Service of process in Florida
In Florida, original process is served by the sheriff of the county where the person is found, or by a process server who is either appointed as a special process server by the sheriff under section 48.031 or certified by the chief judge of the judicial circuit under section 48.27. Service is generally made by delivering copies to the person, or by leaving them at the usual place of abode with a resident 15 or older. Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.070(j), initial process is to be served within 120 days after the complaint is filed.
ProcessServerState provides procedural-information-only summaries of state process-server rules. This is not legal advice. Service of process is a critical step in litigation — if you fail to serve correctly, your case can be dismissed. For complex or contested matters, consult a licensed attorney or a court self-help center. Not affiliated with any court or sheriff's office.
Is a license required in Florida?
Authority: Sheriff of each county (special process servers, § 48.031) and the chief judge of each judicial circuit (certified process servers, § 48.27)
Private servers must be appointed as a special process server by a county sheriff or certified by the chief judge of a judicial circuit; appointment is generally limited to the appointing county/circuit.
Who may serve process in Florida?
- County sheriff
- Licensed / registered process server
Service deadline (Florida)
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070(j): initial process served within 120 days of filing; failure results in dismissal without prejudice absent good cause or excusable neglect.
UIDDA: Florida has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act for interstate service.
Sheriff / Marshal civil-process route
Civil-process fees are set by each county and listed on the local sheriff's civil-process page. Not all counties publish a fee schedule — confirm with the county where service will be made.
Statute / Rule citation
Fla. Stat. § 48.031 (service generally); § 48.27 (certified process servers)
UIDDA: Fla. Stat. § 92.251 (eff. July 1, 2019)
Interstate service from Florida
Florida has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), which provides a streamlined process for issuing an out-of-state subpoena based on one issued in the trial state. Service of an initial summons across state lines follows the receiving state's rules.
Sources for Florida
Other states with licensing requirements
Check a different state
Verified against Florida primary sources on June 16, 2026. Read how we verify on our methodology page, or browse every citation in the source manifest.
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ProcessServerState provides procedural-information-only summaries of state process-server rules. This is not legal advice. Service of process is a critical step in litigation — if you fail to serve correctly, your case can be dismissed. For complex or contested matters, consult a licensed attorney or a court self-help center. Not affiliated with any court or sheriff's office.