Reality vs. Fiction: What Does a Real Process Server Do?
There’s a lot of confusion out there about exactly what a process server does. When process servers are portrayed in movies and TV shows, they’re always dressed in disguises and sneaking around, trying to trick an unsuspecting victim into admitting their identity. Once they’ve done so, the process server declares, “You’ve been served!” and quickly clears the scene. But is this really how process servers behave? In this post, we’ll separate reality from fiction when it comes to what process servers are allowed to do.
Fiction: Process servers get to wear disguises to trick people
Reality: Process servers are held to strict ethical standards that include many rules for their conduct or behavior.
In addition to not being dishonest, process servers are specifically mandated in Florida not to be deceitful about their identity while working. Furthermore, wearing impersonating certain other professionals such as police officers or public officials is expressly forbidden. So no, you won’t find any reputable process servers running around with empty pizza boxes…that’s for the movies only.
Fiction: Process servers can commit petty crimes to find who they’re looking for
Reality: Process servers must follow all the same laws as any other citizen, even while they are working.
This means they are not allowed to trespass, break and enter, communicate threats, commit assault, or do any other criminal activity. Not only is it not allowed, but if a process server is caught doing any of these things, they could be banned from serving process in the state of Florida permanently.
Fiction: Anyone can serve process
Reality: Florida is very strict about who can and cannot serve process because it is such a vital function of the legal system.
Private Process servers must be certified or otherwise approved to serve process legally. In Broward and Monroe counties, this certification is done by the county sheriff’s office, while in Miami-Dade County, Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit takes care of process server certification. So not only does a server need to have the proper credentials to work in Florida, they must also be sure they’re approved to work in the specific county where they are attempting to serve process. Being certified in Broward County doesn’t allow a server to work in Monroe County and vice versa.
Process Servers in Southern Florida
If you need a reputable process server in Plantation, Miami, or the Keys, Accurate Serve has exactly what you’re looking for. Our team has the proper certification and/or approvals to get your case’s process served, no matter where it needs to go. Contact us at (954) 299-1552 or send us a work request online to get started today.