Florida Statutes 617.0501 – Registered office and registered agent
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(1) Each corporation shall have and continuously maintain in this state:
(a) A registered office which may be the same as its principal office; and
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 617.0501
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- Department: means the Department of State. See Florida Statutes 617.01401
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.
- Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
- Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
- writing: includes handwriting, printing, typewriting, and all other methods and means of forming letters and characters upon paper, stone, wood, or other materials. See Florida Statutes 1.01
(b) A registered agent, who may be either:
1. An individual who resides in this state whose business office is identical with such registered office; or
2.a. Another domestic entity that is an authorized entity whose business address is identical to the address of the registered office; or
b. A foreign entity authorized to transact business in this state that is an authorized entity and whose business address is identical to the address of the registered office.
(2) This section does not apply to corporations which are required by law to designate the Chief Financial Officer as their attorney for the service of process.
(3) A registered agent appointed pursuant to this section or a successor registered agent appointed pursuant to s. 617.0502 on whom process may be served shall each file a statement in writing with the Department of State, in such form and manner as shall be prescribed by the department, accepting the appointment as a registered agent simultaneously with his or her being designated. Such statement of acceptance shall state that the registered agent is familiar with, and accepts, the obligations of that position.
(4) The Department of State shall maintain an accurate record of the registered agents and registered offices for the service of process and shall furnish any information disclosed thereby promptly upon request and payment of the required fee.
(5) A corporation may not prosecute or maintain any action in a court in this state until the corporation complies with this section or s. 617.1508, as applicable; pays to the Department of State any amounts required under this chapter; and, to the extent ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, pays to the Department of State a penalty of $5 for each day it has failed to so comply or $500, whichever is less.
(6) For the purposes of this section, the term “authorized entity” means:
(a) A corporation for profit;
(b) A limited liability company;
(c) A limited liability partnership; or
(d) A limited partnership, including a limited liability limited partnership.