Best Florida Registered Agent Services For Your Business


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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The Best Florida Registered Agent Services

Best Registered Agent Services in Florida: When starting an LLC in Florida, one of the essential requirements is designating Registered Agent. Registered Agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving important legal and government notices for your business. This includes tax notifications, lawsuit filings, and compliance-related correspondence. 

In this comprehensive guide, Webinarcare Editorial Team will explore the importance of Florida Registered Agent Services, how to choose the best service for your business, and the top registered agent services to consider. Please read all the points carefully before starting your business in Florida.

What are Registered Agent Services?

Registered Agent Service is a professional third-party service that acts as a business or corporation’s official point of contact. It is responsible for receiving and forwarding important legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders, on behalf of the business. In many jurisdictions, this service is required by law to ensure businesses have a designated representative available during regular business hours to receive crucial communications.

In Florida, Registered Agent Services are often used by businesses that do not have a physical presence in a particular state or country or prefer to maintain privacy in their official records. If you have already started or are planning to form your Florida LLC, you must appoint Registered Agent. We reviewed some of the Best Registered Agent Services and provided features as an add-on with their packages.

LLC Service

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#1 Recommendation

$299 Per Year

  • Free LLC Formation

  • RA service in all states

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$125 Per Year

  • Flat price for RA service

  • LLC formation package

  • Fast service

The main responsibilities of a Registered Agent include:

  • Receiving legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, and other official correspondence from the state or federal government. Filing for Florida Articles of Organization and Articles of Incorporation in the Florida Secretary of State is one of their main responsibilities.
  • Ensuring these documents are promptly delivered to the appropriate individuals within the company.
  • Maintaining a physical address within the registered business’s state, the registered office.
  • They were available during regular business hours to accept service of process and other official communications.

Top 5 Registered Agent Services in Florida

The top 5 best Registered Agent Service list is mentioned below. Now, you will read everything about these companies, their pros & cons, pricing, and whether you should use them. Here is the breakdown of the best Florida Service companies. 

1. LegalZoom

new legalzoom logo

LegalZoom is a well-known legal services provider that also offers registered agent services. Their registered agent service costs $299 annually, with discounts available for multi-year plans.

legalzoom registered agent

Pros 👍

  • A reputable and well-established company
  • Comprehensive legal services beyond registered agent services
  • Discounts for multiple years of service

Cons 👎

  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors

To understand why LegalZoom is our top 1, check out Webinarcare Editorial Team’s LegalZoom Review.

2. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a reputable registered agent service known for its commitment to privacy and personalized customer support. They offer registered agent services in all 50 states, with a flat annual fee of $125 per state.

nwra

Pros 👍

  • Personalized customer service
  • Focus on privacy and security
  • Straightforward pricing

Cons 👎

  • No bundled discounts for multiple states

Northwest Registered Agent is a top choice for those seeking reliable and professional registered agent services. Read more about the company here in Northwest Registered Agent Review

3. ZenBusiness

zenbusiness

ZenBusiness is a popular business formation service that also offers registered agent services. Their registered agent service is included in their LLC formation packages, which start at $0 plus state fees. The standalone registered agent service costs $99 per year.

zenbusiness registered agent

Pros 👍

  • Affordable pricing
  • Comprehensive business formation services
  • Positive customer reviews

Cons 👎

  • Less competitive for standalone registered agent service

Webinarcare Editorial Team selects ZenBusiness service through thorough research and market study. You must cross-check all the factors or read ZenBusiness Review before choosing the right one for your Florida business.

4. BetterLegal

better legal

BetterLegal‘s registered agent service costs $10 per month, billed annually for $90 per year. Additionally, BetterLegal offers a 14-day free trial for their registered agent service.

better legal registered agent

Pros 👍

  • Affordable cost
  • Secure online document management system
  • Compliance reminders to prevent missed deadlines
  • Convenient change of address service

Cons 👎

  • No physical mail

BetterLegal is a solid choice if you’re looking for an efficient, user-friendly registered agent service tailored for small businesses. However, you can check out other Best Registered Agent Services.

5. Inc Authority

inc authority

IncAuthority is an online incorporation services provider that offers registered agent services as part of their LLC formation packages. As a registered agent, IncAuthority acts as a point of contact between the business and the state, receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of the business. Inc Authority offers a free business formation service, with customers only paying state fees. However, their registered agent services come at an additional $99 per year, separate from the formation package.

