Trade names hide the legal entity.
The name on a sign or website may differ from the corporation or LLC named in the case.
BUSINESS & REGISTERED-AGENT SERVICE
Serving a business starts with identifying the right legal entity.
A trade name, storefront or mailing address may not tell you who can legally receive process. DocketServe keeps the legal entity, registered-agent information, service address, documents and field outcome connected so business-service requests begin with a cleaner record.
Start in DocketServe. New users should select Request service, and complete the service-request flow inside the platform.
BUSINESS & REGISTERED-AGENT SERVICE
Entity matching comes before field work.
Entity nameExact legal name
Entity typeCorporation / LLC
Registered agentChecked
Service addressMatched
ReturnEntity-linked
WHY THIS GETS COMPLICATED
The service itself is only one part of the problem.
Good process service starts with a request that is clear enough to act on, a service record that is easy to follow, and a return that stays connected to the matter.
Registered-agent data can be misunderstood.
The registered agent, officers and public records need to be matched to the correct entity rather than guessed.
Virtual offices complicate assumptions.
Florida law contains specific rules for service involving registered agents, residences, private mailboxes and virtual offices.
A failed first attempt may change the path.
The next operational or legal step depends on the entity type, facts and applicable statute.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Give the server a cleaner starting point.
DocketServe keeps the request, documents, recipient information and service context together. The better the initial information, the less avoidable back-and-forth before work begins.
- Exact legal entityUse the corporation or LLC name shown in the papers.
- Entity typeCorporation, LLC, partnership or other organization.
- Public recordProvide or verify current registered-agent / annual-report information when relevant.
- Service papersKeep the documents matched to the exact legal entity.
- Address + suiteInclude complete registered office or business location details.
- Matter contactIdentify who can answer a factual question if the public record conflicts with the request.
Florida has entity-specific service statutes.
Florida Statutes §§ 48.081 and 48.062 address service on corporations and LLCs, including registered-agent service and specified alternatives when the registered agent cannot be served under the statutory conditions.
DocketServe provides process-service workflow and operational information, not legal advice. Confirm the requirements that apply to your matter.
FROM REQUEST TO RETURN
A clearer sequence for service work.
Instead of losing the request between emails, field updates and the final return, DocketServe is designed to keep the operational record connected.
01IdentifyMatch the papers to the exact legal entity.
02VerifyReview the current service address and agent information.
03ConfirmDocketServe confirms scope and available coverage.
04AttemptField activity is recorded against the entity request.
05ReturnThe outcome and return stay connected to the entity/matter.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU REQUEST SERVICE
Practical answers.
Can you serve a company at its registered agent?
DocketServe can evaluate registered-agent service requests. The applicable method depends on the entity, current public record, papers and Florida law.
What if the registered agent is not available?
Florida law contains specific alternatives and diligence requirements for corporations and LLCs. The proper next step should be determined from the statute and case instructions, not assumed.
Can you serve CT Corporation or another commercial registered agent?
DocketServe can review requests involving commercial registered agents when coverage and scope are confirmed. Provide the exact entity and current agent information.
Can a business use DocketServe to serve another business?
Yes. Business clients may request process service, subject to scope, coverage, document and payment requirements.
Does DocketServe search Sunbiz for me?
DocketServe may use public entity information operationally, but the requesting party remains responsible for identifying the intended legal party and obtaining legal advice where needed.
START WITH THE REQUEST
Tell us what needs to be served and where.
Open DocketServe and select Request service. The platform will guide you through your client type, service details, recipient and address information, timing, and secure document upload.
Research & review
Reviewed by the DocketServe editorial team
Updated September 30, 2026. DocketServe checks first-party product facts and uses official court, statutory, municipal and provider sources where relevant. Operational information is not legal advice.
FLORIDA / LOCAL PREPARATION
The legal entity. The right local destination.
A company’s operating office, registered office, property manager and individual guarantor can be different service targets. Yulee, Fleming Island and the City of Alachua guides show how to keep the legal defendant and intended recipient capacity separate from a trade name or shared business address. Counsel’s entity-service instructions and the issued papers control.