Best Registered Agent Services in Florida
If you have opted for an external registered agent service, researching and choosing one can be a time-consuming process. We have done the research for you in the hopes of saving you valuable time. Here is our list of the best LLC service providers in the state of Florida:
- Best Overall: ZenBusiness
- Best Customer Service: Inc Authority
- Best for Experienced Business Owners: Northwest Registered Agent
- Best for New Businesses: Rocket Lawyer
- Best Legal Help: LegalZoom
Best Overall: ZenBusiness
Founded in 2015, this relatively new player on the scene has succeeded by minimizing the stress of starting an LLC. ZenBusiness offers step-by-step support to streamline the formation process. In addition to assisting with setup, this provider also offers registered agent services for new and established businesses.
Pros:
- Customizable packages
- Top-tier customer support
- Public benefit corporation designation
Cons:
- Extra fees for registered agent and EIN services
- No legal or tax advising
- Free plan only free for one year
Best Customer Service: Inc Authority
Inc Authority has been a trusted name in the LLC service industry for over 30 years. One of the best parts about using this provider is that you get basic formation services, including a registered agent, for free. After initial formation services and one year of registered agent services, you pay for continued support.
Pros
- Compliance alerts
- Document handling
- Free LLC formation
Cons
- Costly packages after initial formation
- No mobile app
- No transparency about add-on costs
Best for Experienced Business Owners: Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is well-known for its quick turnaround times and affordable packages. After using Northwest’s free version to start your LLC, you can revisit the provider to get registered agent services at an inexpensive $125 per year.
Pros:
- Free DIY plan
- Same-day filing
- Personable customer service
Cons
- No legal services
- Few customer reviews
- No guaranteed filing acceptance
Best for New Businesses: Rocket Lawyer
Having served over 20 million customers, Rocket Lawyer has plenty of experience to help you get your new business up and running. The provider offers a registered agent add-on to its formation packages.
Pros:
- Extensive suite of LLC services
- Network of attorneys for legal support
- Document creation and storage
Cons:
- Limited number of plans
- No free plans
- Credit card required for free trial
Best Legal Help: LegalZoom
LegalZoom has been synonymous with small business formation since its inception in 2001. But, it does more than just formation. It also offers legal services for businesses that have encountered or are worried about encountering legal troubles.
Pros:
- Long list of available add-on services
- Lawyers of various specialties available across all 50 states
- 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive LLC formation packages
- Expensive registered agent services
- Complaints about customer support
What Is a Florida Registered Agent?
The registered agent serves as the liaison between the business and the state for legal matters regarding the business. Designating a registered agent is a legal requirement for corporations, LLCs and other types of business structures in Florida.
The primary responsibility of the registered agent is to receive summons, complaints, tax notices, subpoenas and other important legal documents on behalf of the business. The agent then notifies the business so that it stays up to date on anything it needs to know to remain in good standing legally.
How Much Does a Florida Registered Agent Cost?
When weighing the cost of a Florida LLC you have to take the cost of a registered agent into account. If you designate someone from your business to be your registered agent, then the cost is free. However, if you opt for a service provider, the cost typically ranges from $100 to $300 per year. Each provider has its own set of perks that account for the varying annual cost.
For example, LegalZoom charges $299 for registered agent services, which also includes identity theft protection for up to $1 million, mail and email alerts for incoming notices and unlimited cloud storage for business documents.
Free Registered Agent Services in Florida
Some LLC providers, such as Bizee Powered by Incfile, ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, offer free registered agent services. However, they’re usually free for just the first year or free when bundled with a package.
For a truly free registered agent, you or someone else affiliated with your business can serve as the registered agent.
Responsibilities of a Florida Registered Agent
At the core of the registered agent role is the acceptance of legal correspondence on behalf of the business. Oftentimes, this correspondence is just general information or spam. However, it can sometimes be reminders to file tax returns, annual reports or other forms, which makes the registered agent particularly important in avoiding missed deadlines that could result in fines, or worst case, revocation of status.
