Starting October 1, 2025, important changes to Florida’s service of process laws take effect. These updates directly impact how and when service may be made on registered agents, and every litigation team should be aware of the new requirements.
At Ody Process, with over 30 years of experience in process serving, we’ve already built these changes into our procedures to keep cases moving smoothly for our attorney and paralegal partners.
Florida Service of Process Law Update – Key Changes Attorneys & Paralegals Must Know
1. New Registered Agent Office Hours
Registered agent offices must now be open during two separate time windows each weekday (excluding holidays):
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This ensures that process servers have both a morning and afternoon opportunity to complete service.
2. Flexibility When Serving Registered Agents
- If the registered agent is an individual and not present, service may be made on an employee at the office.
- If the registered agent is a business entity, process may be served on staff present at the office, or under the usual rules for serving an entity.
3. Service on Entities in Receivership
The law now clarifies that if a business, trust, or sole proprietorship is in receivership (but not dissolved), service may be made directly on the receiver.
4. Substituted Service via the Secretary of State
When substituted service is made through the Secretary of State:
- The summons must be issued in the name of the party, “c/o Secretary of State.”
- The Secretary of State is not a party to the lawsuit, and does not need to be served with subsequent filings.
5. Safe Harbor for Prior Service
The legislation provides a safe harbor validating service completed between January 2, 2023 and April 29, 2025 — as long as it complied with either version of
the law.
Why These Changes Matter
Even small technical missteps — such as attempting service outside the new windows, or incorrectly drafting a substituted summons — can result in motions to quash, leading to costly delays for clients and unnecessary risk for firms.
That’s why it’s critical for attorneys, paralegals, and docketing teams to update their checklists and internal protocols ahead of October 1.
Ody Process: Staying Ahead for Our Clients
As Florida’s trusted process serving partner for over three decades, Ody Process has already integrated these statutory changes into our operations. Our team monitors legislative updates, court rulings, and procedural shifts so our clients can stay focused on case strategy — not service issues.
If your firm would like guidance on adapting to these new requirements, or to ensure your service instructions are fully compliant, our team is ready to help.
Contact Ody Process
Phone: 866-377-9807
Website: www.odyprocess.com
Served with precision, backed by results.