servers.
(d) An applicant who completes the requirements of this section must be designated as a special process server provided that the sheriff of the county has determined that the appointment of special process servers is necessary or desirable. Each special process server must be issued an identification card bearing his or her identification number, printed name, signature and photograph, and an expiration date. Each identification card must be renewable annually upon proof of good standing.
(e) The sheriff shall have the discretion to revoke an appointment at any time that he or she determines a special process server is not fully and properly discharging the duties as a special process server. The sheriff shall institute a program to determine whether the special process servers appointed as provided for in this section are faithfully discharging their duties pursuant to such appointment, and a reasonable fee may be charged for the costs of administering such program.
(3) A special process server appointed in accordance with this section shall be authorized to serve process in only the county in which the sheriff who appointed him or her resides and may charge a reasonable fee for his or her services.
(4) Any special process server shall be disinterested in any process he or she serves; and if the special process server willfully and knowingly executes a false return of service or otherwise violates the oath of office, he or she shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided for in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, and shall be permanently barred from serving process in Florida.
History.—s. 16, July 22, 1845; s. 1, ch. 3721, 1887; RS 1014, 1246; GS 1401; RGS 2598; s. 1, ch. 9318, 1923; CGL 4238; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 12, ch. 73-334; s. 1, ch. 76-263; s. 2, ch. 79-396; s. 1, ch. 81-266; s. 1, ch. 88-135; s. 2, ch. 91-306; s. 268, ch. 95-147; s. 16, ch. 98-34; s. 2, ch. 2009-215; s. 3, ch. 2019-67.
Note.—Former s. 47.12.
48.031 Service of process generally; service of witness subpoenas.—
(1)(a) Service of original process is made by delivering a copy of it to the person to be served with a copy of the complaint, petition, or other initial pleading or paper or by leaving the copies at his or her usual place of abode with any person residing therein who is 15 years of age or older and informing the person of their contents. Minors who are or have been married shall be served as provided in this section.
(b) An employer, when contacted by an individual authorized to serve process, shall allow the authorized individual to serve an employee in a private area designated by the employer. An employer who fails to comply with this paragraph commits a noncriminal violation, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
(2)(a) Substituted service on the spouse of the person to be served may be made at any place in a county by an individual authorized under s. 48.021 or s. 48.27 to serve process in that county, if the cause of action is not an adversarial proceeding between the spouse and the person to be served, if the spouse requests such service or the spouse is also a party to the action, and if the spouse and person to be served reside together in the same dwelling, regardless of whether such dwelling is located in the county where substituted service is made.
(b) Substituted service may be made on an individual doing business as a sole proprietorship at his or her place of business, during regular business hours, by serving the person in charge of the business at the time of service if two attempts to serve the owner are made at the place of business.
(3)(a) The service of process of witness subpoenas, whether in criminal cases or civil actions, shall be made as provided in subsection (1). However, service of a subpoena on a witness in a civil traffic case, a criminal traffic case, a misdemeanor case, or a second degree or third degree felony may be made by United States mail directed to the witness at the last known address, and the service must be mailed at least 7 days prior to the date of the witness’s required appearance. Failure of a witness to appear in response to a subpoena served by United States mail that is not certified may not be grounds for finding the witness in contempt of court.
(b) A criminal witness subpoena commanding the witness to appear for a court appearance may be posted by a person authorized to serve process at the witness’s residence if three attempts to serve the subpoena, made at different times of the day or night on different dates, have failed. A criminal witness subpoena commanding the witness to appear for a deposition may be posted by a person authorized to serve process at the witness’s residence if one attempt to serve the subpoena has failed. The subpoena must be posted at least 5 days before the date of the witness’s required appearance.
(4)(a) Service of a criminal witness subpoena upon a law enforcement officer or upon any federal, state, or municipal employee called to testify in an official capacity in a criminal case may be made as provided in subsection (1) or by delivery to a designated supervisory or administrative employee at the witness’s place of employment if the agency head or highest ranking official at the witness’s place of employment has designated such employee to accept such service. However, no such designated employee is required to accept service:
1. For a witness who is no longer employed by the agency at that place of employment;
2. If the witness is not scheduled to work prior to the date the witness is required to appear; or
3. If the appearance date is less than 5 days from the date of service.
The agency head or highest ranking official at the witness’s place of employment may determine the days of the week and the hours that service may be made at the witness’s place of employment.
(b) Service may also be made in accordance with subsection (3) provided that the person who requests the issuance of the criminal witness subpoena shall be responsible for mailing the subpoena in accordance with that subsection and for making the proper return of service to the court.
(5) A person serving process shall place, on the first page only of at least one of the processes served, the date and time of service, his or her initials or signature, and, if applicable, his or her identification number. The person requesting service or the person authorized to serve the process shall file the return-of-service form with the court.
(6)(a) If the only address for a person to be served which is discoverable through public records is a private mailbox, a virtual office, or an executive office or mini suite, substituted service may be made by leaving a copy of the process with the person in charge of the private mailbox, virtual office, or executive office or mini suite, but only if the process server determines that the person to be served maintains a mailbox, a virtual office, or an executive office or mini suite at that location.
(b) For purposes of this subsection, the term “virtual office” means an office that provides communications services, such as telephone or facsimile services, and address services without providing dedicated office space, and where all communications are routed through a common receptionist. The term “executive office or mini suite” means an office that provides communications services, such as telephone and facsimile services, a dedicated office space, and other supportive services, and where all communications are routed through a common receptionist.
(7) A gated residential community, including a condominium association or a cooperative, shall grant unannounced entry into the community, including its common areas and common elements, to a person who is attempting to serve process on a defendant or witness who resides within or is known to be within the community.
History.—s. 5, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1015; GS 1402; RGS 2599; CGL 4246; s. 6, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 75-34; s. 3, ch. 79-396; s. 3, ch. 82-118; s. 1, ch. 84-339; s. 7, ch. 85-80; s. 2, ch. 87-405; s. 6, ch. 93-208; s. 269, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 95-172; s. 1, ch. 98-410; s. 1, ch. 2004-273; s. 2, ch. 2011-159; s. 2, ch. 2014-207; s. 1, ch. 2015-51; s. 1, ch. 2015-59; s. 1, ch. 2016-207; s. 4, ch. 2019-67.
Note.—Former s. 47.13.
48.041 Service on minor.—
(1) Process against a minor who has never been married shall be served:
(a) By serving a parent or guardian of the minor as provided for in s. 48.031 or, when there is a legal guardian appointed for the minor, by serving the guardian as provided for in s. 48.031.
(b) By serving the guardian ad litem or other person, if one is appointed by the court to represent the minor. Service on the guardian ad litem is unnecessary when he or she appears voluntarily or when the court orders the appearance without service of process on him or her.
(2) In all cases heretofore adjudicated in which process was served on a minor as prescribed by any law heretofore existing, the service was lawfully made, and no proceeding shall be declared irregular or illegal if a guardian ad litem appeared for the minor.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 7853, 1919; CGL 4273, 4274; s. 1, ch. 19175, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4274(13); s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 84-176; s. 270, ch. 95-147.
Note.—Former ss. 47.23-47.25.
48.042 Service on incompetent.—
(1) Process against an incompetent shall be served:
(a) By serving two copies of the process to the person who has care or custody of the incompetent or, when there is a legal guardian appointed for the incompetent, by serving the guardian as provided in s. 48.031.
