Florida Statute 48.81 - Full Text and Legal Analysis

The 2025 Florida Statutes

Title VI
CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Chapter 48
PROCESS AND SERVICE OF PROCESS

View Entire Chapter

F.S. 48.081

¹48.081 Service on a domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation.—

(1) As used in this section, the term “registered foreign corporation” means a foreign corporation that has an active certificate of authority to transact business in this state pursuant to a record filed with the Department of State.

(2) A domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation may be served with process required or authorized by law by service on its registered agent designated by the corporation under chapter 607 or chapter 617, as applicable.

(3) If service cannot be made on a registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation because the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation ceases to have a registered agent, or if the registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation cannot otherwise be served after one good faith attempt because of a failure to comply with this chapter, chapter 607, or chapter 617, as applicable, the process may be served on either of the following:

(a) The chair of the board of directors, the president, any vice president, the secretary, or the treasurer of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation.

(b) Any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended.

(4) If, after due diligence, the process cannot be completed under subsection (2) and if either:

(a) The only person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is also the registered agent on whom service was attempted under subsection (2); or

(b) After due diligence, service was attempted on at least one person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, and cannot be completed on such person under subsection (3),

the process may be served as provided in s. 48.161 on the Secretary of State as an agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation or by order of the court under s. 48.102.

(5) If the address for the registered agent or any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, is a residence, a private mailbox, a virtual office, or an executive office or mini suite, service on the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation may be made by serving any of the following:

(a) The registered agent of the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation, in accordance with s. 48.031.

(b) Any person listed publicly by the domestic corporation or registered foreign corporation on its latest annual report, as most recently amended, in accordance with s. 48.031.

(6) A foreign corporation engaging in business in this state which is not registered is considered, for purposes of service of process, a nonresident engaging in business in this state and may be served pursuant to s. 48.181 or by order of the court under s. 48.102.

(7) This section does not apply to service of process on insurance companies.

History.—s. 8, Nov. 21, 1829; s. 2, Feb. 11, 1834; s. 1, ch. 3590, 1885; RS 1019; GS 1406; s. 1, ch. 6908, 1915; s. 1, ch. 7752, 1918; RGS 2604; CGL 4251; s. 1, ch. 57-97; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 59-46; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 1, ch. 67-399; s. 6, ch. 79-396; s. 7, ch. 83-216; s. 1, ch. 84-2; s. 2, ch. 2004-273; s. 3, ch. 2011-159; s. 3, ch. 2014-207; s. 3, ch. 2016-207; s. 5, ch. 2022-190.

¹Note.—Section 5, ch. 2025-13, provides:

“(1) The amendments made to chapter 48, Florida Statutes, by chapter 2022-190, Laws of Florida, apply to causes of action that accrued on or after January 2, 2023, and to all causes of action that accrued before January 2, 2023, for which service of process was effectuated on or after January 2, 2023.

“(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), any service of process that occurred between January 2, 2023, and October 1, 2025, which has not been invalidated by a court, is valid if such service complied with either chapter 48, Florida Statutes, as amended by chapter 2022-190, Laws of Florida, or the laws governing service of process in effect before January 2, 2023, which would have applied in the absence of chapter 2022-190, Laws of Florida.

“(3) The amendments made by this act apply to all service of process made or effectuated on or after October 1, 2025, regardless of whether the cause of action accrued before, on, or after October 1, 2025.

“(4) This section does not extend or modify the time for challenging the validity of any service of process and does not revive any ability to challenge the validity of service of process which has previously been waived.”

Note.—Former s. 47.17.

F.S. 48.081 on Google Scholar

F.S. 48.081 on CourtListener

Amendments to 48.081

Annotations, Discussions, Cases:

Cases Citing Statute 48.081

Total Results: 120

Polskie Linie Oceaniczne D/B/A Polish Ocean Lines v. Seasafe Transport A/s

795 F.2d 968, 1986 U.S. App. LEXIS 27942

Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit | Filed: Aug 8, 1986 | Docket: 970344

Cited 65 times | Published

4 Jurisdiction Under Fla.Stat. § 48.081(5) (1983) In addition, Polskie claims that

Louis F. Cavic and Helen A. Cavic, His Wife, Cross-Appellants v. The Grand Bahama Development Company, Limited, Cross-Appellee

701 F.2d 879, 1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 29357

Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit | Filed: Mar 28, 1983 | Docket: 224516

Cited 51 times | Published

Stat. Section 48.081. We find no error in the trial judge’s ruling. Fla.Stat. Section 48.081(2) provides

Sandra Waite v. AII Acquisition Corp.

