Learn how a Florida Registered Agent plays a vital role in maintaining your business's legal standing and privacy, and explore the advantages of designating a registered agent for your company's success.
One of the things you’ll need to determine before filing your paperwork to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Florida is who will serve as your registered agent. The state requires all LLCs to have one, but what is a registered agent? What are their job duties, and what are the requirements to be one?
A registered agent is an individual or company a business designates to receive important legal documents on behalf of the business. It’s a legal requirement in Florida to have and maintain one.
The rules regarding appointment of registered agents are found in the Florida Statutes Section 605.0113. An LLC must name and maintain both a registered agent and a registered office, which may be the same as its place of business. Their primary role is to ensure that the correct people within an LLC are notified in the event of time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, or important tax notices. In addition, the registered office must be a physical street address and not a P.O. Box or mailbox service.
A registered agent in Florida must be one of the following:
Each registered agent and each successor agent must also file a statement in writing with the Department of State, in the form and manner prescribed by their office. They must affirm that they are accepting the appointment as a registered agent while simultaneously being designated as the registered agent. The statement of acceptance must provide that the registered agent is familiar with and accepts the obligations of that position.
You can be your own agent, as long as you are a resident of the state and are generally available during business hours.
There are several good reasons to consider hiring a service to act as a registered agent, such as:
You will need to designate a registered agent or registered agent service prior to filling out your Articles of Organization. Listing the agent in this document makes it official.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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