Changing a registered agent in Florida is a straightforward process that can be completed online through the Division of Corporations website.
To change a registered agent on Sunbiz (sunbiz.org – the Florida Division of Corporations website), the business owner must complete the necessary forms and pay the required fees.
The forms can be completed online or by mail, and must include the name and address of the new registered agent. It is important to note that the new registered agent must be located in Florida and must be authorized to do business in the state.
Once the forms are submitted and the fees are paid, the Division of Corporations will process the request and update the registered agent information. It is important to keep a copy of the confirmation for your records. Failure to update the registered agent information can result in missed legal documents and penalties for non-compliance.
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or entity appointed by a business to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas, on behalf of the business. The registered agent is responsible for receiving and forwarding these documents to the appropriate person within the business. In the state of Florida, every business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships, is required to have a registered agent.
The registered agent must have a physical address in the state of Florida where they can be reached during normal business hours. The registered agent plays a crucial role in ensuring that a business is in compliance with state laws and regulations.
Failure to maintain a registered agent can result in penalties, fines, and even the dissolution of the business entity. It is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy registered agent who can effectively manage legal documents and ensure that the business stays in compliance with state laws. Many businesses choose to hire a professional registered agent service to handle this responsibility.
We recommend the following services for registered agents in Florida or any other state.
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Best value  | Price: $99 per year
| 9.4 | Visit site |
Best customer service  | Price: $125 per year
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Great value  | Price: $119 per year
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Best no frills  | Price: $99 per year
| 9 | Visit site |
Strong brand  | Price: $299 per year
| 8.9 | Visit site |
What Is Sunbiz?
Sunbiz is simply the Florida Division of Corporations website. It is a portal that every Florida corporation uses to manage their interactions with the state including filing an annual report, registering a business entity, starting a Florida LLC and nominating a Florida registered agent.
When you form a business entity you create a free Sunbiz e-file account, which will allow your documents to be filed online.
Why Change Your Registered Agent?
There are various reasons why one may need to change Florida registered agents. One of the most common reasons is that the current registered agent is no longer available or has resigned. This may happen if the registered agent has changed jobs, moved out of state, or simply decided to stop providing registered agent services.
Another reason to change registered agent is to ensure compliance with Florida state laws. Registered agents are required to have a physical street address in Florida, and some businesses may find that their current registered agent does not meet this requirement. In this case, changing to a new Florida registered agent with a valid Florida address is necessary to avoid any legal issues.
Furthermore, some businesses may simply want to change registered agents to one that offers better services or has more experience in their industry. This can be especially important for businesses that rely heavily on their registered agent for legal and regulatory compliance.
Whatever the reason for changing a registered agent, it is important to follow the proper procedures and file the necessary paperwork with the Florida Department of State. Failure to do so can result in penalties, fines, and even legal consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional or registered agent service provider to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
How to Change Your Registered Agent on Sunbiz
Changing your registered agent on Sunbiz is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Determine Your New Registered Agent
The first step in changing your registered agent on Sunbiz is to find a new registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a legal resident of Florida or a company authorized to do business in the state. You can choose an individual or a company to act as your new registered agent.
It’s important to choose a registered agent who is reliable and responsible. The registered agent will be responsible for receiving legal documents and other important communications on your behalf.
We recommend using one of the professional registered agent services in the table below.
Step 2: Obtain Consent from Your New Registered Agent
Before you can change your registered agent on Sunbiz, you need to obtain consent from your new registered agent. You can do this by sending a consent form to your new registered agent and asking them to sign it.
The consent form should include the name of your business, the name of your new registered agent, and the new registered agent’s address. You should also include a statement that the new registered agent agrees to act as your registered agent and receive legal documents and other important communications on your behalf.
Step 3: File the Change with Sunbiz
Once you have obtained consent from your new registered agent, you can file the change with Sunbiz. You can do this online by logging in to your Sunbiz account and completing the necessary forms.
There process is as follows:
Go to Sunbiz.org
Click on the Forms and Fees tab and then click on Limited Liability Company
Click on Statement of Registered Agent/Registered Agent Change.
That will take you to the correct registered agent form. You will need to provide the name of your business, your old registered agent’s information, and your new registered agent’s information.
Return the form an make payment
You will need to pay a filing fee to complete the change when you lodge the form. You can do this online or via mail. After you file the change with Sunbiz, your new registered agent will be responsible for receiving legal documents and other important communications on your behalf.
What Happens After You Change Your Registered Agent?
Once you have successfully changed your registered agent on Sunbiz, there are a few things that will happen:
- The new registered agent will receive a copy of all legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business.
- The old registered agent will no longer receive any legal documents or official correspondence on behalf of your business.
- Your business’s registered office address will be updated to reflect the new registered agent’s address.
It’s important to note that changing your registered agent does not change your business’s legal structure or tax status. You will still need to file any necessary tax forms and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.
If you have any questions or concerns about changing your registered agent, you can contact the Florida Division of Corporations for assistance. They can provide guidance on the process and help ensure that your business remains in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Conclusion
Changing a registered agent on Sunbiz is a straightforward process that can be done online or by mail. The Division of Corporations provides several forms that can be used to update business information, including the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent or Both (Form CR2E045) and the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office (Form CR2E049).
It is important to ensure that the new registered agent meets the requirements set forth by the state of Florida. The registered agent must be a resident of Florida or a corporation authorized to do business in the state. They must have a physical address in Florida and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents and other important correspondence on behalf of the business.
Business owners should also keep in mind that changing the registered agent may have an impact on other aspects of the business, such as taxes and licenses. It is important to consult with a legal or financial professional to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to avoid any potential legal or financial issues.
Overall, changing a registered agent on Sunbiz can be a simple process as long as the proper steps are taken and all requirements are met. By following the guidelines provided by the Division of Corporations and seeking professional advice when necessary, business owners can ensure that their businesses remain compliant and protected.