How To Designate a Florida Registered Agent
Florida requires that the registered agent consents to the appointment. The agent does this when they sign the articles of organization, which is the official document that forms and registers the LLC. This form then gets filed with the Florida Division of Corporations through a Sunbiz online account or via the mail.
If the LLC wishes to change its registered agent down the line, it must file a statement of registered agent/registered office change. This form collects the name, address and consent of the new registered agent.
How To Choose a Florida Registered Agent
Before you can file your registered agent with the state of Florida, you must first choose one. Here are some factors to consider to help you decide which provider is the best fit for your business:
- Cost: Cost is not just about choosing the cheapest provider. It’s about choosing the provider that offers the best value for your money. So, maybe you go with the slightly more expensive provider because it bundles more with its registered agent service.
- Customer experience: Read customer reviews to get real insights into what it’s like to work with the provider. Pay special attention to mentions of customer service. Starting and running an LLC can be confusing, so you want a provider that will be available to answer any questions you may have.
- Address: Confirm that the registered agent company has a business address in Florida and is available during regular business hours. This is a legal requirement from the state.
- Services: Maybe you need help beyond registered agent services. If so, consider what packages and add-ons the provider offers so that you can get comprehensive help.
Types of Registered Agents in Florida
In Florida, entrepreneurs have two options to choose from regarding meeting the registered agent requirement.
Commercial Registered Agent
Commercial registered agents are companies, such as LegalZoom and ZenBusiness, that specialize in handling federal and state communications for businesses. They typically offer other services alongside registered agent services, such as formation document filing, operating agreement creation and EIN application submission.
Pros:
- Has a proven track record with experienced staff
- Helps with more than just registered agent services
- Keeps your address private
Cons:
- Can cost several hundred dollars per year for registered agent services
- Costs even more for additional services
Internal Registered Agent
On the other hand, an owner or employee of a business can serve as its registered agent. This option is common for small businesses that are looking to cut startup costs.
Pros:
- Doesn’t cost a penny
- Gives you maximum control of your legal paperwork
- Doesn’t require research into providers
Cons:
- Makes your address public record
- Takes more of your time and energy
The Bottom Line
As you think about who to appoint as the registered agent for your Florida business, the key is to balance cost with reliability. A dependable agent ensures your business stays informed about and responsive to legal documents.
Local Registered Agent Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Any individual or entity can be a registered agent in Florida as long as they have a physical address in the state and are available during normal business hours.
Registered agents in Florida must have a physical street address in the state. This address cannot be a P.O. box.
Costs range from $100 to $300 for registered agent services through a company. It is free if you appoint yourself or another employee.
Yes. A business owner can be their own registered agent in the state of Florida. This saves you money, but it means that you have to dedicate some time to handling incoming mail and make your personal address publicly available.
If you want to change your registered agent or update the name and/or address of your registered agent, you must file a form called a statement of registered agent/registered office change with the secretary of state office. You do this through the mail.
To find reviews from past customers of a registered agent provider, search the name on the Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Reading customer testimonials can give you insights into how the company operates and treats its customers.
A registered agent gets served in person at the address on file. They then communicate with you on the legal matter.
To resign as a registered agent in Florida, you must file a form called a resignation of a registered agent. Like the statement of change form, this form gets mailed to the secretary of state.
Yes. Registered agent information is publicly available, so you can search for it on the Florida Department of State website.
You must keep your registered agent’s name and address current at all times. If anything changes with either piece of information, you must file a statement of registered agent/registered office change.
Methodology
To provide consumers with objective and accurate information, our credentialed legal experts created a comprehensive rating system for Limited Liability Company (LLC) services. We researched five online LLC, registered agent and trademark registration services, including ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, Swyft Filings, Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee (formerly Incfile).
We conducted a survey in 2024 of 200 professionals who were currently using LLC services or had used LLC services within the past year. We analyzed the results of this survey to determine the following rating criteria:
- Features (20%)
- Value for Money (25%)
- Customer Service (20%)
- Usability (25%)
- Reputation and Credibility (10%)
Visit the full LLC methodology page for more details on our rating system.
If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
