Serving legal papers to a business in Florida is already a complicated process, but the pandemic is making it even more difficult. To better understand how current circumstances are affecting service of process against businesses and corporations, you must first understand the rules about serving businesses.
Small businesses, LLCs, and Partnerships
If a business is very small, operates as an LLC, or is a partnership, you are probably going to need to serve the papers to the owner of the company. If the business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, you will almost undoubtedly be serving the owner.
If you are serving a larger company or corporation, the rules are going to be a bit different. These companies must have a registered agent that is responsible for receiving service of process. This agent must be publicly known or easy to find. The agent usually has to be served at the place of business during normal business hours.
When business locations are closed…
The pandemic is causing everyone to change the way they do business, and it is also changing the way we are governed. The fact of the matter is that many business locations are closed to the public or completely unoccupied as the employees work remotely from home. If the business location is closed, how are you supposed to serve the business?
Getting permission from the courts…
You may need to get permission from the courts to serve the registered agent or business owner at their place of residence. You may also be able to get approval for alternative means of service, such as by certified mail.
If you need help getting papers delivered to a business, contact us today.
