PLEASE ADVISE ALL PLAINTIFFS, ATTORNEYS AND STAFF REGARDING THIS CHANGE !!!
As a statutory Registered Agent for service of process to insurance companies, our office will only serve the initial process (Summons and Complaint or Subpoena). We are not responsible for transmittal of any pre-suit notices or correspondence, nor any subsequent filings, pleadings, and documents following the initial service, unless ordered by the Court pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080. The Notice of Service also provides this disclaimer. Documents received after the initial service will not be forwarded to the insurers nor returned to the sender.
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
WHEN SERVING AN INSURANCE COMPANY
Pursuant to section 48.151(1), FS, all authorized insurers (insurance companies) registered to do business in the State of Florida are required to designate the Chief Financial Officer of Florida as their Statutory Registered Agent for Service of Process. These processes (Summons & Complaint or Subpoenas) may be delivered to the Department by personal service or mail (section 624.422, FS, allows delivery of the “process” by mail or in person, but cannot be emailed or sent to the Department through the statewide e-portal).
When serving Insurance Companies you must provide the following paper documents to our office:
- 2 exact paper copies of the summons bearing the Case # and court validation;
- 1 paper copy of every piece of paper to be served (Complaint, exhibits, discovery, etc.); and
- A $15.00 check or money order payable to “Department of Financial Services” or “Chief Financial Officer,” pursuant to section 624.502, FS.
Make certain that the attorney’s name & address are correct and clearly visible on the documents. The proof of service will be returned to the attorney’s address as printed on the summons or subpoena. You may wish to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to expedite return of service.
The command line of the summons and the mailing label should read:
| TO:
Name of Insurance Company |
or
Name of Insurance Company |
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Please review all documents to determine the correct legal name of the underwriting company. This should appear on the declaration page of the insurance policy. For example, there are several “State Farm” companies registered in Florida, but State Farm and State Farm Insurance Company or Companies are not legal names for any insurers in Florida and thus cannot be served through our agency. We are not required to act as registered agent for insurance agencies or insurance groups. If you are unsure as to the correct name, you may check with the Secretary of State-Division of Corporations at (850) 487-6053 or website http://ccfcorp.dos.state.fl.us/.
We welcome a call for assistance at (850)413-4200 or check our website at http://myfloridacfo.comto search for an insurer’s name.
SERVICE OF PROCESS • DIVISION OF LEGAL SERVICE
200 EAST GAINES STREET• TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0307 • 850-413-4200 • TELECOPIER 850-922-2544
