What is a Registered Agent in Florida?

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida law, under Chapters 605 (LLCs), 607 (Corporations), and 617 (Nonprofits) of the Florida Statutes, mandates that every business entity registered with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) maintain an active Registered Agent.

Requirements include:

• Must be a Florida resident or Florida-based business authorized to act as an agent
• Must be available during normal business hours to receive legal and government documents
• Must consent in writing to act as the agent
• Must be kept up-to-date with Sunbiz; failure to do so can result in administrative dissolution

3. Real-World Application

Examples of when your Registered Agent is essential:

• You’re sued and need to receive official court papers (service of process)
• The Florida Department of State mails your annual report reminder
• IRS or other federal notices need a point of delivery
• You’re out of town or operating remotely and need someone to accept important legal documents

For example, a small LLC owner in Tampa might list herself as the Registered Agent but switch to a third party when she moves out of state.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Benefits of having a reliable Registered Agent:

• Stay compliant with Florida law and avoid penalties or administrative dissolution
• Protect privacy – Use a business address instead of your home address
• Avoid missed lawsuits – Never miss service of process or government deadlines
• Maintain good standing – Ensures smooth filing of annual reports and business operations

Common mistakes we see:

• Listing yourself and missing a court summons while on vacation
• Using an outdated address and losing good standing with the state
• Naming someone without their written consent

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We ensure your Registered Agent duties are handled correctly and reliably:

• Serve as your Registered Agent for Florida businesses
• File Registered Agent Change Forms with Sunbiz
• Provide a compliance calendar for annual filings and renewals
• Monitor legal notices and alert you to urgent service of process
• Bundle Registered Agent services with your entity formation or BELAW Membership

Flat-Fee Retainers – Transparent pricing for agent services. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Review your compliance status and registered agent risks. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – For multi-entity businesses or those expanding across states. BELAW Membership – Includes annual registered agent monitoring, notices, and compliance help.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I be my own Registered Agent in Florida? A: Yes, if you have a Florida street address and are available during business hours. However, using a law firm or third party can add privacy and reliability.

Q: What happens if I don’t have a Registered Agent? A: Your business can be administratively dissolved by the state. You may also miss critical legal documents, risking default judgments.

Q: Can I use a P.O. Box as my Registered Agent address? A: No. Florida law requires a physical street address.

Q: How do I change my Registered Agent in Florida? A: File a change form with Sunbiz and pay a nominal fee. We can file this for you and ensure proper documentation.

Q: Do I need a different Registered Agent for each business entity? A: Yes. Each Florida entity must have its own designated agent on file.

7. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

8. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

9. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

10. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

11. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

12. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.