Who you use to serve your case’s process to defendants and witnesses matters. Florida has strict laws and regulations on who can and cannot be a process server in our state. Using a process server that doesn’t meet the required guidelines is a big no-no and could result in your case being delayed or even thrown out! In this post, we’ll review the qualities that you should be looking for when interviewing potential process servers.
Process Servers Must Meet Florida’s Minimum Requirements
Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, and St. John’s counties all belong to Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit. The 7th circuit is a little different than most other judicial circuits in Florida. Instead of maintaining a list of approved process servers, servers in Volusia, Putnam, and Flagler must be individually approved to serve process for each and every case they work. In St. Johns County, process servers are approved by the Sheriff’s office.
Regardless of who approves the process server to work the case, Florida requires all servers to, at a minimum:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no mental disability
- Be a Florida resident
- Have a clean background and criminal history
- Possess a Certificate of Good Conduct filed with the court or sheriff’s office
- Passage of a training course and exam
- Post a surety bond
Process Servers Must Know the Laws
The best process servers know the laws related to serving process in Florida like the back of their hands. They won’t even bat an eye when asked about their knowledge of these laws. Not only will they know what is allowed, they’ll also be very clear on what is not allowed. Some common prohibited activities for process servers include:
- Wearing disguises
- Giving legal advice
- Engaging in criminal activity
Ask lots of questions when interviewing potential process servers so you can get a feel of their knowledge of the job. If they aren’t able to tell you what the laws are, or suggest breaking the law in order to serve your case process, run to the next candidate.
Process Servers Must Prove Their Experience
Just like any other job, it’s standard practice to provide references when interviewing potential servers. Servers who claim to have years of experience should have no problem listing out clients who they have worked with in the past. If they cannot provide references, it may mean that they’re not being honest about their history.
For new process servers, they won’t have a long list of references and past clients. However, they should be able to show you documentation where they’ve completed training and are bonded.
Process Servers in Daytona Beach
For high-quality process servers that you don’t have to worry about, trust the team at Accurate Serve® of Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, and Titusville. We have the network, experience, and dedication that you need to get your case process handled quickly and legally. Just send us a work request online to get started today.
