To change your registered agent in the state of Florida, you’ll need to follow the specific guidelines provided by the state of Florida and file a “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” form with the Florida Department of State.
You can submit the form in three ways.
To change your registered agent in Florida there are three main options to take.
- Hire a professional service (the easiest way)
- Do it online
- Do it by mail or in-person
Tip: We recommend Northwest ($125/year) they can help you change your registered agent, and get the paperwork filed correctly.
1. Hire a Professional Registered Agent Service in Florida
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Florida can provide several benefits for businesses.
Here are some of the advantages for using a registered agent service:
1. Compliance and Legal Requirements: A registered agent service ensures that your business remains compliant with Florida state regulations. They have a deep understanding of the legal requirements and deadlines associated with maintaining a registered agent, helping you avoid penalties and potential legal issues.
2. Reliable and Consistent Service: Professional registered agent services have dedicated staff who are responsible for receiving and handling legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business. This ensures that important documents are promptly and securely delivered to you, providing peace of mind and minimizing the risk of missing crucial notifications.
3. Privacy and Confidentiality: When you designate a professional registered agent, their address is used as your business’s registered address. This helps maintain your privacy by keeping your personal or business address off public records. It can also help protect you from unsolicited mail or unwanted visitors at your place of business.
4. Flexibility and Convenience: A registered agent service allows you to focus on running your business instead of constantly monitoring and receiving legal documents. They provide a reliable point of contact for all official correspondence, freeing up your time and resources.
5. Out-of-State Representation: If your business operates in multiple states or is incorporated in Florida but operates elsewhere, a registered agent service can handle the requirements of being a registered agent in those other states. This ensures compliance with the respective state’s regulations, even if you’re not physically located there.
6. Professional Expertise: Registered agent services specialize in providing registered agent services and have expertise in handling legal documents and compliance matters. They can offer guidance on various business-related matters and may provide additional services like business entity formation, annual report filing, and other administrative tasks.
7. Business Continuity: If you change your business address or move out of state, having a professional registered agent ensures that your business will maintain a consistent point of contact. This helps prevent interruptions in receiving important documents and legal notices, allowing your business to continue operating smoothly.
It’s important to research and choose a reputable registered agent service provider that meets your specific business needs and operates within Florida state regulations.
2. Change Florida Registered Agent Online
To change a registered agent in the state of Florida online, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain the Form: The form you need to complete is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form RA-92). You can access this form online through the Florida Division of Corporations’ official website.
2. Visit the Website: Go to the Florida Division of Corporations’ website to access the form. The website link is: https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/
3. Search Business Entity: On the Florida Division of Corporations website, use the “Search” function to find your business entity. Enter the name of your business or your entity’s document number to locate your business in the database.
4. File Online: Once you have located your business entity, select the “File Documents Online” option to proceed with the filing process.
5. Log in/Create Account: If you already have an account, log in using your credentials. If not, create a new account on the website.
6. Select the Form: After logging in, select the “Forms” option from the menu and search for “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form RA-92).
7. Complete the Form: Fill out the form with the required information, including the name of the business entity, the current registered agent information, and the new registered agent information. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and up to date.
8. Pay Filing Fee: There is typically a filing fee associated with changing the registered agent. Follow the instructions on the website to make the required payment. The fee amount may vary, so check the current fee schedule provided on the website.
9. Submit the Form: Once you have completed the form and made the payment, submit the form electronically through the online filing system.
10. Confirmation and Updates: After submission, you will receive a confirmation of your filing. The Florida Division of Corporations will process your request and update the registered agent information for your business entity.
Remember to review the official Florida Division of Corporations website for the most up-to-date information and any specific requirements or procedures related to changing a registered agent.
3. Change Florida Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of Florida by mail, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain the Correct Form: The form you need to use to change your registered agent in Florida is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form RA-92). This form is provided by the Florida Department of State.
2. Access the Florida Department of State’s Website: Visit the website of the Florida Department of State, which is the official entity responsible for business filings in the state. The website can be accessed at: https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/
3. Locate the Form: On the Florida Department of State’s website, navigate to the section for forms or search for “Form RA-92.” Look for the form titled “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent.”
4. Download the Form: Once you locate the correct form, click on it to download it in PDF format. Save the form to your computer or device.
5. Complete the Form: Open the downloaded Form RA-92 and fill it out accurately and completely. Provide the necessary information, including your business entity name, document number, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and any other required details.
6. Print and Sign the Form: After completing the form, print it out and sign it. Make a copy of the form for your records.
7. Submit the Form by Mail: Mail the original completed and signed Form RA-92 to the following address:
Florida Department of State
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
8. Payment: Include the required filing fee with your submission. The current fee for filing the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” can be found on the Florida Department of State’s website. Payment can typically be made by check or money order payable to the Florida Department of State.
9. Confirmation and Updates: Once the Florida Department of State receives and processes your form, they will update the registered agent information in their records accordingly. You may receive confirmation of the filing by mail or email.
Please note that the specific steps and requirements may change over time, so it’s advisable to visit the official website of the Florida Department of State for the most up-to-date information and to ensure compliance with the current filing procedures.
Florida Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Florida involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Florida.
Conducting a thorough Florida LLC name search is crucial to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements and get your Florida entity name registered. Additionally, drafting a Florida LLC operating agreement is essential as it outlines the internal management structure and operational guidelines for your LLC.
While you have the option to be your own registered agent in Florida, many entrepreneurs opt to enlist the services of professional registered agents for their expertise and convenience. The length of time it takes to get an LLC in Florida can vary depending on various factors such as processing times and the complexity of your application.
Alongside the formation process, you’ll need to obtain a Florida Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. To streamline the process and ensure compliance, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the top-rated LLC services in Florida and the best registered agents in Florida, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider any required business licenses in Florida specific to your industry and location. Understanding the associated costs to form an LLC in Florida is crucial, as it includes filing fees and potentially additional expenses based on the services you require.
If you need information on getting a Florida resale certificate, we have that.
Lastly, if you ever need to change your Florida registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Florida, it’s important to follow the state’s dissolution procedures to conclude your business operations effectively.
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Florida?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Florida Department of State’s office to process the change of registered agent. This timeframe can vary depending on the volume of filings and other factors.
Can I be my own registered agent in the state of Florida?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Florida. Florida allows business entities to designate themselves as their own registered agent, as long as they meet the requirements set by the state.
When acting as your own registered agent, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Physical Address: You must have a physical street address in Florida where you can receive service of process and official correspondence. P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable.
- Availability: You must be available during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday) to accept legal documents and other important notifications on behalf of your business.
- Residency: If you are an individual acting as the registered agent for your business, you must be a resident of Florida.
By serving as your own registered agent, you take on the responsibility of promptly receiving and handling legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business.
Please note that requirements and regulations may change over time, so it’s advisable to verify the most up-to-date information on the Florida Department of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
