Is a party to your case under active quarantine due to a positive test or exposure to COVID-19? If so, you may be concerned about your ability to have them served legal papers until their quarantine is over. Honestly, there is enough flexibility in the code for process service in Florida that people can still be served even if they cannot have any contact with others.
Here are some ideas that process servers can use to serve someone under quarantine without jeopardizing their health.
Wearing PPE.
Wearing a mask and using disposable gloves can help reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Process servers would use appropriate PPE if they feel they may be within six feet of the occupant.
Knock and step back.
As soon as the process server knocks, they should step back at least six feet away from the door. This allows the occupant to answer the door without putting the server at risk. The server can then state their identity and purpose.
Take along a paperweight.
A prepared process server will have a paperweight with them while serving papers. This way after identity has been confirmed and papers have been “delivered,” the door can be closed while the process server places the papers on a table or porch, then steps back again so they can be safely taken.
If your process server really wants to be careful, they should take these measures at every stop. It is impossible for the process server to know if a target is under quarantine, and not everyone is responsible.
