If you’re like most business owners, you want to make sure that your interests are protected. You need a reliable registered agent in Florida to receive legal notifications on your behalf and act as the state’s point of contact. An excellent registered agent will guarantee compliance with state laws, accept service of process on behalf of your business, and protect your personal information and assets from public records. But a bad one could potentially put all of these things at risk.
Choosing a registered agent can be difficult for any business, so we took the time to evaluate more than 60 options through a rigorous four-stage process. We ranked five key factors: effectiveness, reliability, customer service, pricing, and added benefits. To gather information for our evaluation, we used a variety of sources, including Google searches, Facebook reviews, and Better Business Bureau ratings. Our search included not only online research but also personal interactions with representatives from each agency. This careful evaluation allowed us to determine the best registered agent in Florida confidently.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Florida for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in Florida?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in Florida ($125/year)
Founded in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent has established itself as a premier registered agent service for businesses across the United States.
With a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, they’ve earned an impressive 9.13/10 rating on BBB ratings and have received glowing testimonials from countless satisfied clients.
In addition to acting as a registered agent, they offer many other valuable services, such as forming LLCs and corporations, conducting business searches, and restructuring existing entities.
These efforts benefit individual businesses and contribute to our economy’s overall health by enabling new companies to thrive. Northwest Registered Agent’s success can be attributed to their extensive knowledge and expertise in the field and their dedication to providing excellent customer service at every step.
Those looking for a reliable registered agent would be hard-pressed to find a better option than Northwest Registered Agent.
Pros
- Excellent Communication: Clients consistently rave about the high level of communication they receive from Northwest Registered Agent.
- Highly Experienced: With over 20 years in the business, Northwest Registered Agent has the experience and know-how to get the job done right.
- Unmatched Customer Service: You can expect to be treated like family when you work with this company. They’re known for going above and beyond to help their clients.
- Informative Sections in Blogs: In addition to offering registered agent services, their website has several informative articles on business-related topics.
Con
- Price: At $125/year, Northwest Registered Agent is on the pricier side of the registered agent services we evaluated.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): The Northwest Registered Agent Service offers a comprehensive package for just $125 per year. Not only will they professionally handle the service of processing documents, but they also provide same-day local scanning, 24/7 online access, compliance alerts, and privacy protection.
And for those needing reliable mail forwarding, they offer a premium option for just an additional $20 per year. Additionally, the company provides attorney trademark services at a fraction of the usual cost of only $499.
With such competitive pricing and a wide range of services, the Northwest Registered Agent Service is a smart choice for any business.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
ZenBusiness, founded in 2015, has quickly gained a reputation for putting corporate responsibility at the forefront of its business model. This focus on social and environmental responsibility has translated into tangible customer and community benefits.
ZenBusiness offers assistance with entity formation, compliance, and other standard aspects of starting a small business. However, they have also implemented sustainable packaging solutions and carbon offset shipping programs to reduce their environmental impact.
In addition, they have partnered with organizations such as Kiva to offer microloans to underprivileged entrepreneurs, supporting economic development in underserved communities.
Overall, ZenBusiness’s commitment to corporate responsibility sets them apart from other companies in the industry. They strive not only to provide quality services for their customers but also to positively impact society and the environment. By putting principles of social responsibility into action, ZenBusiness exemplifies what it means to be a responsible corporation.
Other responsibilities of this agent are:
- To form LLCs and corporations
- To conduct business searches
- To restructure existing entities
Pros
- Free Year of Registered Agent Service: When you sign up for any of their formation packages, you’ll get your first year of registered agent service free.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging and Shipping: All orders placed with ZenBusiness are shipped using eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping methods.
- Community Impact Initiatives: In addition to running a responsible business, ZenBusiness also partners with organizations to support economic development in underserved communities.
- Customer Support: You can reach a customer support representative via chat, email, or phone.
- 24/7 Access to Incorporation Services: You can access ZenBusiness’s online incorporation services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Con
- More Expensive Than Some Competitors: Using ZenBusiness’s registered agent service can be pricey if you’re not taking advantage of their free first-year offer.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): The ZenBusiness Registered Agent Service costs $199 per year. However, you can get your first year free when you sign up for any of their formation packages. ZenBusiness is more affordable if you’re also incorporating your business.