(b) By serving the guardian ad litem or other person, if one is appointed by the court to represent the incompetent. Service on the guardian ad litem is unnecessary when he or she appears voluntarily or when the court orders the appearance without service of process on him or her.
(2) In all cases heretofore adjudicated in which process was served on an incompetent as prescribed by any law heretofore existing, the service was lawfully made, and no proceeding shall be declared irregular or illegal if a guardian ad litem appeared for the incompetent.
History.—s. 2, ch. 84-176; s. 271, ch. 95-147.
48.051 Service on state prisoners.—Process against a state prisoner shall be served on the prisoner.
History.—s. 30, ch. 3883, 1889; RS 3043; GS 4124; RGS 6243; CGL 8580; s. 1, ch. 21992, 1943; s. 1, ch. 25041, 1949; s. 44, ch. 57-121; s. 4, ch. 67-254; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 13, ch. 71-355.
Note.—Former s. 47.26.
48.061 Service on partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited partnerships.—
(1)(a) Process against a partnership that is not a limited liability partnership or a limited partnership, including a limited liability limited partnership, must be served on any partner and is as valid for service on the partnership as if served on each individual partner.
1. If a partner is not available during regular business hours to accept service on behalf of the partnership, he or she may designate an employee or agent to accept such service.
2. After one attempt to serve a partner or designated employee or agent for service of process has been made, process may be served on a person in charge of the partnership during regular business hours.
(b) If the partnership designated an agent when registering as a general partnership with the Department of State, service on the agent is as valid for service on the partnership as if served on each individual partner; however, unless individual partners are served, the plaintiff may only proceed to judgment and execution against the assets of the partnership.
(2)(a) Process against a domestic limited liability partnership must first be served on the then-current registered agent for service of process specified in its statement of qualification, in its statement of qualification as amended or restated, or as redesignated in its annual report or change of agent filing and is as valid for service on the limited liability partnership as if served on each individual partner. If service cannot be made on the registered agent because the domestic limited liability partnership ceases to have a registered agent, or if the registered agent cannot otherwise be served after one good faith attempt because of a failure to comply with this chapter or chapter 620, the process may be served on any partner.
1. If a partner is not available during regular business hours to accept service on behalf of the partnership, he or she may designate an employee to accept such service.
2. After one attempt to serve a partner or designated employee has been made, process may be served on a person in charge of the partnership during regular business hours.
(b) If, after due diligence, the process cannot be completed under paragraph (a), the process may be served as provided in s. 48.161 on the Secretary of State as an agent of the domestic limited liability partnership or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(3)(a)1. Process against a domestic limited partnership, including a domestic limited liability limited partnership, must first be served on the then-current agent for service of process specified in its certificate of limited partnership, in its certificate as amended or restated, or as redesignated in its annual report or change of agent filing and is as valid for service on the domestic limited partnership as if served on each individual general partner of the partnership.
2. If service cannot be made on the registered agent because the domestic limited partnership or domestic limited liability limited partnership ceases to have a registered agent, or if the registered agent cannot otherwise be served following one good faith attempt because of a failure to comply with this chapter or chapter 620, the process may be served on any general partner.
3. After service on a general partner or the registered agent, the plaintiff may proceed to judgment and execution against the assets of the domestic limited partnership or of that general partner, unless the domestic limited partnership is a limited liability limited partnership.
(b) If, after due diligence, the process cannot be completed under paragraph (a), then process may be served as provided in s. 48.161 on the Secretary of State as an agent of the limited partnership or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(4)(a) Process against a foreign limited liability partnership that was required to comply with s. 620.9102 may be served as prescribed under subsection (2).
(b) A foreign limited liability partnership engaging in business in this state but not registered is considered, for purposes of service of process, a nonresident engaging in business in this state and may be served pursuant to s. 48.181 or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(5)(a) Process against a foreign limited partnership that was required to comply with s. 620.1902 may be served as prescribed under subsection (3).
(b) A foreign limited partnership engaging in business in this state but not registered is considered, for purposes of service of process, a nonresident engaging in business in this state and may be served pursuant to s. 48.181 or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
History.—s. 13, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1017; GS 1404; RGS 2601; CGL 4248; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 74, ch. 86-263; s. 3, ch. 87-405; s. 272, ch. 95-147; s. 2, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former s. 47.15.
48.062 Service on a domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “registered foreign limited liability company” means a foreign limited liability company that has an active certificate of authority to transact business in this state pursuant to a record filed with the Department of State.
(2) A domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company may be served with process required or authorized by law by service on its registered agent designated by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company under chapter 605.
(3) If service cannot be made on a registered agent of the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company because the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company ceases to have a registered agent, or if the registered agent of the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company cannot otherwise be served after one good faith attempt because of a failure to comply with this chapter or chapter 605, the process may be served on any of the following:
(a) Any manager of a manager-managed domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company.
(b) Any member of a member-managed domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company.
(c) Any person listed publicly by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company on its latest annual report, as most recently amended.
(4) If, after due diligence, the process cannot be completed under subsection (2) and if either:
(a) The only person listed publicly by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is also the registered agent on whom service was attempted under subsection (2); or
(b) After due diligence, service was attempted on at least one person listed publicly by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, and cannot be completed on such person under subsection (3),
the service of process may be served as provided in s. 48.161 on the Secretary of State as an agent of the domestic limited liability company or the registered foreign limited liability company or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(5) If the address for the registered agent or any person listed publicly by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is a residence, a private mailbox, a virtual office, or an executive office or mini suite, service on the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company may be made by serving any of the following:
(a) The registered agent of the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company, in accordance with s. 48.031.
(b) Any person listed publicly by the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, in accordance with s. 48.031.
(c) Any member or manager of the domestic limited liability company or registered foreign limited liability company, in accordance with s. 48.031.
(6) A foreign limited liability company engaging in business in this state which is not registered is considered, for purposes of service of process, a nonresident engaging in business in this state and may be served pursuant to s. 48.181 or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(7) This section does not apply to service of process on insurance companies.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2013-180; s. 13, ch. 2015-148; s. 5, ch. 2019-67; s. 3, ch. 2022-190.
48.071 Service on agents of nonresidents doing business in the state.—When any natural person or partnership not residing or having a principal place of business in this state engages in business in this state, process may be served on the person who is in charge of any business in which the defendant is engaged within this state at the time of service, including agents soliciting orders for goods, wares, merchandise, or services. Any process so served is as valid as if served personally on the nonresident person or partnership engaging in business in this state in any action against the person or partnership arising out of such business. A copy of such process with a notice of service on the person in charge of such business must be sent forthwith to the nonresident person or partnership by registered mail; by certified mail, return receipt requested; or by use of a commercial firm regularly engaged in the business of document or package delivery. The party seeking to effectuate service, or the attorney for such party, shall prepare an affidavit of compliance with this section which must be filed before the return day or within such further time as the court may allow.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-280; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 273, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former s. 47.161.
48.081 Service on a domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “registered foreign corporation” means a foreign corporation that has an active certificate of authority to transact business in this state pursuant to a record filed with the Department of State.
(2) A domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation may be served with process required or authorized by law by service on its registered agent designated by the corporation under chapter 607 or chapter 617, as applicable.
(3) If service cannot be made on a registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation because the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation ceases to have a registered agent, or if the registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation cannot otherwise be served after one good faith attempt because of a failure to comply with this chapter, chapter 607, or chapter 617, as applicable, the process may be served on either of the following:
(a) The chair of the board of directors, the president, any vice president, the secretary, or the treasurer of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation.
(b) Any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended.