901 F.3d 1307

Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit | Filed: Aug 23, 2018 | Docket: 7728863

Cited 31 times | Published

foreign corporation." Finally, Florida Statutes § 48.081 provides that "process may be served on the agent

Lance Koster v. Carol Sullivan

160 So. 3d 385, 40 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 63, 2015 Fla. LEXIS 203, 2015 WL 463509

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Feb 5, 2015 | Docket: 2631768

Cited 28 times | Published

(emphasis omitted). Although the factors in section 48.081(l)(a) could easily be addressed in a return

Youngblood v. Citrus Assoc. of NY Cotton Exch., Inc.

276 So. 2d 505

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 17, 1973 | Docket: 346357

Cited 25 times | Published

process may be sustained under Florida Statute § 48.081 or § 48.182 (1971), F.S.A. We deal first with

New Lenox Industries, Inc. v. Fenton

510 F. Supp. 2d 893, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 32659, 2007 WL 1303035

District Court, M.D. Florida | Filed: May 3, 2007 | Docket: 2452472

Cited 22 times | Published

Civ.P. and is in compliance with Florida Statute § 48.081(1). Accordingly, Defendant Airbelt's motion to

Anthony v. Gary J. Rotella & Associates

906 So. 2d 1205, 2005 WL 1682740

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 20, 2005 | Docket: 1775573

Cited 20 times | Published

held that the service was not authorized by section 48.081, Florida Statutes, and therefore was grounds

White v. Pepsico, Inc.

568 So. 2d 886, 1990 WL 130207

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Sep 6, 1990 | Docket: 50300

Cited 20 times | Published

before this Court involves the interpretation of section 48.081 of the Florida Statutes (1983), which stated:

Robles-Martinez v. Diaz, Reus & Targ, LLP

88 So. 3d 177, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 12980, 2011 WL 3586179

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 17, 2011 | Docket: 60308172

Cited 16 times | Published

where return failed to include (as required by § 48.081(1)) statement that all superior corporate officers

American Baseball Cap, Inc. v. Duzinski

308 So. 2d 639

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 31, 1975 | Docket: 2523928

Cited 16 times | Published

former statute F.S. 47.171, a predecessor of F.S. 48.081 Florida Statutes, 1971, said: "* * * the statute

Mecca Multimedia, Inc. v. Kurzbard

954 So. 2d 1179, 2007 WL 1062526

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 11, 2007 | Docket: 1163781

Cited 15 times | Published

first attempted to serve Mecca pursuant to section 48.081(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2005), by serving

In Re Amendments to Fla. Rules Civ. Proc.

604 So. 2d 1110, 1992 WL 163953

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Jul 16, 1992 | Docket: 1686576

Cited 15 times | Published

of nonresidents doing business in the state), § 48.081 (service on corporation), § 48.101 (service on

Universal Caribbean Estab. v. Bard

543 So. 2d 447, 1989 WL 53350

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 24, 1989 | Docket: 2514052

Cited 15 times | Published

on Universal Caribbean was made pursuant to section 48.081(5), Florida Statutes (1987) on Jack Mermod

Bank of America, N.A. v. Bornstein

39 So. 3d 500, 2010 Fla. App. LEXIS 9892, 2010 WL 2675238

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 7, 2010 | Docket: 2410705

Cited 14 times | Published

ABSENCE OF AN AVAILABLE OFFICER IN ACCORDANCE WITH F.S. 48.081. Apparently, Bank of America first saw the amended

Space Coast Credit Union v. the First, FA

467 So. 2d 737, 10 Fla. L. Weekly 823, 1985 Fla. App. LEXIS 13221

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 28, 1985 | Docket: 2515535

Cited 13 times | Published

invalid because it was not in compliance with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1983), which requires that

Top Dollar Pawn Too, Inc. v. King

861 So. 2d 1264, 2003 WL 22956426

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 17, 2003 | Docket: 1514110

Cited 12 times | Published

only by complying with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2002). Section 48.081(3) provides that "process

Hobbs v. Don Mealey Chevrolet, Inc.

642 So. 2d 1149, 1994 WL 515723

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 23, 1994 | Docket: 1529494

Cited 11 times | Published

registered agent pursuant to section 48.081(3) of the Florida Statutes. Section 48.081(3) provides: As an alternative

Dade Erection Serv. v. Sims Crane Serv.

