What is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent (RA) is an individual or company that accepts mail, important documents, and notices on behalf of your business. When registering your LLC, you will need to appoint a registered agent who has a physical address in the state. All fifty U.S. states require a registered agent for your business entity. 

For example, an RA in the state of Florida, gives the state a physical person to send official state and legal documents. They are accountable for following all statutory requirements. An RA can be an individual who lives in the state, or, an entity that is authorized to conduct business in Florida. An RA ensures that your business maintains a reliable way of being contacted.

Statutory agent or resident agent are other common terms for a registered agent in some states. 

Does My Business Need a Registered Agent?

The short answer is... yes.

If you own an LLC or corporation in Florida, you must appoint a registered agent or use a registered agent service within the state. The Secretary of State will reject your business filing if there isn’t a registered agent appointed.

Business types that require an RA:

  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
  • Limited Partnerships (LP)
  • Limited Liability Partnerships

General partnerships and sole proprietorships do not need to appoint a registered agent, as they are not required to register these with the states.

What Does a Registered Agent Do for a Business?

The RA must accept the appointment in writing. In doing so, they accept responsibilities and/or obligations of service.

The RA must keep accurate records according to the Department of State requirements.

Registered agents must remain available during normal business hours to receive and sign for legal proceedings, wage garnishments, subpoenas for records, official state correspondence, and other business requests. They are also points of contact for government agencies to notify companies of delinquency or noncompliance with any laws or regulations.

They provide a physical address in the registered state and are listed in public records. P.O. boxes do not count as a physical address. For example, they are not able to use a UPS Store as their location. 

Having this service for your business will also ensure you remain compliant with state laws and regulations. Official notices will be received and not get lost in the shuffle of everyday mail.  RAs also track and notify you when annual reports are due to keep your business entity in compliance with the state of Florida.

Why Do I Need a Registered Agent?

Because registered agents follow all statutory requirements, they help your business avoid legal fines and headaches. Once your entity is registered with the state, it becomes a public record. Anyone who searches through entity databases can see who serves as the registered agent for your company. 

Your business may follow odd or irregular business hours. In this case, it’s best to choose a third party to act as your RA as they will be available to accept documents during normal business hours.

Maybe your business doesn’t have a physical address. Rather than having to list your home address, you can enlist a third-party RA. That way, the RA’s address will be listed in public records, protecting you from receiving junk and unwanted mail to your home.

Equity Doc Prep is here to help with your Florida Registered Agent needs. We are here to accept your business's important documents and notices on your behalf. We have a dedicated team waiting to assist.