(4) If, after due diligence, the process cannot be completed under subsection (2) and if either:
(a) The only person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is also the registered agent on whom service was attempted under subsection (2); or
(b) After due diligence, service was attempted on at least one person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, and cannot be completed on such person under subsection (3),
the process may be served as provided in s. 48.161 on the Secretary of State as an agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(5) If the address for the registered agent or any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is a residence, a private mailbox, a virtual office, or an executive office or mini suite, service on the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation may be made by serving any of the following:
(a) The registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation, in accordance with s. 48.031.
(b) Any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, in accordance with s. 48.031.
(c) Any person serving in one of the positions specified in paragraph (3)(a), in accordance with s. 48.031.
(6) A foreign corporation engaging in business in this state which is not registered is considered, for purposes of service of process, a nonresident engaging in business in this state and may be served pursuant to s. 48.181 or by order of the court under s. 48.102.
(7) This section does not apply to service of process on insurance companies.
History.—s. 8, Nov. 21, 1829; s. 2, Feb. 11, 1834; s. 1, ch. 3590, 1885; RS 1019; GS 1406; s. 1, ch. 6908, 1915; s. 1, ch. 7752, 1918; RGS 2604; CGL 4251; s. 1, ch. 57-97; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 59-46; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 67-399; s. 6, ch. 79-396; s. 7, ch. 83-216; s. 1, ch. 84-2; s. 2, ch. 2004-273; s. 3, ch. 2011-159; s. 3, ch. 2014-207; s. 3, ch. 2016-207; s. 5, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former s. 47.17.
48.091 Partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies; designation of registered agent and registered office.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Registered foreign corporation” and “registered foreign limited liability company” have the same meanings as in ss. 48.081 and 48.062, respectively.
(b) “Registered foreign limited liability partnership” or “registered foreign limited partnership” means a foreign limited liability partnership or foreign limited partnership that has an active certificate of authority to transact business in this state pursuant to a record filed with the Department of State.
(2) Every domestic limited liability partnership; domestic limited partnership, including limited liability limited partnerships; domestic corporation; domestic limited liability company; registered foreign limited liability partnership; registered foreign limited partnership, including limited liability limited partnerships; registered foreign corporation; and registered foreign limited liability company shall designate a registered agent and registered office in accordance with chapter 605, chapter 607, chapter 617, or chapter 620, as applicable.
(3) Every domestic limited liability partnership; domestic limited partnership, including limited liability limited partnerships; domestic corporation; domestic limited liability company; registered foreign limited liability partnership; registered foreign limited partnership, including limited liability limited partnerships; registered foreign corporation; registered foreign limited liability company; and domestic or foreign general partnership that elects to designate a registered agent, shall cause the designated registered agent to keep the designated registered office open from at least 10 a.m. to 12 noon each day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, and shall cause the designated registered agent to keep one or more individuals who are, or are representatives of, the designated registered agent on whom process may be served at the office during these hours.
(4) A person attempting to serve process pursuant to this section on a registered agent that is other than a natural person may serve the process on any employee of the registered agent. A person attempting to serve process pursuant to this section on a natural person, if the natural person is temporarily absent from his or her office, may serve the process during the first attempt at service on any employee of such natural person.
(5) The registered agent shall promptly forward copies of the process and any other papers received in connection with the service to a responsible person in charge of the business entity. Failure to comply with this subsection does not invalidate the service of process.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 11, 13, 14, ch. 11829, 1927; CGL 4257, 4258, 4267, 4269, 4270; ss. 1, 2, ch. 20842, 1941; s. 1, ch. 29873, 1955; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 1, ch. 63-241; s. 1, ch. 65-32; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 2, ch. 67-562; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 71-114; s. 1, ch. 71-269; s. 28, ch. 71-377; s. 1, ch. 76-209; s. 36, ch. 2014-209; s. 6, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former ss. 47.34, 47.35, 47.42, 47.43, 47.45, 47.50.
48.092 Service on financial institutions.—Service on financial institutions must be made in accordance with s. 655.0201.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-180.
48.101 Service on dissolved corporations, dissolved limited liability companies, dissolved limited partnerships, and dissolved limited liability partnerships.—
(1) Process against the directors of any corporation that was dissolved before July 1, 1990, as trustees of the dissolved corporation must be served on one or more of the directors of the dissolved corporation as trustees thereof and binds all of the directors of the dissolved corporation as trustees thereof.
(2)(a) Process against any other dissolved domestic corporation must be served in accordance with s. 48.081.
(b) In addition, provided that service was first properly attempted on the registered agent pursuant to s. 48.081(2), but was not successful, service may then be attempted as required under s. 48.081(3). In addition to the persons listed in s. 48.081(3), service may then be attempted on the person appointed by the circuit court as the trustee, custodian, or receiver under s. 607.1405(6).
(c) A party attempting to serve a dissolved domestic for-profit corporation under this section may petition the court to appoint one of the persons specified in s. 607.1405(6) to receive service of process on behalf of the corporation.
(3)(a) Process against any dissolved domestic limited liability company must be served in accordance with s. 48.062.
(b) In addition, provided that service was first properly attempted on the registered agent pursuant to s. 48.062(2), but was not successful, service may then be attempted as required under s. 48.062(3). In addition to the persons listed in s. 48.062(3), service on a dissolved domestic limited liability company may be made on the person appointed as the liquidator, trustee, or receiver under s. 605.0709.
(c) A party attempting to serve a dissolved domestic limited liability company under this section may petition the court to appoint one of the persons specified in s. 605.0709(5) to receive service of process on behalf of the limited liability company.
(4) Process against any dissolved domestic limited partnership must be served in accordance with s. 48.061.
History.—s. 1, ch. 19064, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4251(1); s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 3, ch. 97-230; s. 7, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former s. 47.22.
48.102 Service by other means.—If, after due diligence, a party seeking to effectuate service is unable to effectuate personal service of process on a domestic or foreign corporation; a domestic or foreign general partnership, including a limited liability partnership; a domestic or foreign limited partnership, including a limited liability limited partnership; or a domestic or foreign limited liability company, the court, upon motion and a showing of such inability, may authorize service in any other manner that the party seeking to effectuate service shows will be reasonably effective to give the entity on which service is sought to be effectuated actual notice of the suit. Such other manners of service may include service electronically by e-mail or other technology by any person authorized to serve process in accordance with this chapter, or by an attorney. The court may authorize other methods of service consistent with the principles of due process. In suits involving a breach of contract, the court may consider authorizing the parties to effectuate service in the manner provided for in the contractual notice provision of the subject contract.
History.—s. 8, ch. 2022-190.
48.111 Service on public agencies and officers.—
(1) Process against any municipal corporation, agency, board, or commission, department, or subdivision of the state or any county which has a governing board, council, or commission or which is a body corporate shall be served:
(a) On the registered agent; or
(b) If the municipal corporation, agency, board, or commission, department, or subdivision of the state does not have a registered agent, or if the registered agent cannot otherwise be served after one good faith attempt:
1. On the president, mayor, chair, or other head thereof; and in the absence of all persons listed in this subparagraph;
2. On the vice president, vice mayor, or vice chair; and in the absence of all persons listed in subparagraph 1. and this subparagraph;
3. On any member of the governing board, council, or commission, the manager of the governmental entity, if any, or an in-house attorney for the governmental entity, if any; and in the absence of all the persons listed in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., and this subparagraph;
4. On any employee of the governmental entity at the main office of the governmental entity.
(2) Process against any public agency, board, commission, or department not a body corporate or having a governing board or commission shall be served on the public officer being sued or the chief executive officer of the agency, board, commission, or department.