IncAuthority’s registered agent service includes:

  • Receipt and forwarding of official documents and legal correspondence from the state
  • Compliance reminders to make sure you don’t miss important filings
  • Dedicated support and assistance for your business
inc authority registered agent

Pros 👍

  • Compliance with state filing regulations
  • Enhanced privacy
  • Convenience
  • Business continuity

Cons 👎

  • Costly
  • Limited control and availability
  • Risk of lost or delayed communication

How to Choose the Best Registered Agent Service

When selecting a Registered Agent service for your business, consider the following factors:

  • Experience and Reputation: Look for a Registered Agent service with a proven track record and positive customer reviews. Experience and reputation are crucial indicators of the quality of service you can expect.
  • State Coverage: Ensure that your chosen Registered Agent service can provide coverage in the state where your business is registered and any additional states where you may plan to expand.
  • Pricing and Features: Compare the pricing and features of various Registered Agent services to determine the best value for your needs. Be cautious of services with hidden fees or overly complicated pricing structures.
  • Customer Support: Choose a Registered Agent service that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support. The ability to easily contact your registered agent and receive prompt assistance is essential during time-sensitive legal matters.

Why You Need a Professional Registered Agent Service

Although a business owner or a company employee can act as a Registered Agent, there are numerous benefits to hiring a professional Registered Agent service.

Privacy: Registered Agent’s address is a matter of public record. By hiring a professional Registered Agent service, you can maintain privacy and protect your personal or business address from being listed publicly.

Compliance: A professional Registered Agent service is well-versed in state requirements and can help ensure your business complies with its registered agent obligations.

In Florida, before filing Florida Corporation or an LLC, you are required to hire a Registered Agent. Registered Agent will ensure to file the necessary paperwork and file the taxes for your Florida LLC.

Also, in Florida, the Registered Agent should file for an LLC which costs around $125 and is payable to GA Secretary of State. The Registered Agent should also be aware that the reporting fee should be paid every 1 year (between 1st January and 1st May).

Availability: Professional Registered Agent services guarantee availability during regular business hours, ensuring that your business never misses important legal or governmental notices.

Peace of mind: By outsourcing the Registered Agent role to a professional service, you can focus on managing and growing your business, knowing that experts handle this critical aspect of compliance.

Requirements in Becoming a Registered Agent

The requirements to become a Registered Agent may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Physical Address: Registered Agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box or virtual address) in Florida  where the business is registered. 
  • Availability: The Registered Agent must be available at the registered office during regular business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) to receive and sign for important documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders.
  • Age and Legal Status: In Florida, a Registered Agent must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state where the business is registered.
  • Good Standing: Registered Agent should be in good standing in Florida and not have any outstanding legal or regulatory issues that could prevent them from effectively serving as aRegistered Agent.
  • Consent: The Registered Agent must consent to act in this capacity for the business. This is typically done by signing a consent form or including their signature on the business entity’s formation documents.

When is hiring a Registered Agent service a good idea?

You might want to think about using a Registered Agent service if you regularly travel, operate your business remotely, don’t work from a single place during business hours, or don’t want to have your home address appear on public records. Registered Agent service is a fantastic choice if you want the assurance that your government, tax, and legal mail will be received by a third party and forwarded to you promptly.

Do I need a Registered Agent?

Yes, you typically need a Registered Agent if you are forming Florida S-corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other types of business entities in Florida. Registered Agent is required by law to receive important legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders on behalf of your business.

The Registered Agent must have a physical address in Florida where your business is registered and be available during regular business hours to receive these documents. This ensures that the government and other parties have a reliable way to contact your business for legal matters.

You generally do not need a Registered Agent if you are a sole proprietor or operating under Florida DBA without forming a separate legal entity. However, checking Florida’s specific requirements and regulations is important to ensure compliance.

Can Registered Agent have a virtual address?

Registered Agent generally cannot have a virtual address because they are required to have a physical address in Florida, also known as the registered office. It must be a street address, not a P.O. Box or mail-forwarding service.

This requirement is to ensure a reliable and accessible location where the Registered Agent can receive crucial legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders, on behalf of your business during regular business hours.

Consider using a virtual address for your Florida business operations. You may still need to hire Registered Agent service with a physical address in the registration state to fulfill the legal requirements. This service will act as your official point of contact for legal and governmental correspondence and forward any relevant documents to your virtual address or preferred contact method.

