Process service is an essential step in the legal process to ensure that all parties involved in a legal case are properly notified. While serving individuals is more straightforward, serving corporations and government entities involves specific procedures that must be meticulously followed to stay compliant with Florida law. These procedures are outlined in Chapter 48 of the Florida Statutes, which governs process and service of process.
Serving Process on Corporations
When serving a corporation in Florida, the process server must adhere to legal standards to ensure the service is valid. According to Section 48.081 of the Florida Statutes, service of process on a corporation can be accomplished by serving:
- The President, Vice President, or Other Head of the Corporation: Serving these top executives is the primary method.
- The Cashier, Treasurer, Secretary, or General Manager: If the top executives are unavailable, these officers can be served.
- Any Director: In the absence of the above officers, any director of the corporation may be served.
- Any Officer or Business Agent Residing in the State: If none of the above are available, any officer or business agent residing in Florida can be served.
If the address provided for the registered agent, officer, or director is a residence or private mailbox, service can be made at the corporation’s principal place of business or any other address where the officers or directors can be found.
Serving Process on Government Entities
Serving process on government entities requires a different approach. Section 48.111 of the Florida Statutes outlines the procedures for serving process on public agencies and officers:
- State Agencies or Departments: Service must be made on the head of the agency or department, and in their absence, on the vice president, or any other head of the corporation.
- Counties: Service must be made on the president, vice president, or other head of the corporation.
- Municipalities or Other Governmental Entities: Service must be made on the president, vice president, or other head of the corporation.
Professional Process Servers in Orlando
Given the complexities involved in serving corporations and government entities, engaging a professional process server is recommended. Professional process servers are well-versed in the legal requirements and nuances of serving various entities, ensuring that service is executed properly and in compliance with Florida law.
At Accurate Serve® of Orlando, also serving Kissimmee and Lake Mary, we specialize in serving process on any individual or entity, including corporations and government agencies. Our team is knowledgeable, diligent, and reliable, so your case can move forward without interruption. If you need to serve process in the Orlando area, send us a work request online or call us at the office closest to you.
Orlando – (407) 868-5992
Kissimmee – (407) 961-7874
Lake Mary – (407) 327-8233
