How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Florida?
You can change your registered agent in Florida by filling out a “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both” form with the Florida Department of State.
We’ll help you navigate the necessary steps to complete the paperwork.
If you're using a registered agent service, they'll take care of everything.
Recommended: Northwest ($125/year) will help you file your change of registered agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Florida Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing registered agent services, your agent has resigned, or you want to be your own agent, you can follow the steps below to update state records.
Changing Your Registered Agent When Using a Professional Service
If you are hiring a new service, they will file the necessary paperwork for you.
The benefits of using a professional service are:
- Less Risk: A professional service will ensure that you don’t miss important legal documents or notifications (e.g., service of process, etc.).
- More Flexibility: A service will always be present to receive service of process during normal business hours so that you don’t have to be.
- Privacy: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record. Using a service will help keep your information private. You’ll also avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents in front of your clients.
- Peace of mind: Using a service allows you to focus on running and growing your business.
Let’s Find the Right Registered Agent for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
You can complete and submit a “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both” form by mail. There are different forms for different business structure types:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Corporation
- Limited Partnership (LP) and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
The steps for this filing process include:
- Download the correct form for your business
- Fill out the cover sheet and form and obtain a signature from your new registered agent consenting to the appointment
- Submit the form and payment
After your new agent signs the completed form, mail it along with the payment to:
LLC, LP, and LLP:
Registration Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Corporation and Nonprofit:
Amendment Section
Division of Corporations
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Fee: $25 for LLCs, $35 for corporations, LPs, and LLPs
You can pay this fee via check. For full instructions, read the change form.
Once you submit your form, you can check the Florida Department of State website for processing times.
Changing Your Registered Agent Online
There is no option to change your Florida registered agent online. Instead, you will need to file a paper form and pay a fee. This process can be time-consuming for businesses looking to quickly update their information.
It’s important to note that failure to maintain a current agent can result in consequences for your business. In addition to being non-compliant with state regulations, missing important legal documents could negatively impact your operations or even lead to legal action against your company.
A better option may be to have your new registered agent service handle the filing and payment for you.
Other Options
If you’re close to the deadline to file your business’s Florida annual report, you may update your registered agent information on this report.
Another option is to file Florida Articles of Amendment for your organization or incorporation documents. To do this, complete and file the following forms with the Florida Department of State:
FAQs
There is no additional cost to change your Florida registered agent when filing a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. The document must be filed periodically, with a filing fee of $25 for corporations and $20 for both LLCs and nonprofits.
If you need to change your registered agent outside of the regular filing period and file a separate Statement of Information, there is no fee.
Generally, yes. Pursuant to Florida Statutes 617.0501, you can be your own agent if you have a physical address in Florida, agree to accept service of process during normal business hours, and are 18 years of age or older.
You cannot change your Florida registered agent online. You can only submit by mail.