Change Florida registered agent
You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State online via a 'Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both Form' form. Learn how to do this step by step.
Who are they?
Agent for service of process
Also known as a registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, etc in various states. These agents are physically located in the state where business entities operate. They receive important legal documents on behalf of the business entity.
Receive service of process
Their primary task is to receive tax forms, judicial notices, and other legal documents during business hours, 5 days a week.
For all business entities
Most business entities including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships require these agents in every state they operate in.
Not PO boxes
Agents must have a physical street address in the state. Not just PO boxes.
Details are public
The address and contact details of these agents are made public by the Secretary of State.
Actions
Step-by-step instructions
How to change a registered agent in Florida?
Check the steps below:
1. Find a new registered agent
Before you plan to change your existing registered agent, make sure to find an alternative registered agent in the state.
If you are physically located in the state, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a registered agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.
You can also find a new registered agent through the state's business entity search tool.
2. Inform existing registered agent
You may inform your existing registered agent about your decision to replace them.
3. Inform the State
To change the registered agent for an LLC in Florida, you can just file a form named 'Statement of Registered Agent/Registered Office Change' via mail with the Secretary of State.
Filing fee
$25
Address
Registration Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Alternatively, if you are within the filing period of your annual report, you can change your registered agent by updating the report online.
Filing fee
$138.75
Registered agent
A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Florida needs to have a registered agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Florida Statute § 617.0501:
- 1
Registered agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.
- 2
Registered agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.
- 3
Office of Registered agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.
- 4
Registered agent must give a documented consent to serve as your LLC's agent. Their signature is required while filing the formation documents
Failure to maintain registered agent
If you fail to maintain a registered agent, there shall be a penalty of $500 for each year, or part of a year.
LLC Annual Report
Every LLC has to file this report in Florida to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Annual Report
Florida LLC is expected to file this report annually by May 1
File it online on Florida Department of State website
Visit
Online fee
$138.75
Processing time (if paid online)
instant
Failure to pay
Florida charges a $400 penalty if you miss the May 1st filing deadline. In addition, failure to file your annual report by the third week of September will cause your LLC to be dissolved.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Florida
Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Florida including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Florida.
Florida LLC
Florida business search