(3) In any suit in which the Department of Revenue or its successor is a party, process against the department shall be served on the executive director of the department. This procedure is to be in lieu of any other provision of general law, and shall designate said department to be the only state agency or department to be so served.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 3242, 1881; RS 581, 1021, 1022; GS 774, 1408, 1409; RGS 1494, 2606, 2607; CGL 2203, 4253, 4254; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 73-73; s. 8, ch. 83-216; s. 274, ch. 95-147; s. 9, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former ss. 47.20, 47.21.
48.121 Service on the state.—When the state has consented to be sued, process against the state shall be served on the state attorney or an assistant state attorney for the judicial circuit within which the action is brought and by sending two copies of the process by registered or certified mail to the Attorney General. The state may serve motions or pleadings within 40 days after service is made. This section is not intended to authorize the joinder of the Attorney General or a state attorney as a party in such suit or prosecution.
History.—s. 2, ch. 29724, 1955; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 7, ch. 2001-266.
Note.—Former s. 69.18.
48.131 Service on alien property custodian.—In every action or proceeding in any court or before any administrative board involving real, personal, or mixed property, or any interest therein, when service of process or notice is required or directed to be made upon any person, firm or corporation located, or believed to be located, within any country or territory in the possession of or under the control of any country between which and the United States a state of war exists, in addition to the giving of the notice or service of process, a copy of the notice or process shall be sent by registered or certified mail to the alien property custodian, addressed to him or her at Washington, District of Columbia; but failure to mail a copy of the notice or process to the alien property custodian does not invalidate the action or proceeding.
History.—s. 1, ch. 22074, 1943; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 275, ch. 95-147.
Note.—Former s. 47.51.
48.141 Service on labor unions.—Process against labor organizations shall be served on the president or other officer, business agent, manager or person in charge of the business of such labor organization.
History.—s. 4, ch. 67-254.
48.151 Service on statutory agents for certain persons.—
(1) When any law designates a public officer, board, agency, or commission as the agent for service of process on any person, firm, or corporation, service of process thereunder shall be made by leaving one copy of the process with the public officer, board, agency, or commission or in the office thereof, or by mailing one copy to the public officer, board, agency, or commission, except as provided in subsection (3). The public officer, board, agency, or commission so served shall retain a record copy and promptly send the copy served, by registered or certified mail, to the person to be served as shown by his or her or its records. Proof of service on the public officer, board, agency, or commission shall be by a notice accepting the process which shall be issued by the public officer, board, agency, or commission promptly after service and filed in the court issuing the process. The notice accepting service shall state the date upon which the copy of the process was mailed by the public officer, board, agency, or commission to the person being served and the time for pleading prescribed by the rules of procedure shall run from this date. The service is valid service for all purposes on the person for whom the public officer, board, agency, or commission is statutory agent for service of process.
(2) This section does not apply to substituted service of process under s. 48.161 or s. 48.181.
(3) The Chief Financial Officer is the agent for service of process on all insurers applying for authority to transact insurance in this state, all licensed nonresident insurance agents, all nonresident disability insurance agents licensed pursuant to s. 626.835, any unauthorized insurer under s. 626.906 or s. 626.937, domestic reciprocal insurers, fraternal benefit societies under chapter 632, warranty associations under chapter 634, prepaid limited health service organizations under chapter 636, and persons required to file statements under s. 628.461. The Department of Financial Services shall create a secure online portal as the sole means to accept service of process on the Chief Financial Officer under this section.
(4) The Director of the Office of Financial Regulation of the Financial Services Commission is the agent for service of process for any issuer as defined in s. 517.021, or any dealer, investment adviser, or associated person registered with that office, for any violation of any provision of chapter 517.
(5) The Secretary of State is the agent for service of process for any retailer, dealer or vendor who has failed to designate an agent for service of process as required under s. 212.151 for violations of chapter 212.
(6) For purposes of this section, records may be retained as paper or electronic copies.
History.—s. 4, ch. 67-254; ss. 10, 12, 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 14, ch. 71-355; s. 29, ch. 71-377; s. 2, ch. 76-100; s. 16, ch. 79-164; s. 4, ch. 83-215; s. 1, ch. 87-316; s. 10, ch. 90-248; s. 276, ch. 95-147; s. 100, ch. 2003-261; s. 4, ch. 2011-159; s. 1, ch. 2016-132; s. 2, ch. 2022-138; s. 10, ch. 2022-190.
48.161 Method of substituted service on nonresident.—
(1) When authorized by law, substituted service of process on a nonresident individual or a corporation or other business entity incorporated or formed under the laws of any other state, territory, or commonwealth, or the laws of any foreign country, may be made by sending a copy of the process to the office of the Secretary of State by personal delivery; by registered mail; by certified mail, return receipt requested; by use of a commercial firm regularly engaged in the business of document or package delivery; or by electronic transmission. The service is sufficient service on a party that has appointed or is deemed to have appointed the Secretary of State as such party’s agent for service of process. The Secretary of State shall keep a record of all process served on the Secretary of State showing the day and hour of service.
(2) Notice of service and a copy of the process must be sent forthwith by the party effectuating service or by such party’s attorney by registered mail; by certified mail, return receipt requested; or by use of a commercial firm regularly engaged in the business of document or package delivery. In addition, if the parties have recently and regularly used e-mail or other electronic means to communicate between themselves, the notice of service and a copy of the process must be sent by such electronic means or, if the party is being served by substituted service, the notice of service and a copy of the process must be served at such party’s last known physical address and, if applicable, last known electronic address. The party effectuating service shall file proof of service or return receipts showing delivery to the other party by mail or courier and by electronic means, if electronic means were used, unless the party is actively refusing or rejecting the delivery of the notice. An affidavit of compliance of the party effectuating service or such party’s attorney must be filed within 40 days after the date of service on the Secretary of State or within such additional time as the court allows. The affidavit of compliance must set forth the facts that justify substituted service under this section and that show due diligence was exercised in attempting to locate and effectuate personal service on the party before using substituted service under this section. The party effectuating service does not need to allege in its original or amended complaint the facts required to be set forth in the affidavit of compliance.
(3) When an individual or a business entity conceals its whereabouts, the party seeking to effectuate service, after exercising due diligence to locate and effectuate personal service, may use substituted service pursuant to subsection (1) in connection with any action in which the court has jurisdiction over such individual or business entity. The party seeking to effectuate service must also comply with subsection (2); however, a return receipt or other proof showing acceptance of receipt of the notice of service and a copy of the process by the concealed party need not be filed.
(4) The party effectuating service is considered to have used due diligence if that party:
(a) Made diligent inquiry and exerted an honest and conscientious effort appropriate to the circumstances to acquire the information necessary to effectuate personal service;
(b) In seeking to effectuate personal service, reasonably employed the knowledge at the party’s command, including knowledge obtained pursuant to paragraph (a); and
(c) Made an appropriate number of attempts to serve the party, taking into account the particular circumstances, during such times when and where such party is reasonably likely to be found, as determined through resources reasonably available to the party seeking to secure service of process.
(5) If any individual on whom service of process is authorized under subsection (1) dies, service may be made in the same manner on his or her administrator, executor, curator, or personal representative.
(6) The Secretary of State may designate an individual in his or her office to accept service.
(7) Service of process is effectuated under this section on the date the service is received by the Department of State.
