How to Change Registered Agents in Florida (FL) in 2025

Changing an appointed Registered Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in Florida, it is mandatory to appoint a Registered Agent as a point of contact between the state and your LLC. However, there might be some times when changing of a registered agent is necessary. It might be the resignation or termination of the individual.

In Florida, also known as The Sunshine State, there is a process to change the Registered Agent. In this article, the LLCBuddy editors come up with the methods available to change the registered agent in Florida. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Registered Agent in Florida

The Florida Registered Agent, appointed by the limited liability company, is a person who receives all the legal documents on your company’s behalf. To become a registered agent in Florida, one must meet the following requirements,

The person must be or above 18 years old
The person has to be a permanent resident of Florida
The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Florida
The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Florida

You can also be your own registered agent in Florida. However, it is not wise to be your own agent as it can divert your attention from the core of your business.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Florida

To change the Registered Agent in Florida, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $25 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Florida Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Florida online, you must search for the appropriate online form. You can file your change of Registered Agent statement online if the online form is available through the Secretary of State. Follow the below-given instructions:

Visit the Florida Secretary of State’s official website
Log in to the portal using your credentials.
On your dashboard, you will find the option to update your documents.
You will get an online form (or in PDF format)
Fill out the form (or download it on your PC, then fill it out) with the old and new registered agent’s details.
Submit (or upload) the completed form to the portal.
In the next section, you will get payment details (if applicable) and pay the fees using a credit card.

Your online change of registered agent update is done! It takes some time to update the details on the portal. Once it is updated, your new registered agent can start conducting business on your behalf immediately.

Filing Through Mail or In-person

If you want to file the statement of change of registered agent via mail or in person (if available), then you should follow the rules. For in-person or mail filings, you need to download the Florida Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Florida Secretary of State. Complete the form by filling in all the information about the LLC and both (new and existing) registered agents. The form has to be signed by the new registered agent. This will provide the consent of the new agent. Once completed, submit it to the below-mentioned address:

Important Links	Submit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online Florida Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF Florida Registered Agent – Requirement	New Filing Section, Division of Corporations, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Florida registered agent is $25. This fee will be paid to the Florida Secretary of State by check or credit card.

If you hire a Registered Agent service, filing the Statement of Change would be much easier. Also, the registered agent will help you with the consent letter the new registered agent has to sign. LLCBuddy editorial team suggests a list of the best LLC services that offer registered agent services. Some of them offer standalone registered agent services.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

ZenBusiness Registered Agent – $199 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Florida

The registered Agent’s Consent letter is a document that a new registered agent must submit along with the formation document. It is a statement that the agent submits upon agreeing to work with the LLC. When you change the Registered Agent, you must also submit the consent letter signed by the new agent. In many states, submitting the Change of Registered Agent form does the job; sending any additional consent document to the SOS is unnecessary. However, there are many states where you must submit the consent letter separately and pay a certain fee (if applicable). This consent must include the following details-

LLC name
A letter that says the person gives consent to serve the LLC as a registered agent
The execution date
Name of the registered agent
Signature of the registered agent

In Florida, there is no separate document. The newly appointed registered agent must sign the Acceptance of Appointment in the Change of Registered Agent form. The previous agent has to resign by submitting the Letter of Resignation. You must get the Change of Registered Agent Form, fill it out, and submit it to the SOS. The agent must sign the form or self-attest. It is proof that the new Registered Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Florida Secretary of State for fee details.

BOI Reporting

As per the Corporation Transparency Act, from the 1st of January, 2024, every LLC and any other business entity must file the BOI report with FinCEN. In the BOI Report, the owner(s)’ details must be mentioned. It is to maintain the transparency of the organization. It is not required to mention the change of a registered agent while filing the BOI Report in Florida. However, it is recommended to maintain a proper process and document for any changes made inside the LLC to maintain transparency under any act.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Florida

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Florida. Some of the main and most important reasons are listed below,

Be Your Own Registered Agent

A prevalent reason is that if anyone wants to be his/her own registered agent. Any LLC owner can be the registered agent himself/herself as per the Florida Secretary of State. So, you may want to change the registered agent and become one yourself for your LLC. In that case, you must submit the change form with your details.

Want to Hire a Professional Registered Agent

You may have designated yourself or someone from the family as the registered agent for your LLC in the initial phase. But with expansion in business, your roles and responsibilities also expand. You may not be present at the office during working hours. A registered agent is required to be available in the office. So, you must hire a registered agent who could replace you.

Existing Registered Agent Resigns

If your current registered agent resigns or your service provider is out of business, you can change your Registered Agent in Florida. You must change the registered agent if the existing one resigns or is out of service.

Forming foreign LLC

This is to be noted that a person is eligible to be a Florida Registered Agent only if they are the Florida resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Florida, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states.

FAQs

How do I change my registered agent in Florida?

