This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the service of process, primarily focusing on the responsibilities and procedures involving registered agents. It expands the hours during which registered agents must keep their offices open for service of process, now requiring them to be available from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, it allows for service of process on employees of registered agents if the agent is not present, and specifies that certain domestic entities in receivership can be served directly through their receiver.

The bill also introduces new requirements for substituted service of process, mandating that such service be issued in the name of the party to be served and sent to the Secretary of State. It eliminates the requirement for the Secretary of State to maintain records of service and clarifies that the Secretary of State and the Department of State are not parties to lawsuits and cannot be served with additional court filings after substituted service is effectuated. Furthermore, it establishes that individuals who were once residents of Florida but have since become nonresidents are deemed to have appointed the Secretary of State as their agent for service of process. The amendments will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 576 Filed: 48.101, 48.161
S 576 c1: 48.161