(8) The Department of State shall maintain a record of each process served pursuant to this section and record the time of and the action taken regarding the service.
(9) This section does not apply to persons on whom service is authorized under s. 48.151.
History.—ss. 2, 4, ch. 17254, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4274 (8), (10); s. 1, ch. 59-382; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 4, ch. 71-114; s. 1, ch. 71-308; s. 57, ch. 90-132; s. 277, ch. 95-147; s. 11, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former ss. 47.30, 47.32.
48.171 Service on nonresident motor vehicle owners, etc.—Any nonresident of this state, being the operator or owner of any motor vehicle, who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state to nonresident operators and owners, of operating a motor vehicle or of having it operated, or of permitting any motor vehicle owned, or leased, or controlled by him or her to be operated with his or her knowledge, permission, acquiescence, or consent, within the state, or any resident of this state, being the licensed operator or owner of or the lessee, or otherwise entitled to control any motor vehicle under the laws of this state, who becomes a nonresident or conceals his or her whereabouts, by the acceptance or licensure and by the operation of the motor vehicle, either in person, or by or through his or her servants, agents, or employees, or by persons with his or her knowledge, acquiescence, and consent within the state constitutes the Secretary of State his or her agent for the service of process in any civil action begun in the courts of the state against such operator or owner, lessee, or other person entitled to control of the motor vehicle, arising out of or by reason of any accident or collision occurring within the state in which the motor vehicle is involved.
History.—s. 1, ch. 17254, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4274(7); ss. 1, 2, ch. 25003, 1949; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 278, ch. 95-147.
Note.—Former s. 47.29.
48.181 Substituted service on nonresidents and foreign business entities engaging in business in state or concealing their whereabouts.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “foreign business entity” means any corporation or other business entity that is incorporated, formed, or existing under the laws of any other state, territory, or commonwealth, or the laws of any foreign country.
(2) The acceptance by any individual who is a resident of any other state, territory, or commonwealth, or of any foreign country, or by any foreign business entity of the privilege extended by law to nonresidents to operate, conduct, engage in, or carry on a business or business venture in this state, or to have an office or agency in this state, is deemed to constitute an appointment by the individual or foreign business entity of the Secretary of State of this state as its agent on whom process in any action or proceeding against the individual or foreign business entity, or any combination thereof, arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to the business or business venture may be served as substituted service in accordance with this chapter. The acceptance of the privilege is signification of the agreement of the respective individual or foreign business entity that the process served against it in accordance with this chapter is of the same validity as if served personally on the individual or foreign business entity.
(3) If a foreign business entity has registered to do business in this state and has maintained its registration in an active status or otherwise continued to have a registered agent, personal service of process must first be attempted on the foreign business entity in the manner and order of priority described in this chapter as applicable to the foreign business entity. If, after due diligence, the party seeking to effectuate service of process is unable to effectuate service of process on the registered agent or other official as provided in this chapter, the party may use substituted service of process on the Secretary of State.
(4) Any individual or foreign business entity that conceals its whereabouts is deemed to have appointed the Secretary of State as its agent on whom all process may be served, in any action or proceeding against it, or any combination thereof, arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to any business or business venture carried on in this state by such individual or foreign business entity.
(5) Any individual or foreign business entity that sells, consigns, or leases by any means whatsoever tangible or intangible personal property, through brokers, jobbers, wholesalers, or distributors to any individual, corporation, or other business entity in this state is conclusively presumed to be both engaged in substantial and not isolated activities within this state and operating, conducting, engaging in, or carrying on a business or business venture in this state.
(6) Service pursuant to this section must be effectuated in the manner prescribed by s. 48.161.
History.—s. 1, ch. 6224, 1911; RGS 2602; CGL 4249; s. 1, ch. 26657, 1951; s. 1, ch. 57-747; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 2, ch. 84-2; s. 279, ch. 95-147; s. 12, ch. 2022-190.
Note.—Former s. 47.16.
48.183 Service of process in action for possession of premises.—
(1) In an action for possession of any residential premises, including those under chapters 83, 723, and 513, or nonresidential premises, if the tenant cannot be found in the county or there is no person 15 years of age or older residing at the tenant’s usual place of abode in the county after at least two attempts to obtain service as provided above in this subsection, summons may be served by attaching a copy to a conspicuous place on the property described in the complaint or summons. The minimum time delay between the two attempts to obtain service shall be 6 hours. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting service of process on a tenant as is otherwise provided on defendants in civil cases.
(2) If a landlord causes or anticipates causing a defendant to be served with a summons and complaint solely by attaching them to some conspicuous place on the property described in the complaint or summons, the landlord shall provide the clerk of the court with an additional copy of the complaint and a prestamped envelope addressed to the defendant at the premises involved in the proceeding. The clerk of the court shall immediately mail the copy of the summons and complaint by first-class mail, note the fact of mailing in the docket, and file a certificate in the court file of the fact and date of mailing. Service shall be effective on the date of posting or mailing, whichever occurs later, and at least 5 days must elapse from the date of service before a judgment for final removal of the defendant may be entered.
History.—s. 4, ch. 73-330; s. 1, ch. 75-34; s. 1, ch. 83-39; s. 2, ch. 84-339; s. 4, ch. 87-405; s. 1, ch. 88-379; s. 3, ch. 94-170; s. 2, ch. 98-410; s. 1, ch. 2003-263.
48.184 Service of process for removal of unknown parties in possession.—
(1) This section applies only to actions governed by s. 82.03, s. 83.21, s. 83.59, or s. 723.061 and only to the extent that such actions seek relief for the removal of an unknown party or parties in possession of real property. The provisions of this section are cumulative to other provisions of law or rules of court about service of process, and all other such provisions are cumulative to this section.
(2) A summons must be issued in the name of “Unknown Party or Parties in Possession” when the name of an occupant or occupants of real property is not known to the plaintiff and the property may be or is known to be occupied by an unknown party.
(3) The plaintiff shall attempt to serve the summons on any unknown occupant of the property described in the summons and complaint. If service on the unknown occupant or occupants is not effectuated on the first attempt, at least two additional attempts must be made. The three attempts to obtain service must be made once during business hours, once during nonbusiness hours, and once during a weekend. The process server shall make an inquiry as to the name of the unknown occupant or occupants at the time of service. The return of service must note the name of every occupant if obtained by the process server or state that the name of the occupant or occupants could not be obtained after inquiry. If the name of an occupant becomes known to the plaintiff through the return of service or otherwise, without notice or hearing thereon, all subsequent proceedings must be conducted under the true name of such occupant and all prior proceedings are deemed amended accordingly.
(4) Service of process must also be made on unknown occupants by both of the following means:
(a) By attaching a copy of the summons and complaint to a conspicuous location on the premises involved in the proceedings.
(b) Upon issuance of the summons, by the plaintiff providing the clerk of the court with one additional copy of the summons and complaint for each unknown occupant and a prestamped envelope for each unknown occupant addressed to the unknown occupant at the address of the premises involved in the proceedings. The clerk of the court shall immediately mail a copy of the summons and complaint by first-class mail, note the fact of mailing in the docket, and file a certificate in the court file of the fact and date of mailing. The clerk of the court shall charge such fees for such services as provided by law.
(5) Service is effective on the unknown occupant or occupants in possession on the later of the date that personal service is made, the date of attaching the summons and complaint to a conspicuous location on the premises, or upon mailing by the clerk.
