What Qualifications Does A Registered Process Server Need?

Published January 15, 2023 | By accurateserve

If you know anything about process servers in Florida, you know that they all must be certified by the judicial circuit or local Sheriff governing the county where they plan to work. Here in Sarasota, process servers are certified by Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit, which covers Desoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. But what exactly does a person need to do to be certified as a process server in the 12th circuit? In this post, we’ll go over the exact requirements to work as a process server in Sarasota, Bradenton, and surrounding areas.

Process Server Requirements

According to Florida’s 2022 Statutes, Chapter 48, and an Administrative Order issued by the 12th Judicial Circuit, process servers must:

Submit an application and pay an application fee
Be 18 years old or older
Have no mental or legal disability
Be a permanent resident of Florida
Pass a background check
Submit a Certificate of Good Conduct
Submit three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a member of Florida’s State Bar
Pass a training course and examination
Post a $5,000 surety bond
Take an oath of office

If a person meets all these requirements, then their application will be reviewed and considered by the 12th Judicial Circuit. If approved, the person would then be able to serve process in the three counties covered by the circuit. Note: Serving process anywhere outside the three counties covered by the 12th circuit would require additional certification in those counties.

Certified Process Servers in Sarasota

For the best, highly-qualified process servers in Sarasota or Bradenton, look no further than Accurate Serve®. Our team is fully certified by Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit and ready to help you with all your process service, document retrieval, and skip trace needs. Give us a call at 941-586-7897 or send us a work request online to get started today.