How to Change Your Registered Agent in Florida

Changing your registered agent in Florida is a straightforward process that takes about 10 minutes online. Whether you’re switching to a professional service, moving to a new address, or taking over as your own registered agent, here’s exactly how to do it.

When to Change Your Registered Agent

Common reasons to change your Florida registered agent include:

• Your current registered agent is moving out of Florida
• You’re switching to a professional service for privacy or convenience
• Your registered agent service is too expensive and you want a cheaper option
• You want to become your own registered agent to save money
• Your registered agent is unresponsive or unreliable
• Your business address changed and you need to update records
• You’re dissolving a relationship with a business partner who was serving as agent

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather this information:

Current Information:

• Your LLC’s name (exactly as registered)
• Your Florida document number (found on Sunbiz.org)

New Registered Agent Information:

• Full legal name of new registered agent
• Florida street address (no P.O. boxes)
• Email address

Payment:

• Credit card for the $25 filing fee

How to Change Your Registered Agent Online

Step 1: Go to Sunbiz.org

Visit Sunbiz.org, Florida’s Division of Corporations website.

Step 2: Find Your LLC

Click “Search Records” in the top navigation, then “Search by Name”. Enter your LLC name and locate your business in the results.

Step 3: Access the Filing Portal

From your LLC’s detail page, click “File Annual Report/Change Registered Agent” or navigate to the E-Filing section.

Note: You don’t need to wait for your annual report to change your registered agent. You can file a registered agent change at any time.

Step 4: Update Registered Agent Information

On the filing form, scroll to the Registered Agent section. Enter:

• Registered Agent Name: The individual or company that will serve as your agent
• Registered Agent Address: Must be a physical Florida street address

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee

The fee to change your registered agent is $25. Pay by credit card to complete the filing.

Step 6: Confirm the Change

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation. The change is effective immediately. Download or print the confirmation for your records.

Filing Fee

Pro Tip: If your annual report is due soon, you can change your registered agent as part of your annual report filing and avoid the separate $25 fee.

Processing Time

Online filings are processed immediately. Your new registered agent will appear on your public Sunbiz record within minutes of completing the filing.

If you file by mail (not recommended), expect 5-7 business days for processing.

Important Considerations

Notify Your Old Registered Agent

Let your previous registered agent know you’re making a change, especially if:

• They’re a paid service (you may need to cancel to stop billing)
• They’re holding documents for you (request forwarding)
• There are pending legal matters

Notify Your New Registered Agent

If you’re using a professional service, confirm they’ve accepted the appointment before filing. Most services require you to sign up with them first, then they’ll appear in your filing.

Update Your Operating Agreement

While not legally required, it’s good practice to update your operating agreement to reflect the new registered agent information.

Check for Pending Legal Matters

If your LLC has pending lawsuits or legal matters, coordinate the timing carefully. You don’t want important documents going to your old agent after you’ve made the switch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a P.O. Box

Florida requires a physical street address for registered agents. P.O. boxes, UPS Store mailboxes, and virtual addresses are not accepted.

Using an Out-of-State Address

Your registered agent must have a Florida address. If you’re using a professional service, verify they have a physical Florida location.

Forgetting to Cancel Old Services

If you’re switching from a paid registered agent service, remember to cancel your subscription. Otherwise, you’ll continue being billed even after the change.

Not Confirming the New Agent

Before filing, confirm your new registered agent has agreed to serve. Filing without their consent could leave you without valid representation.

Can You Change Your Registered Agent for Free?

The state filing fee is $25 and cannot be avoided. However, you can minimize overall costs by:

• Timing it with your annual report: If your annual report is due within a few weeks, wait and include the registered agent change. You’ll pay only the $138.75 annual report fee, not an additional $25.

• Becoming your own agent: If you’re switching to yourself, you’ll save on professional service fees going forward.

How to Become Your Own Registered Agent

To serve as your own registered agent, you must:

1. Be a Florida resident
2. Have a physical Florida street address
3. Be available during business hours to accept documents

To make the switch, simply enter your own name and address as the registered agent when filing the change.

Consider carefully: Your home address will become public record on Sunbiz.org.

How to Switch to a Professional Registered Agent

Step 1: Choose a Service

Compare registered agent services based on:

• Annual cost
• Included features (mail forwarding, compliance alerts)
• Reputation and reviews
• Physical Florida locations

Step 2: Sign Up with the Service

Most services require you to create an account and provide your LLC information before they’ll accept appointment.

Step 3: File the Change

Once enrolled, file the registered agent change through Sunbiz.org with the service’s name and Florida address.

Step 4: Cancel Your Old Service

If you’re switching from another paid service, remember to cancel to avoid continued billing.

Registered Agent Services Comparison

What Happens to Documents Sent to Your Old Agent?

After you change your registered agent:

• State correspondence: The Division of Corporations will send future notices to your new agent
• Legal documents: Process servers should serve the agent on record (your new agent)
• Old agent’s obligations: Professional services typically forward any documents received after the change, but policies vary

To be safe, contact your old agent and request forwarding of any documents received after the effective date of your change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a registered agent change take?

Online changes are effective immediately. Your new agent will appear on public records within minutes.

Do I need my old registered agent’s permission?

No. You can change your registered agent at any time without permission from the current agent.

Can I change my registered agent during the year?

Yes. You don’t have to wait for your annual report. Changes can be filed anytime for $25.

What if my registered agent resigns?

If your registered agent resigns, you’ll receive a notice from the state giving you time to appoint a new one. File the change promptly to avoid compliance issues.

Can my LLC be listed as its own registered agent?

No. An LLC cannot be its own registered agent. You need either an individual Florida resident or a separate business entity authorized to act as a registered agent.

The Bottom Line

Changing your registered agent in Florida is simple:

1. Go to Sunbiz.org
2. Find your LLC
3. File the registered agent change
4. Pay $25
5. Done

The change is immediate, and your new agent information will appear on your public record right away.

Looking for a reliable registered agent? IncCraft offers registered agent service for just $49/year — including same-day document scanning and compliance reminders.