(6) The judgment and writ of possession must refer to any unknown occupant in possession by name if the name is shown on the return of service or is otherwise known to the plaintiff. If the name of any unknown occupant in possession is not shown on the return of service or otherwise known to the plaintiff and service has been effectuated as provided in this section, the judgment and writ of possession must refer to the “Unknown Party or Parties in Possession,” and the writ of possession must be executed by the sheriff by dispossessing all of the occupants and placing the plaintiff in possession of the property.
History.—s. 13, ch. 2022-190; s. 1, ch. 2023-124.
48.19 Service on nonresidents operating aircraft or watercraft in the state.—The operation, navigation, or maintenance by a nonresident of an aircraft or a boat, ship, barge, or other watercraft in the state, either in person or through others, and the acceptance thereby by the nonresident of the protection of the laws of this state for the aircraft or watercraft, or the operation, navigation, or maintenance by a nonresident of an aircraft or a boat, ship, barge, or other watercraft in the state, either in person or through others, other than under the laws of the state, or any person who is a resident of the state and who subsequently becomes a nonresident or conceals his or her whereabouts, constitutes an appointment by the nonresident of the Secretary of State as the agent of the nonresident or concealed person on whom all process may be served in any action or proceeding against the nonresident or concealed person growing out of any accident or collision in which the nonresident or concealed person may be involved while, either in person or through others, operating, navigating, or maintaining an aircraft or a boat, ship, barge, or other watercraft in the state. The acceptance by operation, navigation, or maintenance in the state of the aircraft or watercraft is signification of the nonresident’s or concealed person’s agreement that process against him or her so served shall be of the same effect as if served on him or her personally.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-148; s. 1, ch. 65-118; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 2, ch. 70-90; s. 280, ch. 95-147.
Note.—Former s. 47.162.
48.193 Acts subjecting person to jurisdiction of courts of state.—
(1)(a) A person, whether or not a citizen or resident of this state, who personally or through an agent does any of the acts enumerated in this subsection thereby submits himself or herself and, if he or she is a natural person, his or her personal representative to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state for any cause of action arising from any of the following acts:
1. Operating, conducting, engaging in, or carrying on a business or business venture in this state or having an office or agency in this state.
2. Committing a tortious act within this state.
3. Owning, using, possessing, or holding a mortgage or other lien on any real property within this state.
4. Contracting to insure a person, property, or risk located within this state at the time of contracting.
5. With respect to a proceeding for alimony, child support, or division of property in connection with an action to dissolve a marriage or with respect to an independent action for support of dependents, maintaining a matrimonial domicile in this state at the time of the commencement of this action or, if the defendant resided in this state preceding the commencement of the action, whether cohabiting during that time or not. This paragraph does not change the residency requirement for filing an action for dissolution of marriage.
6. Causing injury to persons or property within this state arising out of an act or omission by the defendant outside this state, if, at or about the time of the injury, either:
a. The defendant was engaged in solicitation or service activities within this state; or
b. Products, materials, or things processed, serviced, or manufactured by the defendant anywhere were used or consumed within this state in the ordinary course of commerce, trade, or use.
7. Breaching a contract in this state by failing to perform acts required by the contract to be performed in this state.
8. With respect to a proceeding for paternity, engaging in the act of sexual intercourse within this state with respect to which a child may have been conceived.
9. Entering into a contract that complies with s. 685.102.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, an order issued, or a penalty or fine imposed, by an agency of another state is not enforceable against any person or entity incorporated or having its principal place of business in this state if the other state does not provide a mandatory right of review of the agency decision in a state court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) A defendant who is engaged in substantial and not isolated activity within this state, whether such activity is wholly interstate, intrastate, or otherwise, is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state, whether or not the claim arises from that activity.
(3) Service of process upon any person who is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state as provided in this section may be made by personally serving the process upon the defendant outside this state, as provided in s. 48.194. The service shall have the same effect as if it had been personally served within this state.
(4) If a defendant in his or her pleadings demands affirmative relief on causes of action unrelated to the transaction forming the basis of the plaintiff’s claim, the defendant shall thereafter in that action be subject to the jurisdiction of the court for any cause of action, regardless of its basis, which the plaintiff may by amendment assert against the defendant.
(5) Nothing contained in this section limits or affects the right to serve any process in any other manner now or hereinafter provided by law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 73-179; s. 3, ch. 84-2; s. 3, ch. 88-176; s. 3, ch. 93-250; s. 281, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 2013-164; s. 2, ch. 2016-207.
48.194 Personal service in another state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States.—
(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, service of process on a party in another state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States must be made in the same manner as service within this state by any person authorized to serve process in the state where service shall be made. No order of court is required. A return-of-service form described in s. 48.21, or any other competent evidence, must be filed with the court stating the time, manner, and place of service. The court may consider such evidence in determining whether service has been properly made.
(2) When in rem or quasi in rem relief is sought in a foreclosure proceeding as defined by s. 702.09, and the address of the person to be served is known, service of process on a person in another state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States may be made by registered mail as follows:
(a) The party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall place a copy of the original process and the complaint, petition, or other initial pleading or paper and, if applicable, the order to show cause issued pursuant to s. 702.10 in a sealed envelope with adequate postage addressed to the person to be served.
(b) The envelope must be placed in the mail as registered mail.
(c) Service under this subsection is deemed obtained upon the signing of the return receipt by the person allowed to be served by law.
(3) If the registered mail which is sent as provided for in subsection (2) is returned with an endorsement or stamp showing “refused,” the party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, may serve original process by first-class mail. The failure to claim registered mail is not refusal of service within the meaning of this subsection. Service of process pursuant to this subsection shall be perfected as follows:
(a) The party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall place a copy of the original process and the complaint, petition, or other initial pleading or paper and, if applicable, the order to show cause issued pursuant to s. 702.10 in a sealed envelope with adequate postage addressed to the person to be served.
(b) The envelope shall be mailed by first-class mail with the return address of the party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, on the envelope.
(c) Service under this subsection shall be considered obtained upon the mailing of the envelope.
(4) If service of process is obtained under subsection (2), the party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall file an affidavit setting forth the return of service. The affidavit shall state the nature of the process; the date on which the process was mailed by registered mail; the name and address on the envelope containing the process; the fact that the process was mailed registered mail return receipt requested; who signed the return receipt, if known, and the basis for that knowledge; and the relationship between the person who signed the receipt and the person to be served, if known, and the basis for that knowledge. The return receipt from the registered mail shall be attached to the affidavit. If service of process is perfected under subsection (3), the party’s attorney or the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall file an affidavit setting forth the return of service. The affidavit shall state the nature of the process; the date on which the process was mailed by registered mail; the name and address on the envelope containing the process that was mailed by registered mail; the fact that the process was mailed registered mail and was returned with the endorsement or stamp “refused”; the date, if known, the process was “refused”; the date on which the process was mailed by first-class mail; the name and address on the envelope containing the process that was mailed by first-class mail; and the fact that the process was mailed by first-class mail with a return address of the party or the party’s attorney on the envelope. The return envelope from the attempt to mail process by registered mail and the return envelope, if any, from the attempt to mail the envelope by first-class mail shall be attached to the affidavit.
History.—s. 1, ch. 73-179; s. 4, ch. 93-250; s. 7, ch. 97-278; s. 6, ch. 2019-67; s. 14, ch. 2022-190.
48.195 Service of foreign process.—
(1) The service of process issued by a court of a state other than Florida may be made by the sheriffs of this state in the same manner as service of process issued by Florida courts. The provisions of this section shall not be interpreted to permit a sheriff to take any action against personal property, real property, or persons.
