What Qualifications Does a Registered Process Server Need?
Ensuring that legal documents are delivered to the right parties is a critical step in the legal process, and as such, it’s crucial that process servers are qualified, trained, and certified to carry out their duties. In Florida, the requirements for becoming a registered/certified process server can vary depending on the county and the judicial circuit. Here, we delve into the specific qualifications needed in the areas covered by Accurate Serve® of Plantation, which includes Broward and Monroe counties, as well as in the 11th and 15th judicial circuits.
Broward County Requirements
In Broward County, the Sheriff’s office is responsible for approving all private process servers. According to their website, their requirements are as follows:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have no mental or legal disability
- Be a permanent resident of Florida
- File an application and pay the applicable fees
- Submit to a background investigation
- Obtain a certificate of good conduct
- Attend required training and pass a written examination
- Attend a swearing-in ceremony
New applicants must pay a $200 application fee and attend a 16-hour online training course provided by the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers (FAPPS). Renewal applicants pay a $150 fee and must attend a 4-hour online training course.
Monroe County Requirements
In Monroe County, the Sheriff’s office also approves all private process servers. The requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have no mental or legal disability
- Fill out a Special Process Server Appointment Agreement
- Pay a non-refundable sum of $100
- Submit to an FDLE background check
- Complete a yearly 1-day training session
- Obtain a $5,000 bond
11th and 15th Judicial Circuits
Miami-Dade County is part of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit, and Palm Beach County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit. Both circuits have similar requirements, including:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having no mental or legal disability
- Being a permanent resident of Florida
- Passing a background investigation
- Obtaining a certificate of good conduct
- Passing a written examination
- Taking an Oath of Office administered by a sitting judge
- Purchasing and renewing a $5,000 performance bond each year
There is a reciprocity agreement between the 11th and 15th circuits, allowing process servers certified in one circuit to work in the other, provided they complete the correct paperwork and pay the applicable fees.
Legal Framework
All process servers in Florida must adhere to Chapter 48 of the Florida Statutes, particularly Sections 48.25 48.31, known as the “Florida Certified Process Servers Act.” Additionally, they must comply with Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.070 and 1.080, and Florida Small Claims Rule 7.070.
Accurate Serve® is Your Southern Florida Process Service Solution
Becoming a registered/certified process server in Florida involves meeting a range of requirements that vary by county and judicial circuit. These qualifications ensure that process servers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and ethically.
If you’re in need of reliable process service, document retrieval, skip tracing, or diligent searches in Broward, Monroe, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties, Accurate Serve® is here to assist you. With offices in Plantation, Key West, Miami, and West Palm Beach, we are convenient to you no matter where you are in southern Florida. Contact us today at (954) 299-1552 or send us a work request online.