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Founded in 2012, Harbor Compliance has quickly become a trusted name in business compliance solutions for larger companies. As registered agents in Florida, they help businesses navigate the complexities of filing and maintaining proper legal documentation.
Their services include registered agent representation, forming new business entities, and obtaining licenses and permits. They also provide ongoing compliance support to ensure businesses stay up-to-date on all their legal obligations. With Harbor Compliance’s expertise, companies can focus on running their business without worrying about compliance issues.
In addition to benefiting its clients, Harbor Compliance is committed to giving back to the community through ongoing partnerships with charitable organizations.
Overall, Harbor Compliance’s services and commitment to social responsibility make them a trusted partner for larger companies seeking assistance with compliance needs.
Pros
- Easy Use of Platform: The Harbor Compliance website is easy to navigate and use.
- Experienced Team: The Harbor Compliance team comprises experienced compliance professionals.
- Community Impact Initiatives: In addition to providing quality services, Harbor Compliance also partners with charitable organizations to give back to the community.
- Mail Forwarding: Harbor Compliance offers mail forwarding services to their clients.
- Customer Support: Harbor Compliance offers customer support via chat, email, and phone.
Con
- No Additional Services: Harbor Compliance only offers registered agent services, so you’ll need to find another provider if you want additional incorporation services.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): The Harbor Compliance Registered Agent Service costs $99 annually. This fee includes mail forwarding services and other essential registered agent services.
4. Inc Authority
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Affordability ($99/year)
Inc Authority, founded in 1989, provides top-notch registered agent services for startups nationwide. They have assisted thousands of companies with filing their paperwork and staying compliant, allowing them to focus on growing their business without the stress of paperwork.
Inc Authority offers various other services to support startups and small businesses, including company formation and registered office address services.
In addition to its dedication to excellent customer service, Inc Authority takes its responsibility as a business community member seriously. They offer resources for entrepreneurship and participate in various events and community initiatives for aspiring small business owners. Inc Authority stands out as a leader in registered agent services as well as a dedicated member of the startup community.
Their commitment to customers and the larger business community makes them the clear choice for startups looking for registered agent services.
Pros
- Most Experienced: Inc Authority has been in business for over 30 years and has assisted thousands of startups with formation and compliance.
- Reputable and Trustworthy: Inc Authority is a well-known and respected provider of registered agent services.
- Extensive Resources for Startups: In addition to providing quality services, Inc Authority also offers resources for entrepreneurship and participates in various events and community initiatives for aspiring small business owners.
- Top Rated Customer Support: Inc Authority offers customer support via chat, email, and phone.
Con
- Limited Services: Inc Authority only offers registered agent and office address services.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): The Inc Authority Registered Agent Service costs $99 annually. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for registered agent service. It includes many features that other providers charge extra for, such as free document scanning and document archiving.
5. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom quickly became a go-to resource for individuals and small businesses seeking legal assistance. As registered agents in Florida, they provide a designated individual or business to receive essential documents on behalf of their clients.
This includes court summons, official government correspondence, and service of process notices. These documents are then promptly delivered to the registered company or individual.
LegalZoom offers other services, such as business formation assistance and trademark registration. Their registered agent service helps ensure smooth operations for their clients by removing the hassle of closely monitoring the mailbox for essential documents.
As a trusted source for legal support, LegalZoom is an excellent option for those seeking a premium registered agent in Florida.
Their pricing structure is a bit more expensive than some other providers on our list, but its comprehensive services and positive customer reviews make it worth the investment.
Pros
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
Cons
- Can be expensive for some startups
- Relatively weak free features
Pricing
The registered agent service provided by LegalZoom includes acceptance of business correspondence, along with reminders of tax and annual reporting requirements for $299/year. Although the service is more costly than others, the annual fee includes the cost of Florida state filing fees.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Ease of Use ($149/year)
Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer has quickly become the go-to service for those seeking ease and convenience in business law. With just a yearly $149 subscription fee, users can access legal documents and services such as forming an LLC or setting up a registered agent in Florida.
The company offers various services, including forming a new business, drafting contracts and agreements, and assigning a registered agent in Florida and other states. Not only does this save businesses time and money by cutting down on paperwork and legal fees, but it also helps ensure they comply with all necessary regulations.
In addition to its useful business tools, Rocket Lawyer also offers helpful resources such as articles, calculators, and form templates. Rocket Lawyer is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the legal world with ease.