FAQs

What is a registered agent in Florida?
A registered agent in Florida is a person or entity appointed by a business entity to receive official legal and tax correspondence.
Does my Florida business need a registered agent?
Yes, Florida law requires every business entity to designate a registered agent.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Florida?
Yes, as long as you have a physical Florida address where legal notification can be served during normal business hours.
Can a registered agent in Florida be a foreign entity?
Yes, an out-of-state business can serve as a registered agent as long as they are registered to do business in Florida.
Can a PO box be used as a registered agent address in Florida?
No, the registered agent must have a physical street address where legal documents can be served during normal business hours.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional registered agent in Florida?
Professional registered agents in Florida offer greater convenience, privacy, reliability, and compliance assurance.
What happens if my Florida registered agent resigns?
If your registered agent resigns, you must quickly designate a new agent to avoid legal and tax compliance issues.
Can I change my Florida registered agent?
Yes, you can change your registered agent by filing the appropriate form with the Florida Secretary of State.
Can a registered agent provide additional services, such as mail forwarding or document scanning?
Yes, some registered agents offer additional value-added services to their clients.
What is the cost of hiring a Florida registered agent?
The cost of hiring a Florida registered agent varies from company to company, but typically ranges from $50 to $300 per year.
How do I choose the best registered agent for my Florida business?
The best-registered agent for a Florida business is one that offers reliable, affordable, and comprehensive services tailored to the specific needs of the business.
What is the typical term of a Florida registered agent contract?
The typical term of a Florida registered agent contract is one year, with an option to renew.
Can a Florida registered agent be held liable for mistakes or errors?
Yes, a Florida registered agent can be held liable for mistakes that result in the loss or harm of the client’s legal or tax status.
What happens if my Florida registered agent fails to forward my company’s official documents in a timely manner?
If your Florida registered agent fails to forward the official documents in a timely manner, it may put your company in legal and tax problems.
Is it necessary for a foreign entity to have a registered agent in Florida?
Yes, if you operate in Florida as an out-of-state business or a non-U.S. entity, you need a registered agent to comply with Florida law.
Can I act as my Florida LLC’s registered agent, or must it be a third party?
Yes, as the LLC member, you can act as the registered agent for the company, provided you have a physical Florida address.
Can a Florida registered agent refuse to serve as my company’s agent?
Yes, a Florida registered agent can refuse to serve if they deem the services requested by your company unethical, illegal, or harmful to their reputation.
What if my Florida company does not receive critical legal notifications due to the registered agent’s failure?
Failure to receive critical legal or tax notifications timely may jeopardize your business status, and both the registered agent and the company may be held liable.
Will my registered agent in Florida safeguard-my business information accordingly to guarantee corporate secrecy?
Yes, your Florida registered agent will keep your confidential information safe from third-party interests and in conformation with Florida state data policies.
Can I cancel my existing registered agent services, replace my agent with a no-cost group state-appointed one – then, reappoint a private or corporate agent later?
Yes, Florida business owners can change agents as many times as they like. State-appointed RA services don’t cost extra.
Does a uniform RA agreement exist under Florida law that standardizes all agreements, fees, and stipulations?
No, Florida state law doesn’t validate Universal Registered Agent forms, including one agreed to in another state.
Can I legally use a Florida-based C corporation as Our Company’s RA, assuming that My Corp is in good standing in the eyes of the Secretary of State?
Yes, as permissible under Florida’s statutes, a Corp registered within the state of Florida may serve as your company’s registered agent.
Can’t I merely conduct business service outside my Florida address and ignore sourcing a registered agent?
No, it is required under Florida legal code Law to have a registered agent domiciled in-state and who can accept official correspondence on behalf of your company.
Do I have to notify anyone once I select a new business services eligible RA?
Yes, once you’ve selected a Florida registered agent, you’ll need to legibly record such in any updated filings mailed out to Florida’s Secretary of State’s office.
Can other state-raised entities function as Florida resident agents?
Yes, any business incorporated in the United States may nominate the services of any Florida registered agent DC rather than seek out FL ones.
Will my registered agent guide me in filing additional filings and provide legal assistance or only submission legal documentation?
No, registered agents aren’t attorneys and may not offer legal, personal advisory services regarding unique contexts or statutory compliance.
Can a company acting as its own registered agent in Florida present their PO box as address-withstanding , or must it be a physical business structure?
Yes, under FL law only a non-owner, full-time employee or service provider can function as the registered agent, and a physical address is mandatory.
Can Florida execute personal services upon or conduct legal processes involving unregistered entities performed by Florida citizens or businesses?
Yes, Consequence to slating a out-of-state registered office during in legal proceedings, companies conducting business in the state may face amplified difficulties when being served by due court appearances.
What is a Registered Agent in Florida?
A Registered Agent in Florida is the person or entity designated to receive legal communications and important documents for a business.
