A registered agent is a person or entity, designated in the articles of incorporation or organization, who can accept legal documents and notifications from a state office on behalf of a corporate entity. All corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must choose a person or entity to act as their registered agent.

There are few restrictions regarding who can be a registered agent other than that the person or entity must be located and available at a physical street address within the state during normal business hours. It is important that you select a reliable company when choosing your registered agent to avoid default judgments, the loss of your Florida Corporate or LLC status and considerable penalties.

Fredrick James offers registered agent services for all registered Florida Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Limited Partnerships to help small and medium sized business comply with Florida Registered Agent laws.

Can I Act As My Own Registered Agent?

There is no restriction against assigning yourself as registered agent of your business, however, please be aware of what that requires of you.

If you act as your own agent:

   1. You don't have the flexibility to close your office at will or have flexible hours since you must always be open during regular business hours to accept service of process.

   2. You may be served with legal papers in front of your family, clients, neighbors or vendors.

   3. If you fail to respond to a lawsuit in a timely manner, a judgment by default against your company may result.

   4. You may lose your Florida Corporate status which could potentially result in personal liability for your business and costly tax consequences

Why Not Put the Responsibility On Us Instead?

If Fredrick James acts as your agent:

   1. Enjoy the freedom to operate your business during any hours you please.

   2. Relax knowing you have a "privacy buffer" between your clients, friends, family, neighbors or vendors and your business' legal matters.

   3. Never miss the opportunity to respond to a lawsuit before the deadline and avoid default judgments against your company.

Ready to designate Fredrick James as your Registered Agent? Then click here to download your request form.

Call us today at (727) 474-0922 or Email to designate Fredrick James as your business' Registered Agent. Click here for a Map & Directionsto our office.