Florida Process Server Bond Guide
If you wish to work as a process server in Florida, you'll need to purchase a surety bond for each county you service. Read on to learn all about the bonding process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect any individual wrongfully harmed by process server actions
- Who Needs It: Certified process servers in Florida municipalities
- Regulating Body: Individual Florida counties and judicial courts
- Required Amount: $5,000 per county/court
- Premium Rate: $50 for the 1-year term
What is the purpose of the Florida process server surety bond?
A $5,000 process server bond must be filed with individual Florida counties and judicial courts before a process server can be authorized to serve documents in the jurisdiction. The process server bond is a contract between the process server (principal), the surety company that issues the bond (surety), and the court that appoints the process server (obligee). This bond specifically protects any individual wrongfully injured by any malfeasance or incompetence committed by process service legal professionals.
How much does a Florida process server bond cost?
The Florida process server bond costs $50 annually. You can save money by choosing our multi-year discount to extend your certified process server bond term during checkout!
How do I get a process server bond in Florida?
You can purchase your Florida process server bond online 24/7. Simply select your preferred term and provide the following information for your county's bond filing approval.
- process server name
- county/judicial circuit court
- date you were appointed/elected
Once your payment is processed, your official process server bond will be delivered to your email instantly.
How fast can I get a process server bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant Florida process server surety bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your certified process server bond delivered in minutes by email.
Why is the Florida process server bond required?
You must purchase and file a $5,000 process server bond before being authorized to work as a professional process server who performs court administration tasks and legal document service. By filing a process server bond, you agree to faithfully perform the duties of your office when serving court documents. If you fail to do so, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims to harmed individuals up to the full $5,000 bond amount, which you must then reimburse.
Who regulates process servers in Florida?
Each Florida county enforces its own process server requirements, so you should always verify which county or judicial court you'll file your bond with before purchasing your surety bond. If you have questions about your process server election/appointment or the legal document application process, you'll need to contact your local county or judicial court directly.
Note that while professional process servers typically file a standard “Process Server Bond” form with their counties, SuretyBonds.com does offer individual bond forms specifically for professionals working in Monroe County, Palm Beach County, and Seminole County. Note that Seminole County requires bonds for their process servers expire on December 31st annually.
How do I update or change my process server bond form?
If your county requires your Florida process servers bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your process server name, county/judicial circuit court, or date you were appointed/elected to match your legal papers filed with your county or court.
How do I renew my process server bond?
You must renew your process server bond before its current term expires with your county or judicial court. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, we'll provide instructions to keep your bond active for your next process server term as required by Florida law.
Does a process server have to be licensed in Florida?
Professional process servers do not need to be licensed with the state itself. You do, however, need to be legally elected/appointed with any individual county or judicial court that enforces its own requirements for professional process servers.
According to Florida Statute 48.021(2), you must complete the following requirements to become a certified process server.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a permanent Florida resident
- Have no mental or legal disability
- Complete a background check including a criminal record review
- File a certificate of good conduct verifying you have no prior felony convictions or pending criminal cases against you.
- Pass a state process server exam.
- Take your official oath.
Your individual county sheriff may enforce additional eligibility requirements, such as the requirement to purchase and file a surety bond. Learn more about How to Become a Process Server in Florida with our step-by-step guide.