Who can be a Registered Agent in Florida?
A Registered Agent in Florida must be a resident of Florida or a corporation authorized to do business in Florida.
Is a Registered Agent required in Florida?
Yes, by law, all corporations and LLCs doing business in Florida must have a Registered Agent.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional Registered Agent in Florida?
A professional Registered Agent in Florida ensures reliable and secure communications, helps maintain privacy, and helps businesses meet legal requirements.
Can I be my own Registered Agent in Florida?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent, but it is recommended to hire a professional Registered Agent in Florida for better efficiency and reliability.
How much do Registered Agent services cost in Florida?
The cost of Registered Agent services in Florida varies from provider to provider, with an average cost ranging from $50 to $300 per year.
What are the basic duties of a Registered Agent in Florida?
The basic duties of a Registered Agent in Florida includes receiving and forwarding official legal and other documents for the business, maintaining communication as needed, providing timely updates, and maintaining legal compliance.
Can a Registered Agent service in Florida also provide mail forwarding services?
Yes, many Registered Agent services in Florida also provide mail forwarding services.
Can a Registered Agent refuse to accept a document in Florida?
A Registered Agent in Florida can refuse to accept a legal document if the document is not related to the business or if the Registered Agent is closed or out of service.
How quickly will a Registered Agent forward documents in Florida?
A Registered Agent in Florida must forward documents to your business entity promptly upon receipt—within a few hours or the same day.
Is a physical address required for a Registered Agent in Florida?
Yes, a physical street address is required to be provided as the Registered Agent address in Florida.
Can I change my Registered Agent in Florida?
Yes, businesses can change their Registered Agent in Florida through proper filing and notification of the state.
If I move my Florida business to another state, do I have to get a new Registered Agent?
Yes, if you relocate your Florida business to another state, you will need to hire a new Registered Agent in that state.
Are there any additional fees for using a Registered Agent in Florida?
Some Registered Agent services in Florida do charge a fee for additional services such as mail forwarding, compliance assistance, or annual report filing.
Can I use a friend or family member as my Florida Registered Agent?
Yes, if they meet the residency or corporation requirements. However, choosing a professional Registered Agent in Florida is highly recommended.
What should I consider when choosing a Registered Agent in Florida?
You should consider factors such as reputation, experience, communication reliability, and location when choosing a Registered Agent in Florida.
How can I find a reputable Registered Agent in Florida?
You can find Florida Registered Agent services online or through referrals from business associates, attorneys, or accountants.
Are Registered Agents in Florida required to notify businesses of received documents immediately?
Yes, Registered Agents in Florida must notify businesses of received documents promptly—within a few hours or the same day.
What happens if my Registered Agent in Florida doesn’t forward my documents within the appropriate time frame?
If your Registered Agent in Florida neglects their duties or fails to inform you of received documents in a timely manner, your business can suffer legal repercussions.
Is a Florida Registered Agent responsible for maintaining my business’s good standing?
No, a Florida Registered Agent is not responsible for maintaining your business’s good standing, but some Registered Agent services in Florida do offer compliance assistance.
Can I use a PO Box as my Registered Agent’s address in Florida?
No, a PO Box cannot be used as the Registered Agent’s address in Florida as it needs to be a physical street address.
How can I verify my Registered Agent’s authenticity in Florida?
You can verify a Registered Agent in Florida easily by using the state’s business registration database or online search tools.
Can I appoint multiple Registered Agents for my Florida business?
No, you can only appoint one Registered Agent per business in Florida.
Can I switch my Florida Registered Agent myself or does my current Registered Agent need to handle it?
You can switch your Florida Registered Agent yourself by filing the relevant paperwork, but some Registered Agents do offer to handle the process as part of their services.
Is a Copyright or Trademark Agent the same as a Registered Agent in Florida?
No, a Copyright or Trademark Agent is not the same as a Registered Agent in Florida. They serve different legal functions.
What is the process for changing a Registered Agent in Florida?
The process for changing your Florida Registered Agent involves completing and submitting a change of Registered Agent form with the state and providing notice to your current Registered Agent.
Can I change my Registered Agent address in Florida without changing my business’s address?
Yes, you can change your Registered Agent address in Florida without changing your business’s address.
How much notice is required to change a Florida Registered Agent?
Florida law only requires reasonable notice to change your Registered Agent, and the notice period may be specified in your current Registered Agent’s terms of service.

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Conclusion

Selecting the right Registered Agent service is crucial for ensuring your Florida business remains compliant with Florida requirements and promptly receives important legal and government notices. By carefully considering your needs, comparing options, and evaluating customer support and additional services, you can choose the best Registered Agent service for your Florida business.

By entrusting this critical aspect of compliance to a professional Registered Agent service, you can focus on growing your business with the confidence that your legal and regulatory requirements are in good hands.

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