Florida is one of few states that highly regulates their process service industry. Florida has strict laws governing the service of process in the state, all of which are covered in Chapter 48 of the Florida Sunshine Statutes. In this post, we’ll highlight the most important parts of these laws, giving you the bare-bones rundown of Florida’s service of process rules.

Who Can Serve

Florida dictates that process must be served by a local sheriff or by an individual that meets the basic requirements and has been properly certified and/or approved by the sheriff or local judicial circuit. Judges may also appoint process servers on a case-by-case basis as they deem fit. The basic requirements set forth by Florida to be a process server include: Continue reading →

Court schedules are jammed full of all types of cases, from serious criminal trials to simple civil lawsuits, and everything in between. All those cases require lots of different types of paperwork. Process servers are often tasked with delivering that court paperwork back and forth between the case parties. By efficiently delivering this paperwork and notifying parties of the proceedings against them, process servers keep court schedules flowing smoothly. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most popular types of papers that process servers in Florida serve.

Summons and Complaints

Two of the most common documents served by process servers are summons and complaints. These papers are used to initiate a civil lawsuit. The summons formally notifies the defendant(s) of where the court action is filed and when they are expected to appear. The complaint details the nature of the lawsuit, the allegations made, and the relief sought by the plaintiff. Continue reading →

Once you’ve filed your civil case with the relevant court in Leon County, the next critical step is to serve the summons, complaint, and any other pertinent documents to the defendant(s) involved in the case. This also includes serving subpoenas to any witnesses you might be calling. Generally, locating defendants and witnesses is straightforward, but there are instances where serving someone becomes challenging, especially if they are deliberately evasive. In such scenarios, without specific deadlines, the process service could drag on indefinitely. Thankfully, in Florida, there are set time limits within which service of process must be completed.

Process Service Deadlines

Generally, the initial summons and complaint for any case must be served on the named defendant(s) within 120 days following the initial filing of the case with the clerk of court. This is preferably served in-person (known as personal service), although alternative service may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The same 120-day rule applies when summoning a witness or an expert to testify or provide evidence in court. The delivery of subpoenas, just like summonses and complaints, is ideally done in person. However, if personal service proves unsuccessful, mailing or public posting are possible alternative methods. For mail service, the subpoena must be postmarked a minimum of seven days before the scheduled court appearance. In the case of public posting, the notice should be conspicuously displayed at the recipient’s verified residence for at least five business days before their court date. Continue reading →

In the evolving landscape of legal services, process serving remains a vital component. At Accurate Serve® in Tallahassee, we are at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into our process serving operations. Serving Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit – encompassing Leon, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties – our team is certified and adept at leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

The Integration of Technology in Process Serving

Digital Databases and Skip Tracing

One of the significant technological advancements in process serving is the use of sophisticated digital databases for skip tracing. Skip tracing is a method used to locate a person who is difficult to find, often a necessary step in process serving. With the advent of powerful online databases, we can now access vast amounts of public records, social media information, and other digital footprints, making it easier and quicker to locate individuals. Continue reading →

In the field of legal services, the role of a process server is both crucial and challenging, particularly when it comes to personal safety. At Accurate Serve® of Tallahassee, Florida, serving the 2nd Judicial Circuit – which includes Leon, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties – we prioritize the safety of our process servers while ensuring the effective delivery of legal documents. In this post we’ll discuss essential personal safety measures for process servers.

Understanding the Role of Process Servers

Process servers are tasked with delivering legal documents like summonses, subpoenas, and complaints. Their role is governed by federal and state laws. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provide guidelines for the service of process, and in Florida, process servers must follow the state statutes and be certified by the judicial circuit they operate in, such as the 2nd Judicial Circuit for our region. In some counties like Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla, the local Sheriff may also approve private process servers. Continue reading →

Service of process, or the delivery of legal papers, is a crucial step that ensures all parties involved are aware of the actions being taken against them or the actions they need to undertake. This process is a fundamental aspect of the American legal system. Accurate Serve® in Tallahassee, Florida, specializes in this vital service, ensuring that legal documents reach their intended recipients in a timely and lawful manner.

What is the Service of Process?

Service of process is the formal delivery of legal documents, such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas, to a party involved in a legal case. The U.S. Constitution, under the Due Process Clause, mandates that all individuals have the right to be informed of legal actions against them. In Florida, this is governed by Chapter 48 of the Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 1.070, which outlines the requirements for serving process. Continue reading →

In the intricate world of legal proceedings, ensuring that documents are correctly delivered is paramount. But how can you be certain that the process server has done their job accurately? Enter the “Proof of Service.” This essential document acts as a testament to the proper delivery of legal documents. If you’re in Tallahassee or anywhere in Leon County, here’s what you need to know about the proof of service:

Understanding Proof of Service

When you engage a process server to deliver legal documents or maintain a chain of custody for vital papers, you’ll naturally want assurance of the task’s completion. In Florida, process servers are mandated to furnish a ‘proof of service’ after every job. This document serves as concrete evidence that the papers were handed over to the right recipient at a specified date and time. Continue reading →

Welcome to Accurate Serve Tampa, your trusted partner in the realm of process serving. We know that the legal world can be a labyrinth of complexities, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Whether you’re an attorney, a private citizen, or a business proprietor, you may find yourself in need of a process server at some point. In this post, we’ll delve into the various kinds of documents that process servers like we usually handle.

Summons and Complaints

Initiating a civil lawsuit, such as a small claims case, begins with the issuance of a summons and complaint. The individual initiating the lawsuit (the plaintiff) is responsible for ensuring that the person being sued (the defendant) receives these documents. That’s where we come in. Our job is to promptly and accurately deliver these papers to the defendant, making them aware of the legal action against them and the necessity to respond. Continue reading →

In the world of litigation, process servers play a crucial role in ensuring that legal proceedings run smoothly. They are the ones who ensure that all involved parties receive necessary court documents, hence paving the way for justice to take its course. Here at Accurate Serve of Tallahassee, we understand the significant responsibilities our profession entails, and we commit to delivering services in strict adherence to Florida’s laws and regulations.

However, while a process server can do many things, it’s equally important to know the things a process server CAN NOT do. Any missteps in the process could jeopardize the plaintiff’s case, resulting in costly delays or even case dismissal. Continue reading →

When it comes to legal proceedings, the role of a process server is often misunderstood or overlooked. As the leading process service agency in Tallahassee, Accurate Serve of Tallahassee is here to answer some common questions about process servers in Florida. In this post, we will provide clarity on the responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits of hiring a process server, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of their crucial role in the legal system.

What is a process server, and what do they do?

A process server is a professional who delivers legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints, to individuals involved in a legal case. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all parties are properly served according to the rules and procedures outlined by the state. Process servers play a critical role in the legal process by facilitating communication and ensuring that all parties have notice of legal proceedings. Continue reading →