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
- Changing your Florida registered agent entails filling out and submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form along with a cover letter with the Florida Department of State Registration Section, Division of Corporations.
- Limited liability company owners can change Florida registered agents by mail, in person, or through a professional service.
- It costs a state filing fee of $25 to change a registered agent for a Florida LLC and $35 for a Florida corporation.
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
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].
Alternatively, you can update the details of your new registered agent on your annual report during your online business filing.
The filing fees for this document vary depending on the existing business type. It costs $25 for limited liability companies to change registered agents and $35 for corporations.
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.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service
Using a professional service is a great and easy way to delegate the filing process to an expert. Once you identify the professional service you want to use, sign up for an account on their website.
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. 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
While you cannot file your Statement of Information for Change of Registered Agent form online, you can only update the details of the new registered agent on your Florida annual report.
You can file the Florida annual report online and update the new agent details if you're changing your registered agent when your annual report is due.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
The first thing to do for mail filing is to download the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online on the Florida Department of State website [2].
When filling out the Change of Agent form, you'll provide information including the following:
- Business entity number
- Business name
- New registered agent name
- Florida business address of the new agent
Note that the new registered agent must sign at the bottom of the page to indicate that they accept the role.
You'll also need to fill out a cover sheet with your details like name and address.
Once you complete the two documents, attach the filing fee and mail it to the Florida Corporations Division.
4. Changing Your Registered Agent In-person
You can visit the SOS head office and drop your Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office in person.
Once you download the online forms (cover letter and change of agent), complete them correctly and sign them. You can attach the filing fee as a check or money order or pay using cash or credit card.
Standard processing may take up to 1 week, but the good thing about in-person filings is that you can request same-day delivery while you wait at no extra expense.
Deliver your Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office form to this address:
The Centre of Tallahassee
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810
Tallahassee, FL 32303
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Change a Registered Agent in Florida?
It costs $25 to change a registered agent in Florida for an LLC and $35 for a corporation.
How Long Does It Take To Change a Registered Agent Service in Florida?
It takes around 7 business days to change a registered agent service in Florida. This is the standard processing time, but you can deliver the form in person and request same-day processing at no additional cost.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Florida?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Florida, provided you're of legal age, have a Florida business address, and are authorized to transact and handle legal papers.
Do You Want To Change Your Florida Registered Agent?
As a business owner in Florida, you may need to change your registered agent for one reason or another. While you can complete the amendment process independently, using a professional service might help you avoid making costly errors.
Here is a list of the best Florida registered agent services that can help you change your registered agent according to Florida state rules.
We recommend these registered agent services because they handle complicated filing while you focus on managing and growing your businesses.
In addition to filing your Change of Agent form, they offer comprehensive business filing and compliance services to keep your entity in the right standing.
References:
- https://casetext.com/statute/florida-statutes/title-xxxvi-business-organizations/chapter-605-florida-revised-limited-liability-company-act/section-6050113-registered-agent
- https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/corporations/
