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How to Change a Registered Agent in Florida

By Lindsey Rudy

Published on 24 Jan 2024 6 min read

A registered agent is a dedicated individual or entity that receives official documents and legal notices on behalf of your Florida-based business. They serve as points of contact to the state and ensure your business follows state laws. Whether you’re after better service, cost savings, or a location change, switching your registered agent isn’t rocket science, but it may become necessary. 

This short guide will walk you through the straightforward steps required to change registered agents in Florida, including fees, timelines, and the critical players to notify.

The Process of Changing a Registered Agent in Florida

If you’re planning to change your registered agent in Florida, you should keep a few important things in mind to make the process go smoothly while following state rules.

Step 1: Select a New Registered Agent

This person or entity receives legal documents and notices on behalf of your business. You can appoint yourself, hire a professional service, or choose someone else who meets the state’s criteria. If you go for a registered agent service, they handle the paperwork and cover the state fee for the change.

Step 2: Complete the Statement of Change Form

Complete and submit the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent or Both” form to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. This form requires specific details such as your business name and address, the new registered agent’s information, and both parties’ signatures. 

Make sure you use the correct form, depending on whether your business is a corporation or an LLC. This measure will help you to be accurate and avoid any mistakes. Once you’ve filled out the form, you can either mail it or drop it off in person. Remember that there is a fee to file the form – $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations. You can pay this fee with a check or money order.

Send the completed form and appropriate fee to the Florida Department of State using this mailing address: Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. For in-person filing, visit the office at The Division of Corporations, The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Alternatively, you can modify your registered agent online during the annual report filing.

Step 3: Await Confirmation and Notify Other Parties

After you change your business’s registered agent, waiting for confirmation from the Department of State is important. They usually send you a letter or email to let you know the changes have been made. You should also tell your old registered agent that you no longer need their services. Don’t forget to update your new registered agent’s information with any other state or federal agencies where your business is registered.

What Are the Fees Associated With Changing a Registered Agent in Florida?

As of January 2024, the fees for filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office is a flat $35 for corporations and $25 for LLCs. If you need a certified copy of the filing, the fee will go up to $55

Remember, these fees aren’t set in stone—they might change. Keep tabs on the Division of Corporations’ official website for the latest fee updates to stay in the loop. 

How Long Does It Take to Change a Registered Agent in Florida?

Changing your registered agent in Florida varies in processing time depending on your chosen filing method and the Division of Corporations’ workload. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated processing times as of January 2024:

• Processing online filing (annual report) typically takes around one business day.
• Mail or in-person filing usually takes several business days.

The timeframes given are just an estimate and not a guarantee. It’s always a good idea to allow for some extra time to account for any unforeseen delays or mistakes. You can easily check your filing status online using your document number or your business name.

Who Should You Notify About Changing Your Registered Agent in Florida?

Updating your registered agent in Florida isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s wise business practice. Notify these groups about the change to keep your business running smoothly:

• Internal stakeholders: Partners, shareholders, members, managers, directors, officers, and employees
• External contacts: Customers, clients, suppliers, vendors, and contractors
• Professional advisors: Accountants, lawyers, bankers, insurers, and other advisors
• Government entities: IRS, Florida Department of Revenue, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, local tax collector, and licensing authority

Keeping everyone informed ensures your business entity gets crucial documents and notices. This proactive step prevents confusion, miscommunication, and missed deadlines that could lead to penalties or legal issues.

What Happens if You Fail to Change Your Registered Agent in Florida?

Failing to update your registered agent in Florida can spell trouble for your business entity. Here’s what you might face if your agent isn’t reliable or compliant:

• Missed crucial documents: Important notices like service of process, tax notifications, compliance reminders, and renewals could slip through the cracks.
• Loss of good standing: Your entity’s status with the state might suffer, leading to administrative dissolution or revocation.
• Legal vulnerability: Inability to sue or defend yourself in court, which might expose your business to liabilities and damages.
• Financial repercussions: Late or non-payment of taxes, fees, or fines could attract penalties, fines, or interest charges.
• Reputation damage: Your credibility with customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders could take a hit.

To sidestep these risks, keep your registered agent info current and accurate. Regularly assess their performance and make necessary changes to ensure your business stays on track.

How Often Can You Change Your Registered Agent in Florida?

In Florida, you can change registered agents as often as you wish, as long as you follow the proper procedure and pay the mandatory fees. However, avoid switching agents too often, as it may confuse and inconvenience parties that may want to contact you. 

If you’re thinking of changing who represents your business, there are a few good reasons to consider. You may not be happy with the quality of service you’re getting from your current representative, or you may be paying too much for it. You might also want to switch to a different kind of representative, like a company or a person. 

Sometimes, if you move your business address, it’s a good idea to move your representative’s address, too. Having one representative for all the states where you do business can also be helpful. Doing this can save you time and money.

Whatever your reason for the change, you must thoroughly research and compare your choices. You should also notify the relevant parties about the change and update your records accordingly.

Effortless Registered Agent Changes in Florida with doola

Changing your registered agent in Florida involves filing the appropriate form with the Division of Corporations, either online, by mail, or in person, with fees ranging from $25 to $35. Processing times vary—online takes about a day, mail takes five to seven days, and in-person can be done within an hour. 

To maintain communication channels, notify stakeholders, clients, advisors, and government entities about the change. While there’s no limit, change your agent judiciously to avoid confusion and ensure it aligns with your business needs.

For assistance, consider doola, an intuitive online platform designed to streamline business formation, filings, and compliance. It is a top Florida registered agent and can assist you in changing your registered agents, as well as notify relevant parties about the change. doola extends its support beyond agent changes, helping with various business tasks like entity formation, annual report filing, compliance, and more.

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