One of the most important steps in business formation in Florida is the appointment of a registered agent.
Many business owners don’t realize the importance of choosing a registered agent until it is too late.
They may think of appointing a registered agent when they are hit with a legal issue or miss an important deadline.
In Florida, your registered agent is the official contact for your business with the state and the courts.
This person or company receives legal documents, government notices, tax reminders, and compliance updates on your behalf.
You may face fines if you don’t comply with the rule of having a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
The good news is that appointing a registered agent in Florida has gotten easier with the state’s online filing system on Sunbiz.
Here, we will dive into the steps to appoint a registered agent in Florida.
1. Choose Your Registered Agent
You can appoint:
- Yourself ( if you live in Florida and meet all requirements)
- An LLC member or employee
- An attorney
- A professional registered agent service
You must obtain the agent's written consent to serve before filing. Florida does not allow you to list an agent without their approval.
2. File Articles of Organization
File Articles of Organization online via Sunbiz.org. It is the fastest method with instant approval. Mail filing takes 5-10 days.
- Go to Sunbiz.org > Start a business > File LLC Articles of Organization.
- Enter LLC name (must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," etc., and be unique-search first.
- Add principal/mailing addresses.
- In Article III (Registered Agent): Enter agent's full legal name and Florida street address (no P.O. box); agent types name to sign consent.
- Specify management type (member- or manager-managed), purpose (optoonal except for PLLCs), and effective date.
- Authorized rep types name to sign; provide email for confirmations. Pay $125 ($100 + $25 agent fee) by card.
Post Filing
Get stamped PDF via email; agent appointment activates immediately. Update anytime with Form CR2E055 ($35).
3. Registered Agent Consent and Signature
Florida law requires registered agent consent on every LLC filing. This confirms the agent agrees to receive legal papers and official notices under s.605.0113(3), Florida Statutes. Sunbiz will reject your Articles of Organization if consent is missing.
Online Filing
- The consent is built right into the form when filing online.
- The registered agent types their full legal name in the Registered Agent's Signature field of Form CR2E047.
- This typed name acts as an electronic signature and carries full legal weight.
A principal person from the company must type their own name if the registered agent is a business entity.
4. Pay the Filing Fee
The total filing fee is $125 ($100 base filing fee + $25 registered agent designation fee). Payment is by credit card during online filing. You will receive a stamped PDF confirmation via email. The registered agent appointment activates immediately. Keep this confirmation for your records.
How To Change The Registered Agent
Business circumstances change. You may need to change your registered agent if your current agent is no longer available. Here is how to update your registered agent information:
Step 1: Select a New Registered Agent
The new agent must be a Florida resident with a physical address or a registered business entity authorized to conduct business in Florida.
Step 2: Notify Your Current Registered Agent
Inform your existing registered agent that you are making a change. This is a courtesy that prevents confusion and missed documents during the transition.
Step 3: File the Statement of Change Form
There are two methods to change your registered agent:
Method A: Filing a Statement of Change
You will need to fill out the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” form. It includes your business name, the current agent’s details, and the new agent’s name and address.
The new registered agent must also sign the form to accept the appointment.
Method B: Using the Annual Report
You can update your registered agent information at the same time if you are filing your annual report. This method is available only during the annual report filing window.
You can change your registered agent by yourself. But using a professional service offers several advantages, including:
- Accurate and quick process of changing a registered agent
- Keep your personal address off public records
- All required documents are filed correctly and on time
- Compliance specialists guide you through the process and answer any questions
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Once processed, the state will send confirmation of the change. Your new registered agent becomes official immediately upon approval. Update your internal records and any business documents listing your registered agent.
Conclusion
You can appoint yourself or a family member as a registered agent. The requirements include maintaining a physical street address in Florida, being available during business hours, and not being the LLC itself. Many business owners consider professional registered agent services for privacy protection, secure handling of legal documents, and proactive compliance management. Start the success of your LLC with the right registered agent in Florida.
