How to Change Your Registered Agent in Florida: (Step-by-Step)
Whether you aim to enhance reliability and speed in handling legal documents or reduce costs while maximizing value, selecting the right registered agent in Florida is crucial.
Are you looking to expand your business across multiple states or access additional services seamlessly?
This guide will help you make that transition effortlessly.
- To change your registered agent in Florida, you must fill out and send a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
- You can mail it or take it in person. It costs $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations to file this form.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork for you and cover the state filing fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Florida
Step#1. Obtain the correct form: Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Florida is to obtain the correct form from the Florida Department of State. The form you need is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent.” You can find this form on the Florida Department of State’s website or request a copy by mail.
Here’s how the Florida Statement of Change for a registered agent looks like:
Step#2. Select a new Florida registered agent
The next step is to select a new Florida registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a resident of Florida or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida. You can hire a professional registered agent service or appoint an individual within your business to act as your registered agent.
A short time ago, I used Northwest Registered Agent services, and they managed all my LLC paperwork smoothly, making everything easy and stress-free.
Choose Northwest as your registered agent in Florida and let them manage the paperwork so you can focus on growing your business without any admin hassles.
Step#3. Notify the former registered agent
Once you select a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent of the change.
This can be done by sending a written notice to your former registered agent via certified mail, requesting a return receipt. You should also provide your former registered agent with a copy of the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form.
Step#4. Complete and deliver the form to the Division of Corporations via mail, fax, or in-person
After you have obtained the correct form and selected a new registered agent, you must complete the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form.
Be sure to provide all required information, including the name and address of your new registered agent. You can submit the completed form to the Division of Corporations via mail, fax, or person.
Step#5. Confirmation and Follow-Up
Once you have submitted the form, you will receive confirmation from the Division of Corporations that your registered agent has been changed. Following up is important to ensure the change has been processed correctly.
The Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form can be found on the Florida Department of State’s website under the “Forms” section. The form typically processes in 3-5 business days, and a filing fee of $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations is required.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Florida, it is important to carefully consider your options and choose a new agent that is reliable and trustworthy.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a new registered agent:
Types of Registered Agents
There are several types of registered agents to choose from, including individuals, professional service companies, and law firms. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
For example, an individual agent may be more affordable but not have the same expertise and resources as a professional service company or law firm.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional service company or law firm as your registered agent, there are several factors to consider.
These may include:
Reputation: Look for a company or law firm with a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Experience: Choose a company or law firm with experience working with businesses similar to yours.
Services Offered: Consider the range of services, such as mail forwarding, document scanning, and compliance assistance.
Cost: Compare the fees charged by different companies and law firms to find a provider that offers a good value for your money.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Florida LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option if you are looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent service for your Florida LLC.
Here are some reasons why you should choose Northwest as your Florida LLC registered agent:
They will file your Florida Statement of Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about the paperwork and can focus on running your business.
As your registered agent, Northwest does not wait for any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. This ensures that you are always up-to-date on any legal matters related to your business.
Northwest offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125, which is competitive.
They provide instant Florida forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Florida. This makes the filing process quick and easy.
Northwest also provides state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means that you can easily access the information you need to file your paperwork if you choose to do so.
Northwest sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures you never miss a deadline and stay compliant with Florida laws.
They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This ensures you receive important documents as soon as possible and can take action if necessary.
What does the State of Florida Say about changing a registered agent?
If you want to change your registered agent in Florida, you need to follow the guidelines set by the state.
The Florida Department of State is responsible for maintaining the records of all businesses registered in the state. Therefore, any changes to the registered agent must be filed with the Department of State.
According to Florida state law, a corporation or LLC can change its registered agent by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent with the Florida Department of State. The form must include the name of the corporation or LLC, the street address of its current registered office, and the name and street address of the new registered agent.
It’s important to note that the new registered agent must be authorized to conduct business in Florida and have a physical street address. A P.O. Box is not acceptable as a registered agent address.
Once the form is completed, it must be filed with the Florida Department of State and the appropriate filing fee.
Changing a registered agent in Florida costs $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.
After the form and fee have been submitted, the Department of State will update the records and send a confirmation to the new registered agent. It’s important to ensure that all relevant parties, including the old registered agent, are notified of the change on time.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in FL can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps.
Here is a summary of what you need to take to change your registered agent in Florida:
- Obtain the correct form: Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent
- Select a new Florida registered agent
- Notify the former registered agent
- Complete and deliver the form to the Division of Corporations via mail, fax, or in-person.
- Confirmation and Follow-Up
Obtain the correct form for your business type and fill it out accurately. When selecting a new Florida registered agent, ensure they meet the state’s criteria and are willing to serve in this capacity. Notify your former registered agent of the change.
After completing the form, you can submit it to the Division of Corporations by mail, fax, or in person. Make sure to follow up and confirm that the change has been processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Florida?
You must file a Statement of Change with the Florida Department of State to change your registered agent in Florida. This form must include your company’s name, document number, and the change date. You must also provide the name and address of your new registered agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Florida?
To update your registered agent information in Florida, you must file a Statement of Change with the Florida Department of State. This form can be filed online or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in Florida, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Florida as long as you meet the following requirements: you must be a Florida resident or have a Florida street address, you must be available during business hours to receive legal documents and notices, and you must have a physical address in Florida where you can be served with legal process.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Florida?
Changing a registered agent in Florida costs $25 for LLCs and $35 for corporations. If you require a certified copy of the change, LLCs pay an additional $35, for a total of $55 if you opt for this additional document. Get it all done by hiring Northwest.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Florida Secretary of State?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online with the Florida Secretary of State and file your Statement of Change online through the department’s website.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Florida?
Yes, restrictions exist on who can serve as a registered agent in Florida. The registered agent must have a physical address in Florida and be available during business hours to receive legal documents and notices. Additionally, the registered agent cannot be the same as the company’s mailing address.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Florida?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in Florida varies depending on the method of filing. If you file online, the processing time can be as little as 24 hours. If you file by mail, processing can take 5-7 business days.
How do I contact the Florida Secretary of State?
You can contact the Florida Secretary of State by phone at (850) 245-6500 or by email at corphelp@dos.state.fl.us. For more information and resources, visit their website at http://www.sunbiz.org/.
Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you buy via links on our website. Commissions don’t affect our opinions or evaluations. We’re also an independent affiliate of many platforms, including ClickFunnels, Kartra, GoHighLevel, Podia, Northwest Registered Agent, and others. We’re not employees of these services. We receive referral payments from them, and the opinions expressed here are our own and are not official statements of these companies.