The company offers personalized services and often takes action by fighting for its customers’ rights through legislative advocacy. Rocket Lawyer is a reliable resource for all your legal needs, whether you’re just starting your business or looking for ways to streamline your operation.
Plus, with its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing structure, it’s no surprise that this company continues to thrive.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Businesses Needing All-Encompassing Services ($119/year)
Founded in 2004, Incfile has established itself as a leader in the business formation industry. Providing registered agents in Florida and all 50 states, they offer various services, including incorporation, LLC formation, DBA registrations, and trademark filings.
In addition to these essential business services, Incfile offers ongoing support through its Annual Report and Tax Reminder Services, making it easier for customers to comply with yearly paperwork.
Overall, Incfile is the perfect choice for businesses needing comprehensive support throughout the life of their company. With a 97% customer satisfaction rate and thousands of positive reviews, they have proven themselves as a trusted resource for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses.
Pros
- Full-Suite of Business Services: In addition to providing quality registered agent services, Incfile also offers incorporation, LLC formation, DBA registrations, and trademark filings.
- Ongoing Support: Incfile’s Annual Report and Tax Reminder Services make it easier for customers to comply with yearly paperwork.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Incfile has a 97% customer satisfaction rate and thousands of positive reviews.
- Mail Forwarding: Incfile offers mail forwarding for an additional fee.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
Con
- Lack of 24/7 Support: Incfile’s customer support team is only available between 9AM and 6PM CST.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119/year): The Incfile Registered Agent Service costs $119 annually. This is a bit more expensive than some other providers on our list. Still, it includes many features that other providers charge extra for, such as free document scanning and document archiving.
8. BetterLegal
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Full-Service Needs ($90/year)
BetterLegal offers full-service needs for your business at just $90 a year. Registered agents in Florida ensure that all filings are correctly submitted and registered with the state. Their team also offers assistance in setting up and managing LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.
They help keep your business compliant with state regulations and offer registered agent services in other states, trademark filings, document retrieval, and registered office services.
With BetterLegal, you can trust that your business needs will be covered efficiently and effectively. The team is committed to providing top-notch support for our customers, ensuring they have the necessary support to maintain their successful businesses.
In addition to their comprehensive services, they pride themselves on their exceptional customer service – always available to answer any questions or address any concerns.
BetterLegal strives to make running a business as easy and seamless as possible for our customers. Their dedication to providing full-service assistance at an affordable price sets us apart as the best option for all your business needs.
9. SunDoc Filings
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Compliance ($159/year)
SunDoc Filings is known for being the best in compliance for registered agents in Florida. Their team boasts years of experience and regularly stays updated on new regulations to ensure that their customers never miss a filing deadline or risk losing their good standing with the state.
But it’s not just about avoiding penalties; SunDoc Filings also supports many business needs. They handle document retrievals, online registered agent management tools, annual report filings, and more.
Their personalized customer service and attention to detail set SunDoc apart from other registered agents.
The team takes pride in helping their customers streamline their processes and stay organized so they can focus on running their businesses effectively.
Plus, with affordable rates and an easy sign-up process, it’s no wonder SunDoc Filings consistently receives high praise from satisfied customers.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Fast Turnaround ($149/year)
As a registered agent in Florida, Swyft Filings strives to provide its customers with the fastest turnaround time in the industry. In addition to offering this quick service for only $149 a year, their team of professionals is also dedicated to providing personalized support for all types of businesses. This includes registered agent services, business formation assistance, and ongoing compliance support.
But what does it mean to be a registered agent? In short, registered agents accept critical legal documents on behalf of businesses and ensure that they are correctly filed with the appropriate government entities.
At Swyft Filings, registered agents can access a secure online portal 24/7 to monitor and receive these documents. This saves businesses the hassle of tracking down necessary paperwork and ensures they stay fully compliant with state regulations.
In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s more important than ever to have reliable registered agent services. With its speedy turnaround time and dedicated support team, Swyft Filings is one of the best in the industry.
11. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Registered Agent in Florida For Excellent Customer Service ($125/year)
As your registered agent in Florida, Registered Agents Inc. will be the point of contact for your business and will receive any important legal documents on your behalf. They also ensure that all state filings and requirements are met promptly.