(2) An officer serving such foreign process shall be deemed as acting in the performance of his or her duties for the purposes of ss. 30.01, 30.02, 843.01, and 843.02, but shall not be held liable as provided in s. 839.19 for failure to execute any process delivered to him or her for service.
(3) The sheriffs shall be entitled to charge fees for the service of foreign process, and the fees shall be the same as fees for the service of comparable process for the Florida courts. When the service of foreign process requires duties to be performed in excess of those required by Florida courts, the sheriff may perform the additional duties and may collect reasonable additional compensation for the additional duties performed.
History.—s. 7, ch. 79-396; s. 36, ch. 81-259; s. 11, ch. 91-45; s. 282, ch. 95-147.
48.196 Service of process in connection with actions under the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act.—
(1) Any process in connection with the commencement of an action before the courts of this state under chapter 684, the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act, shall be served:
(a) In the case of a natural person, by service upon:
1. That person;
2. Any agent for service of process appointed in, or pursuant to, any applicable agreement or by operation of any law of this state; or
3. Any person authorized by the law of the jurisdiction where process is being served to accept service for that person.
(b) In the case of any person other than a natural person, by service upon:
1. Any agent for service of process appointed in, or pursuant to, any applicable agreement or by operation of any law of this state;
2. Any person authorized by the law of the jurisdiction where process is being served to accept service for that person; or
3. Any person, whether natural or otherwise and wherever located, who by operation of law or internal action is an officer, business agent, director, general partner, or managing agent or director of the person being served; or
4. Any partner, joint venturer, member or controlling shareholder, wherever located, of the person being served, if the person being served does not by law or internal action have any officer, business agent, director, general partner, or managing agent or director.
(2) The process served under subsection (1) shall include a copy of the application to the court together with all attachments thereto and shall be served in the following manner:
(a) In any manner agreed upon, whether service occurs within or without this state;
(b) If service is within this state:
1. In the manner provided in ss. 48.021 and 48.031, or
2. If applicable under their terms, in the manner provided in ss. 48.161, 48.183, 48.23, or chapter 49; or
(c) If service is outside this state:
1. By personal service by any person authorized to serve process in the jurisdiction where service is being made or by any person appointed to do so by any competent court in that jurisdiction;
2. In any other manner prescribed by the laws of the jurisdiction where service is being made for service in an action before a local court of competent jurisdiction;
3. In the manner provided in any applicable treaty to which the United States is a party;
4. In the manner prescribed by order of the court;
5. By any form of mail requiring a signed receipt, to be addressed and dispatched by the clerk of the court to the person being served; or
6. If applicable, in the manner provided in chapter 49.
(3) No order of the court is required for service of process outside this state. The person serving process shall make proof of service to the court by affidavit or as prescribed by the law of the jurisdiction where process is being served or as prescribed in an order of the court. Such proof shall be made prior to expiration of the time within which the person served must respond. If service is by mail, the proof of service shall state the date and place of mailing and shall include a receipt signed by the addressee or other evidence of delivery satisfactory to the court.
History.—s. 2, ch. 86-266; s. 1, ch. 2010-60; s. 2, ch. 2015-59.
48.197 Service in a foreign country.—
(1) Service of process may be effectuated in a foreign country upon a party, other than a minor or an incompetent person, as provided in any of the following:
(a) By any internationally agreed-upon means of service reasonably calculated to give actual notice of the proceedings, such as those authorized by the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters.
(b) If there is no internationally agreed-upon means of service, or if an international agreement allows but does not specify other means, by a method reasonably calculated to give actual notice of the proceedings:
1. As prescribed by the foreign country’s law for service in that country in an action in its courts of general jurisdiction;
2. As the foreign authority directs in response to a letter rogatory or letter of request; or
3. Unless prohibited by the foreign country’s law, by:
a. If serving an individual, delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the individual personally; or
b. Using any form of mail that the clerk addresses and sends to the party and which requires a signed receipt.
(c) Pursuant to motion and order by the court, by other means, including electronically by e-mail or other technology, which the party seeking service shows is reasonably calculated to give actual notice of the proceedings and is not prohibited by international agreement, as the court orders.
(2) Service of process may be effectuated in a foreign country upon a minor or an incompetent person in the manner prescribed by subparagraph (1)(b)1., subparagraph (1)(b)2., or paragraph (1)(c).
History.—s. 15, ch. 2022-190.
48.20 Service of process on Sunday.—Service or execution on Sunday of any writ, process, warrant, order, or judgment is void and the person serving or executing, or causing it to be served or executed, is liable to the party aggrieved for damages for so doing as if he or she had done it without any process, writ, warrant, order, or judgment. If affidavit is made by the person requesting service or execution that he or she has good reason to believe that any person liable to have any such writ, process, warrant, order, or judgment served on him or her intends to escape from this state under protection of Sunday, any officer furnished with an order authorizing service or execution by the trial court judge may serve or execute such writ, process, warrant, order, or judgment on Sunday, and it is as valid as if it had been done on any other day.
History.—s. 44, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1025; GS 1413; RGS 2611; CGL 4275; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 12, ch. 73-334; s. 283, ch. 95-147; s. 5, ch. 2004-11.
Note.—Former s. 47.46.
48.21 Return of execution of process.—
(1) Each person who effects service of process shall note on a return-of-service form attached thereto the date and time when it comes to hand, the date and time when it is served, the manner of service, the name of the person on whom it was served, and, if the person is served in a representative capacity, the position occupied by the person. The return-of-service form must list all pleadings and documents served and be signed by the person who effects the service of process. However, a person who is authorized under this chapter to serve process and who effects such service of process may sign the return-of-service form using an electronic signature.
(2) A failure to state the facts or to include the signature required by subsection (1) invalidates the service, but the return is amendable to state the facts or to include the signature at any time on application to the court from which the process issued. On amendment, service is as effective as if the return had originally stated the omitted facts or included the signature. A failure to state all the facts in or to include the signature on the return shall subject the person effecting service to a fine not exceeding $10, in the court’s discretion.
History.—s. 18, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1026; GS 1414; RGS 2612; CGL 4276; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 4, ch. 94-170; s. 1356, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 2004-273; s. 5, ch. 2011-159; s. 7, ch. 2019-67.
Note.—Former s. 47.47.
48.22 Cumulative to other laws.—All provisions of this chapter are cumulative to other provisions of law or rules of court about service of process, and all other provisions about service of process are cumulative to this chapter.
History.—s. 9, ch. 11829, 1927; CGL 4265; s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 4, ch. 67-254.
Note.—Former ss. 47.33, 47.44.
48.23 Lis pendens.—
(1)(a) An action in any of the state or federal courts in this state operates as a lis pendens on any real or personal property involved therein or to be affected thereby only if a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the official records of the county where the property is located and such notice has not expired pursuant to subsection (2) or been withdrawn or discharged.
(b)1. An action that is filed for specific performance or that is not based on a duly recorded instrument has no effect, except as between the parties to the proceeding, on the title to, or on any lien upon, the real or personal property unless a notice of lis pendens has been recorded and has not expired or been withdrawn or discharged.
2. Any person acquiring for value an interest in, or lien upon, the real or personal property during the pendency of an action described in subparagraph 1., other than a party to the proceeding or the legal successor by operation of law, or personal representative, heir, or devisee of a deceased party to the proceeding, shall take such interest or lien exempt from all claims against the property that were filed in such action by the party who failed to record a notice of lis pendens or whose notice expired or was withdrawn or discharged, and from any judgment entered in the proceeding, notwithstanding the provisions of s. 695.01, as if such person had no actual or constructive notice of the proceeding or of the claims made therein or the documents forming the causes of action against the property in the proceeding.