To change your registered agent in Florida, you must file a statement of change of registered office or registered agent with the Florida Department of State.

What is the process for changing a registered agent in Florida?

The process for changing a registered agent in Florida involves submitting the necessary paperwork to the Florida Department of State and paying the required filing fee.

Can I change my registered agent online in Florida?

Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Florida by accessing the Florida Department of State’s website and following the instructions for filing the necessary paperwork.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Florida?

The cost to change a registered agent in Florida varies, but there is typically a filing fee that must be paid to the Florida Department of State.

What information do I need to provide when changing my registered agent in Florida?

When changing your registered agent in Florida, you will need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the name of the company or entity for which the change is being made.

Is there a deadline for changing a registered agent in Florida?

There is no specific deadline for changing a registered agent in Florida, but it is important to do so promptly to ensure that your company’s information is accurate and up to date.

Can I appoint an individual as my registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can appoint an individual as your registered agent in Florida, as long as they meet the state’s requirements for serving in that role.

What are the qualifications for serving as a registered agent in Florida?

In Florida, a registered agent must be a resident of the state or a foreign entity authorized to do business in Florida that has a physical street address in the state.

Can a business entity serve as its own registered agent in Florida?

No, a business entity cannot serve as its own registered agent in Florida. The registered agent must be a separate individual or entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.

Do I need to notify any other parties when changing my registered agent in Florida?

When changing your registered agent in Florida, you may need to notify your current registered agent, as well as any relevant business partners, lenders, or other stakeholders who may need to contact the registered agent.

Can I name myself as my company’s registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Florida as long as you have a physical address in the state.

What is a registered agent’s role in Florida?

A registered agent in Florida is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of a business entity.

Are there any requirements for a registered agent in Florida?

The registered agent in Florida must have a physical address in the state where they can accept service of process during regular business hours.

How much does it cost to change your registered agent in Florida?

There is a filing fee associated with changing your registered agent in Florida, which can vary depending on the entity type.

How long does it take to change a registered agent in Florida?

The processing time for changing a registered agent in Florida can vary, but it is typically processed within a few business days.

Do I have to notify my current registered agent when changing in Florida?

Yes, you should notify your current registered agent when changing to ensure a smooth transition.

Can a business entity be its own registered agent in Florida?

No, a business entity cannot serve as its own registered agent in Florida. It must appoint an individual or company to act as its registered agent.

Can I hire a professional registered agent service in Florida?

Yes, you can hire a professional registered agent service in Florida to act as your registered agent and help maintain compliance with state laws.

Do I need to update my registered agent’s information with the state of Florida every year?

Yes, you are required to keep your registered agent’s information up to date with the state of Florida by filing an annual report.

What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Florida?

If you do not have a registered agent in Florida, your business risks falling out of good standing with the state and facing potential penalties.

Can I change my registered agent address in Florida?

Yes, you can change your registered agent address in Florida by submitting an amendment to the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form.

Can I change my registered agent to a different person or entity in Florida?

Yes, you can change your registered agent to a different person or entity in Florida as long as they meet the state’s requirements.

Do I need written consent from my new registered agent in Florida before appointing them?

Yes, you are required to obtain written consent from your new registered agent in Florida before appointing them.

Can I act as my own registered agent for multiple businesses in Florida?

Yes, you can act as your own registered agent for multiple businesses in Florida as long as you can effectively manage the responsibility.

Can I appoint a family member as my registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can appoint a family member as your registered agent in Florida as long as they meet the requirements and agree to accept service of process on your behalf.

Can I appoint a friend as my registered agent in Florida?

Yes, you can appoint a friend as your registered agent in Florida as long as they meet the state’s requirements and are willing to accept service of process on your behalf.

Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Florida?

The only major restriction on who can serve as a registered agent in Florida is that they must have a physical address in the state where they can be reached during normal business hours.

Is there a deadline for changing my registered agent in Florida?

While there is no specific deadline for changing your registered agent in Florida, it is important to do so promptly to avoid any lapses in service.

Can I change my registered agent if I am currently in the process of forming a business in Florida?

Yes, you can change your registered agent during the formation process of a business in Florida by indicating the new agent on your formation documents.

What should I do if I want to change my registered agent but am not sure how in Florida?

If you are unsure how to change your registered agent in Florida, you can consult with an attorney or a professional registered agent service for guidance.

In Conclusion

Registered Agents are the most important individuals in an LLC. They must be trustworthy, capable, and efficient to handle all the paperwork and documentation. During your business, you may arrive at a point where you need to change the registered agent. The need may arise when the existing agent wants to quit, or you are terminating the existing agent or expanding your business. Changing the Florida registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in Florida is not a complicated process, however, it is better to get a service provider, such as ZenBusiness. It not only offers the registered agent service at a reasonable price but also offers LLC formation at $0. This article has it all. If you have any queries about changing a registered agent, you can drop a comment below in the box.