How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida

Written by:

Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.

Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle

For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Florida

Florida law requires your LLC to hire a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents. 

A registered agent ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and complies fully with state regulations.  

Registered Agent Requirements in Florida

In Florida, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Florida, registered agents must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a physical address in Florida
  • Be available during regular business hours 
  • Be registered to operate in Florida (if the agent is a business) 
  • Give their consent to serve as your registered agent
  • Not be your own LLC

Registered Agent Services

Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A registered agent service also offers convenience. 

If you choose to be your registered agent, you’ll have to be available at your registered agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a registered agent service will allow you the flexibility to run and grow your business wherever you need to be. 

An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees. 

Choosing a Registered Agent Service

Some registered agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in Florida. 

You’ll also want an agency that will:

  • Send deadline reminders for things like annual reports to ensure your LLC stays in compliance
  • Digitally store your documents so you can access them at any time
  • Offer great customer service

Prices for registered agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Registered agent services generally run $35 to $300 annually.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in State

In Florida, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your articles of organization.

You can file your Articles of Organization either online or on paper. 

Online Filing

To file online, visit the Division of Corporations’ page for starting a new LLC. Here you can review the requirements and see some FAQs.

Fill out your Articles of Organization.

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In the Registered Agent section, fill in the person or business’s name and address. Next, have your agent type their name in the signature box to acknowledge their appointment.

If you’d like to serve as your LLC’s registered agent, write your name and address in this section.

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Submit your completed Articles of Incorporation and pay the $125 filing fee by credit card, debit, or Sunbiz e-file account.

Paper Filing

To file by paper, download, fill out, and print your Articles of Organization.

In Article III, write in your registered agent’s name and address and have them sign the form to acknowledge their appointment. If you’d like to be your registered agent, put your name here.

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It costs $125 to file your Articles of Organization, payable by check or money order to the Florida Department of State.

Mail your documents to:

New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
PO Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314

Or file in person by visiting:

New Filing Section
Division of Corporations
The Centre of Tallahassee
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303

Once your LLC is approved in Florida, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent. 

In Closing

Florida requires your LLC to have a registered agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their registered agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages. 

You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your registered agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.

Florida Registered Agent FAQs

Can I be my registered agent in Florida?

Yes. When filling out your Articles of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for a registered agent.

What does a registered agent do for an LLC in Florida?

A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. You can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.