(c)1. A notice of lis pendens must contain the following:
a. The names of the parties.
b. The date of the institution of the action, the date of the clerk’s electronic receipt, or the case number of the action.
c. The name of the court in which it is pending.
d. A description of the property involved or to be affected.
e. A statement of the relief sought as to the property.
2. In the case of any notice of lis pendens filed on the same date as the pleading upon which the notice is based, the clerk’s notation of the date of receipt on the notice shall satisfy the requirement that the notice contain the date of the institution of the action.
(d) Except for the interest of persons in possession or easements of use, the recording of such notice of lis pendens, provided that during the pendency of the proceeding it has not expired pursuant to subsection (2) or been withdrawn or discharged, constitutes a bar to the enforcement against the property described in the notice of all interests and liens, including, but not limited to, federal tax liens and levies, unrecorded at the time of recording the notice unless the holder of any such unrecorded interest or lien moves to intervene in such proceedings within 30 days after the recording of the notice and the court ultimately grants the motion. If the holder of any such unrecorded interest or lien does not intervene in the proceedings and if such proceedings are prosecuted to a judicial sale of the property described in the notice, the property shall be forever discharged from all such unrecorded interests and liens. A valid recorded notice of lis pendens of such proceedings prosecuted to a judicial sale remains in effect through the recording of any instrument transferring title to the property pursuant to the final judgment unless it expires, is withdrawn, or it is otherwise discharged. If the notice of lis pendens expires or is withdrawn or discharged, the expiration, withdrawal, or discharge of the notice does not affect the validity of any unrecorded interest or lien.
(2) A notice of lis pendens is not effectual for any purpose beyond 1 year from the commencement of the action and will expire at that time, unless the relief sought is disclosed by the pending pleading to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 against the property involved, except when the court extends the time of expiration on reasonable notice and for good cause. The court may impose such terms for the extension of time as justice requires.
(3) When the pending pleading does not show that the action is founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 or when the action no longer affects the subject property, the court shall control and discharge the recorded notice of lis pendens as the court would grant and dissolve injunctions.
(4) This section applies to all actions now or hereafter pending in any state or federal courts in this state, but the period of time specified in subsection (2) does not include the period of pendency of any action in an appellate court.
History.—RS 1220; GS 1649; RGS 2853; ss. 1-3, ch. 12081, 1927; CGL 4550; s. 1, ch. 24336, 1947; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 67-567; s. 1, ch. 85-308; s. 19, ch. 90-109; s. 5, ch. 93-250; s. 1, ch. 2009-39; s. 1, ch. 2019-67.
Note.—Former s. 47.49.
48.25 Short title.—Sections 48.25-48.31 may be cited as the “Florida Certified Process Server Act.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 88-135.
48.27 Certified process servers.—
(1) The chief judge of each judicial circuit may establish an approved list of natural persons designated as certified process servers. The chief judge may periodically add to such list the names of those natural persons who have met the requirements for certification provided for in s. 48.29. Each person whose name has been added to the approved list is subject to annual recertification and reappointment by the chief judge of a judicial circuit. The chief judge shall prescribe appropriate forms for application for inclusion on the list of certified process servers. A reasonable fee for the processing of any such application must be charged.
(2)(a) The addition of a person’s name to the list authorizes him or her to serve initial nonenforceable civil process on a person found within the circuit where the process server is certified when a civil action has been filed against such person in the circuit court or in a county court in the state. Upon filing an action in circuit or county court, a person may select from the list for the circuit where the process is to be served one or more certified process servers to serve initial nonenforceable civil process.
(b) The addition of a person’s name to the list authorizes him or her to serve criminal witness subpoenas and criminal summonses on a person found within the circuit where the process server is certified. The state in any proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or any party in a criminal action, prosecution, or proceeding may select from the list for the circuit where the process is to be served one or more certified process servers to serve the subpoena or summons.
(3) Nothing herein shall be interpreted to exclude a sheriff or deputy or other person appointed by the sheriff pursuant to s. 48.021 from serving process or to exclude a person from appointment by individual motion and order to serve process in any civil action in accordance with Rule 1.070(b) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
History.—s. 3, ch. 88-135; s. 5, ch. 97-96; s. 3, ch. 98-410; s. 3, ch. 2009-215.
48.29 Certification of process servers.—
(1) The circuit court administrator and the clerk of the court in each county in the circuit shall maintain the list of process servers approved by the chief judge of the circuit. Such list may, from time to time, be amended or modified to add or delete a person’s name in accordance with the provisions of this section or s. 48.31.
(2) A person seeking the addition of his or her name to the approved list in any circuit shall submit an application to the chief judge of the circuit or to the chief judge’s designee on a form prescribed by the court. A reasonable fee for processing the application may be charged.
(3) A person applying to become a certified process server shall:
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Have no mental or legal disability;
(c) Be a permanent resident of the state;
(d) Submit to a background investigation, which shall include the right to obtain and review the criminal record of the applicant;
(e) Obtain and file with his or her application a certificate of good conduct, which specifies there is no pending criminal case against the applicant and that there is no record of any felony conviction, nor a record of a conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, with respect to the applicant within the past 5 years;
(f) If prescribed by the chief judge of the circuit, submit to an examination testing his or her knowledge of the laws and rules regarding the service of process. The content of the examination and the passing grade thereon, and the frequency and location at which such examination shall be offered shall be prescribed by the chief judge of the circuit. The examination, if any, shall be offered at least once annually;
(g) Execute a bond in the amount of $5,000 with a surety company authorized to do business in this state for the benefit of any person wrongfully injured by any malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, or incompetence of the applicant, in connection with his or her duties as a process server. Such bond shall be renewable annually; and
(h) Take an oath of office that he or she will honestly, diligently, and faithfully exercise the duties of a certified process server.
(4) The chief judge of the circuit may, from time to time by administrative order, prescribe additional rules and requirements regarding the eligibility of a person to become a certified process server or to have his or her name maintained on the list of certified process servers.
(5)(a) An applicant who completes the requirements set forth in this section and whose name the chief judge by order enters on the list of certified process servers shall be designated as a certified process server.
(b) Each certified process server shall be issued an identification card bearing his or her identification number, printed name, signature and photograph, the seal of the circuit court, and an expiration date. Each identification card shall be renewable annually upon proof of good standing and current bond.
(6) A certified process server shall place the information required in s. 48.031(5) on the first page of at least one of the processes served. Return of service shall be made by a certified process server on a form which has been reviewed and approved by the court.
(7)(a) A person may qualify as a certified process server and have his or her name entered on the list in more than one circuit.
(b) A process server whose name is on a list of certified process servers in more than one circuit may serve process on a person found in any such circuits.
(c) A certified process server may serve foreign process in any circuit in which his or her name has been entered on the list of certified process servers for that circuit.
(8) A certified process server may charge a fee for his or her services.
History.—s. 4, ch. 88-135; s. 284, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 2004-273; s. 6, ch. 2011-159.
48.31 Removal of certified process servers; false return of service.—
(1) A certified process server may be removed from the list of certified process servers for any malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, or incompetence, as provided by court rule.
(2) A certified process server must be disinterested in any process he or she serves; if the certified process server willfully and knowingly executes a false return of service, he or she is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, and shall be permanently barred from serving process in this state.
History.—s. 5, ch. 88-135; s. 285, ch. 95-147.