Service of Process Information

The following is general information regarding the acceptance of Substitute Service of Process.

Substitute Service of Process is accepted pursuant to F. S. Chapter 48. The Division of Corporations merely accepts Substituted Service of Process and is not responsible for serving any designated individual. This office does, however, send notice of accepted service to the plaintiff's attorney reflecting the date and time of acceptance. The notice of accepted service is in the form of two (2) acceptance letters along with the original stamp filed summons and a copy of the complaint. It is the responsibility of the plaintiff's attorney, not the Secretary of State, to notify the defendant of the acceptance of Substitute Service of Process.

This office requires the following for filing Substitute Service of Process:

  1. The original and (1) copy of the court issued summons with the original signature of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Seal, and two copies of the complaint.
  2. A cover letter indicating the section of F. S. Chapter 48 that authorizes this office to accept, i.e., 48.161, 48.181, etc.
  3. The summons must indicate the name of the defendant in care of the Secretary of State.
    4. Example:John Doe
    C/O Secretary of State
    P.O. Box 6327
    Tallahassee, FL 32314
  4. A filing fee of $8.75 per defendant. Make checks payable to the Secretary of State.

Service of Process, when the Secretary of State is named as defendant, should be directed to the Secretary of State in the Capitol Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

Service of Process, when the State of Florida is named as the defendant, should be directed to the Florida Attorney General's Office.

Service of Process on an insurance COMPANY not an AGENCY should be directed to the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida.

To obtain the name and address of a registered agent for a specific business entity, search by the entity name from our web site.

When substitute service of process is submitted on an ACTIVE corporation, a copy of the return of service or affidavit from the process server showing that attempt should be included with your summons and complaint.

Only questions regarding the actual filing of the Substitute Service of Process should be directed to this office at (850) 245-6953. This office does not provide specific information pertaining to the summons or complaint. All other inquiries should be directed to the attorney(s) involved.