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DIY Registered Agent in Florida: Is It Allowed?

By Jeannine Mancini

Published on 15 May 2023 5 min read

If you’re starting a business in Florida, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your company. A registered agent is an individual or company designated to receive important legal documents such as lawsuits, tax notices, and other official government correspondence. The registered agent’s primary responsibility is to receive and forward these documents to the appropriate person or department within your company. Many owners wonder “Can I be my own registered agent in Florida?” It is possible, but there are certain requirements. Read on to learn more about how registered agents work in Florida.

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is a person or company that is responsible for receiving important legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business. This includes lawsuits, tax notices, and other government correspondence.

The reason why a registered agent is required is to ensure that there is always a reliable point of contact for your business. Instead of having legal documents sent directly to your business’s address (which may change over time), they’re sent to the registered agent’s address. This way, you’ll always know where to find important documents, and you won’t risk missing any crucial deadlines or notifications.

What Are the Requirements for Florida Registered Agent?

When starting a business in Florida, it’s mandatory to designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You may choose to appoint yourself, a member of your company, or a professional registered agent service based in Florida.

The registered agent you select must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. If you choose to serve as your own registered agent, you’ll need to ensure that you’re present and available during business hours at the address you have designated as the registered agent’s address.

Who Can Be the Registered Agent for an LLC in Florida?

In Florida, a registered agent can be an individual who is a resident of the state or a Florida-based company that is authorized to conduct business in the state. The registered agent can be someone who lives in Florida full-time or is based in the state but may travel or work remotely. As mentioned earlier, the registered agent must have a physical address in Florida to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.

Additionally, the registered agent can also be a member of the limited liability company (LLC) itself. This means that one of the owners or members of the business can act as the registered agent and receive legal documents and notices on behalf of the LLC.

Alternatively, businesses may choose to use a professional registered agent service. These services specialize in receiving and forwarding legal documents to businesses and can provide an added layer of protection for business owners. Professional registered agent services are typically available during normal business hours and can ensure that important legal documents are received and handled promptly.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Florida?

While some businesses choose to hire a registered agent service, it’s also possible to act as your own registered agent in Florida. 

But remember, you must be present at the designated address. If you work a full-time job or have other obligations that keep you away from your designated registered agent address during the day, you may miss important legal notices or documents.

Advantages of Being Your Own Registered Agent

The perks of being your own registered agent include:

Cost Savings: Acting as your own registered agent can save you money that would otherwise be spent on a professional registered agent service.

Control: Being your own registered agent gives you more control over the receipt of legal documents and notices on behalf of your business.

Accessibility: As the registered agent, you will have direct access to any legal documents or notices received on behalf of your business.

Flexibility: Being your own registered agent allows you to be flexible in terms of receiving legal documents and notices, as you can make arrangements to receive them outside normal business hours.

Risks of Being Your Own Registered Agent

It may seem convenient, but being your own registered agent could also be risky. Here are a few reasons why is it a risky proposition: 

Lack of Availability: If you are unable to be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and notices, you may miss important deadlines or opportunities.

Privacy Risks: As the registered agent, your personal contact information will be publicly available, which could lead to unwanted solicitations or privacy risks.

Professional Image: Appointing yourself as a registered agent may not project a professional image to your clients or investors.

Legal Risk: If you fail to receive or respond to legal documents and notices on time, your business could face legal consequences.

Inconvenience: Acting as your own registered agent can be inconvenient, particularly if you need to be away from your designated registered agent address for extended periods.

What is a Registered Agent Service?

A registered agent service is a middleman who’s authorized to receive all the important legal documents and notices for your business. These companies handle legal documents and make life easier for busy business owners.

Should You Hire Florida Registered Agent Service?

Whether or not you should use a registered agent service completely depends on your business, budget, schedule, and many other factors. These services are typically provided by third-party companies that specialize in this type of work. They’re reliable, affordable, and can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on growing your business.

Here are three advantages of hiring a Florida registered agent service:

1. Professionalism: Using a registered agent service can help project a more professional image to your clients, investors, and partners.
2. Availability: Registered agent services are available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and notices on behalf of your business, ensuring that important deadlines and opportunities are not missed.
3. Privacy: By appointing a registered agent service, you can maintain the privacy of your personal contact information, as the registered agent’s contact information is used for public records.

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Florida?

If you decide to hire a registered agent service for your Florida-based business, here are some tips for choosing the right registered agent:

• Reputation: Look for a registered agent service with a good reputation and positive reviews from other businesses.
• Reliability: Choose a registered agent service that you can rely on to receive and forward legal documents and notices promptly.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the registered agent service and choose a service that fits within your budget.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a registered agent service that meets your business’s needs and ensures that legal documents and notices are received and handled promptly.

Considerations for Florida-Based Business Owners

It’s important to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of being your own registered agent for your Florida-based LLC before making a decision. The best choice will depend on your circumstances and needs as a business owner. 

As a business owner, you’ll want to stay on top of your finances. Let doola help you achieve this. As a bookkeeping service, doola can help business owners maintain accurate financial records, stay compliant with tax laws, and make informed financial decisions.

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