Aside from these essential registered agent responsibilities, they offer additional support through their customer service team.
From troubleshooting issues to managing your registered office address, Registered Agents Inc. goes above and beyond to ensure your business runs smoothly. While their annual fee may be higher than other registered agent services, their solid track record and dedication to customer satisfaction make them a worthy investment.
12. InCorp
Best Registered Agent in Florida for Agent Specialist ($99/year)
Staying compliant with state regulations can be overwhelming and time-consuming for a business owner. That’s where InCorp steps in.
As registered agent specialists, they handle essential legal documents on behalf of your company, ensuring that you never miss a deadline or necessary filing. The team is available around the clock to assist with any questions or issues.
Plus, their annual fee of just $99 makes us an affordable and reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. When it comes to staying compliant and protecting your business, trust InCorp to handle the details.
13. Jumpstart Filings
Best Registered Agent in Florida for New Companies ($129/year)
When it comes to starting a new company, there is no doubt that the process can seem overwhelming. However, with the help of Jumpstart Filings, things can run smoothly and effectively.
They offer affordable services at just $129 and also provide registered agents in Florida. This means that any legal documents or notices will be received and handled promptly, allowing you to focus on the growth and success of your business.
In addition, their user-friendly website makes it easy for you to navigate the necessary steps for starting your new company. Choosing Jumpstart Filings as your partner in this process ensures that everything will be taken care of efficiently and professionally, allowing you to jumpstart your way to success.
What Is a Florida Registered Agent?
A Florida Registered Agent, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent, is a person or business entity designated by a company to receive official legal and tax documents on its behalf.
The state of Florida mandates this requirement for all registered corporations. The registered agent must be available during regular business hours at a physical address within the state to accept paperwork such as lawsuits, government forms, and tax documents.
Having a reliable registered agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to these documents appropriately can result in fines or potential loss of the company’s legal status. Many companies choose to appoint an individual employee as their agent or hire a professional registered agent service provider for added convenience and reliability.
How Can a Florida Registered Agent Help Your Business?
There are tons of ways that a Florida Registered Agent can help your business, but here are some of the most important:
- They will be the point of contact for your business, meaning they will receive any legal documents or notices on your behalf. This saves you the time and hassle of keeping track of these yourself.
- They can help ensure that all state filings and requirements are met promptly. This includes filing annual reports and keeping track of company structure changes.
- They offer additional support through their customer service team. This can be helpful if you have questions about the process or need assistance with anything related to your account.
- They can provide a registered office address for your business. This is particularly useful if you have a home-based business or are not in Florida.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in Florida?
Many businesses in Florida may not realize it, but they must legally have a registered agent. This individual or organization is responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of the business, such as service of process or tax forms.
The registered agent must be available at a physical address in Florida during regular business hours. Third-party registered agent service is often the easiest and most reliable option.
While the law requires businesses to have a registered agent, failing can result in fines and even the loss of legal standing. It may be just another responsibility for business owners, but having a registered agent is critical for staying compliant with state laws.
Florida Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a Florida Registered Agent Cost?
Prices for Florida Registered Agents vary depending on the service provider, but you can expect to pay around $50-$200 per year. Some providers may offer discounts for longer terms or bundling services, so be sure to compare rates before choosing one.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Florida?
When starting a business in Florida, one of the requirements is selecting a registered agent. This person or business acts as a point of contact for legal notices and official documents.Â
While many companies choose to hire an outside entity to fulfill this role, the good news is that any owner or employee over the age of 18 can be their own registered agent in Florida as long as they have a street address in the state.Â
This not only saves on expenses but also ensures immediate receipt and response to essential documents.Â
Keep your contact information updated with the state and stay organized to ensure smooth operation. So yes, you can be your own registered agent in Florida!
Can a Company in Florida Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes, a company in Florida can change its registered agent at any time by filing the proper paperwork with the state. The process is relatively simple and can be done online or by mail.Â
Once the new agent is listed with the state, they will be responsible for receiving any legal documents or notices on behalf of the company. Be sure to notify the previous agent of the change to avoid confusion.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Florida Registered Agent?
The process of getting a Florida Registered Agent is relatively quick and easy. Once you have selected a service provider, they typically set up your account within 1-2 business days. Some providers may offer it for 3-4 weeks, depending on the company.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Florida for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.