How To Change Registered Agent in Florida (Simple Guide)

Published by Delina Chantel Yasmeh | Author

Last updated: January 17, 2025

Methodology
We meticulously research and verify the information presented in our articles. By consulting reliable sources and ensuring factual accuracy, we are committed to providing readers with well-informed, trustworthy content.

If you are a Florida-based LLC owner and decided to update registered agent information with the state, you must stay in compliant with the law and submit all Florida state requirements.

Since I've been in the business industry for over a decade, I am in a professional standpoint to provide you with all pertinent information you need for your amendment request to be approved. I navigated the Secretary of State's website and determined the correct registered agent amendment documents and procedures.

Quick Summary

How To Change Your Florida Registered Agent?

To change registered agent in Florida, you must fill out and submit a Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent form along with a cover letter with the Florida Department of State Registration Section, Division of Corporations [1].

Before you proceed to file this agent form, the Florida Secretary of State requires you to complete these three essential steps:

• Find a new Florida LLC registered agent
• Inform your old registered agent about the change
• File the Florida Statement of Change of Registered Agent to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations

"You can change your registered agent service online, by mail, in person, or through a professional service."

-Jon Morgan, Co-Editor & Co-Founder of Venture Smarter

1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service

Given that 3.1 million small businesses make up 99.8% of Florida businesses, as reported by the US Small Business Administration, using a professional service to handle your registered agent change is not just convenient but essential for those looking to focus on the core aspects of their business [2].

• Choose a professional service: Once you identify the professional service you want to use, sign up for an account on their website.
• Fill out the form: You'll then access a pre-populated Statement of Change of Registered Agent form that you can modify for your business. Please fill it out, sign it, and submit it.
• Submission: The professional service will file the registered agent paperwork with the Florida SOS and notify you of the approval.

2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online

You can change your registered agent for a business entity online. The process is managed by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

Here's a general outline of how to do it:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the Sunbiz website, which is the official website for the Florida Division of Corporations.
• Search for Your Business: Use the "Search Records" link to find your business entity by name or other identifying information.
• Select Your Business: Once you've found your business listing, select it to access the detailed information page.
• File a Change of Registered Agent: Look for an option to "Change Registered Agent" or "Update Registered Agent" on your business's information page. This option will typically lead you to an online form.
• Complete the Form: Fill out the required information, which will include the new registered agent's name and address. The new agent must consent to serve as the registered agent for your business.
• Pay Any Required Fee: The fee to change a registered agent in Florida is $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations. If you require a certified copy of the change, there is an additional $35 fee for LLCs, making the total $55 if you opt for this additional document​.
• Submission and Confirmation: After submission, you should receive a confirmation of your change request.

3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail or In-Person

You can mail your form or visit the SOS head office and drop your Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office in person.

Here's how to do it:

• Download the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent Form: First, access the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations website to download the necessary form for changing a registered agent [3].
• Fill Out the Form with Required Information:
  • Business entity number: Found on the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations website.
  • Business name: As registered with the State of Florida.
  • New registered agent's name: The individual or entity taking over the role.
  • Florida business address of the new agent: Must be a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) where the agent can be reached during normal business hours.
• Obtain Consent from the New Registered Agent: The form must be signed by the new registered agent, indicating their acceptance of the role and responsibilities. This is a crucial step to ensure legal compliance.
• Complete a Cover Sheet: Some forms require a cover sheet with your contact information, including name, address, and possibly an email or phone number for communication purposes.
• Attach the Filing Fee: The fee is $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations. If you require a certified copy of the document, an additional fee applies.
• Mail or Deliver Your Documents:
  • For Mail: Package your completed Statement of Change form, any additional required documents, and your filing fee (check or money order payable to the Florida Department of State) and send it to the Division of Corporations at the address
  • The Centre of Tallahassee
    2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
    Tallahassee, FL 32303
  • For In-Person Filings: You can take your documents and payment to the Division of Corporations' office.
  • Processing Time: While mail filings might take up to a week or more, in-person filings might be processed the same day if requested and applicable.

4. Changing Your Registered Agent by Annual Report

Alternatively, you can update the details of your new registered agent on your annual report during your online business filing.

• Initiate Annual Report Filing: Access the annual report filing section on the Sunbiz website using your business document number. The annual report is due by May 1st each year.
• Update Registered Agent Information: Within the annual report form, update your registered agent's name and physical Florida address. Ensure the new agent has consented to their appointment.
• Fill Out the Annual Report: Complete any additional required updates for your business in the report.
• Pay the Filing Fee: The fee is part of the annual report filing, with no additional charge for changing the registered agent. Fees vary by entity type; for example, $150 for LLCs and $138.75 for corporations.
• Submit and Confirm: After reviewing for accuracy, submit the report and fee online. Keep the submission confirmation for your records.

Related articles:

• How Long Does It Take To Start an LLC in Florida
• Top LLC Formation Services in Florida
• How to File LLC Taxes in Florida

Who Can Be A Florida Registered Agent?

Any individual or corporation can be a Florida registered agent if they meet the state's requirements for being one.

Here are the state's requirements for being a registered agent in Florida:

• Must have a Florida physical address
• Must be permitted to transact business in the state
• Must be authorized to handle legal documents
• Must be available throughout regular business hours to process service of process and legal notices
• Must be of legal age

FAQs

References:

1. https://casetext.com/statute/florida-statutes/title-xxxvi-business-organizations/chapter-605-florida-revised-limited-liability-company-act/section-6050113-registered-agent
2. https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-FL.pdf
3. https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/corporations/