Registered agent in Florida: what it is and why your company needs one

The registered agent (also called statutory agent) is your company’s official contact with the State of Florida. Legal notices (service of process), summonses, and Department of State communications are sent to them. Without a valid registered agent, a company cannot be registered or kept active.

What the registered agent does

• Receives lawsuits and legal notices on behalf of the company.
• Receives official State communications, including Annual Report reminders.
• Keeps the company from missing important deadlines for lack of contact.

Requirements in Florida

• Have a physical Florida address (street, not a PO box) — the registered office.
• Be available during business hours to receive documents in person.
• Can be an individual (adult Florida resident) or a company authorized to act as an agent.

Where it appears

The registered agent and their address are part of the company’s public record on Sunbiz and are confirmed with every Annual Report. If you change agent or address, you must update it — including on the annual report.