What is a Registered Agent?
Florida law requires that an LLC have a registered agent to receive certain communications on behalf of the business. Registered agents are responsible for being the official designated recipient for legal documents such as service of the process, governmental entity notices, Secretary of State communications, notices of lawsuits, and other essential communications.
When is a Registered Agent Designated?
An LLC registered agent is typically designated when a Florida LLC files its Articles of Incorporation and other required documents. Therefore, it’s important to consider who you want to serve in this role before taking steps to establish a Florida LLC.
Who Usually Serves as a Registered Agent?
Registered agents are sometimes LLC members. However, the designated agent may also be a company that provides registered agent services. Anyone can be a registered agent if they have an address in Florida.
Why Does an LLC Need a Registered Agent?
A Florida LLC is considered to be a distinct legal entity. This type of business structure is required to have a registered agent so that it may operate and interact in an efficient and organized manner. By having a registered agent, governmental entities and other parties will have a central designated person or company where official correspondence can be sent.
In addition, registered agents are there to:
- Receive tax and legal documents on behalf of the company.
- Be the main point of contact for the LLC
- Serve as a presence for the LLC in the state. T
- Be responsible for notifying the LLC of annual reports and other required filings.
Should I be the Registered Agent for My LLC?
LLC registered agents can be an individual such as a member or manager of the company. They may also be an outside person. However, when an LLC chooses an individual, the person will usually be someone connected to the organization.
Often an LLC that chooses to have an individual as its registered agent will choose someone with a stake in the enterprise. Single-owner LLCs may choose to self-designate themselves as registered agent for the organization.
Should I be the Registered Agent for my LLC?
If you are considering being a registered agent for your LLC, you will want to be sure you are equipped to receive and manage important documents and correspondence at a Florida physical address. This usually means being set up and available to accept mail and official documents during regular business hours. If you are considering being a registered agent for your LLC, it’s important to know that your name and address will be a matter of public record. If your LLC hires a professional service to serve as your registered agent, the organization will have to pay for the service. However, there can be benefits to this arrangement. For instance, those wanting privacy can avoid public disclosure. Further, this type of service provides a presence in the state and can help keep correspondence organized for the LLC.
Contact an Experienced Florida Business Attorney
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Legal Center assists clients like you with commercial leasing, business, and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.