379 So. 2d 423

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 30, 1980 | Docket: 1681341

Cited 11 times | Published

process had not been made in accordance with Section 48.081(1), appellant moved the court to vacate the

VOLKSWAGENWERK, ETC. v. McCurdy

340 So. 2d 544

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 21, 1976 | Docket: 1299672

Cited 11 times | Published

Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1399(e)) and F.S. § 48.081(1). The action is based upon an automobile collision

National Safety Assoc., Inc. v. Allstate Ins. Company

799 So. 2d 316, 2001 WL 1292985

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 5, 2001 | Docket: 1278083

Cited 10 times | Published

was invalid because it did not comply with section 48.081(1), Florida Statutes (1997). We agree and reverse

YORK COMM. INC. v. Furst Group, Inc.

724 So. 2d 678, 1999 WL 18058

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 20, 1999 | Docket: 1410341

Cited 10 times | Published

registered office during the designated hours. See § 48.081(3), Fla. Stat. (1997). The summons and complaint

CARIBE & PANAMA INVS. v. Christensen

375 So. 2d 601

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 2, 1979 | Docket: 346555

Cited 10 times | Published

non-resident foreign corporation pursuant to Section 48.081(1) by personally serving an officer of that

Junction Bit & Tool Co. v. Institutional Mortgage Co.

240 So. 2d 879

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 13, 1970 | Docket: 1510182

Cited 10 times | Published

upon whom process may be served. F.S. 1969, Section 48.081(3), F.S.A., provides that process may be served

In Re Amendments to Rules of Civ. Proc.

536 So. 2d 974

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Dec 30, 1988 | Docket: 1759905

Cited 9 times | Published

of nonresidents doing business in the state), § 48.081 (service on corporation), § 48.101 (service on

Bay Products Corp. v. Winters

341 So. 2d 240

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 23, 1976 | Docket: 1723994

Cited 9 times | Published

service on the corporation was in violation of Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1975), and as a result of

Rose's Stores, Inc. v. Cherry

526 So. 2d 749, 13 Fla. L. Weekly 1326, 1988 Fla. App. LEXIS 2271, 1988 WL 54431

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 2, 1988 | Docket: 1272837

Cited 8 times | Published

was made on Rose's registered *750 agent via section 48.081(3), Florida Statutes (1985),[1] it is immaterial

Sierra Holding v. Inn Keepers Supply Co.

464 So. 2d 652

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 6, 1985 | Docket: 1193143

Cited 8 times | Published

Drago for failure of appellee to comply with section 48.081, Florida Statutes. Appellant also moved to

Dombroff v. Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.

450 So. 2d 923

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 12, 1984 | Docket: 1432894

Cited 8 times | Published

over the defendant corporation herein under Section 48.081(3), Florida Statutes (1981), because: (a) the

COUNTRY CLUBS, ETC v. Zaun Equipment, Inc.

350 So. 2d 539, 1977 Fla. App. LEXIS 16964

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 5, 1977 | Docket: 1712948

Cited 8 times | Published

Inv. Co., 126 Fla. 595, 172 So. 58 (Fla. 1936). § 48.081, Florida Statutes (1975), provides for such personal

Cortez Development Co. v. New York Capital Group, Inc.

401 So. 2d 1163

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 4, 1981 | Docket: 1686513

Cited 7 times | Published

any general partner found in the state... ." Section 48.081 provides that process against any domestic

Ludlum Enterprises, Inc. v. Outdoor Media, Inc.

250 So. 2d 649

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 26, 1971 | Docket: 422329

Cited 7 times | Published

service of process based on noncompliance with Section 48.081, F.S. 1969, F.S.A., which reads, in part, as

INTERN. STEEL TRUSS CO. v. Artec Group, Inc.

824 So. 2d 340, 2002 WL 2005975

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 30, 2002 | Docket: 1435502

Cited 6 times | Published

employee failed to satisfy the requirements of section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2001). The Artec Group,

Southeastern Mail Transport, Inc. v. Amoco Oil Co.

402 So. 2d 522, 1981 Fla. App. LEXIS 20873

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 17, 1981 | Docket: 1691435

Cited 6 times | Published

specifically recites that service was effected under Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1979). Southeastern filed

Clark v. Roberto's, Inc.

320 So. 2d 870, 1975 Fla. App. LEXIS 15499

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 3, 1975 | Docket: 1408830

Cited 6 times | Published

on appellee's treasurer was insufficient under § 48.081, F.S. 1973. The motion also alleged a misunderstanding

Nationsbanc Mortg. Corp. v. GARDENS NORTH CONDO. ASSOC., INC.

764 So. 2d 883, 2000 WL 1140507

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 9, 2000 | Docket: 1516411

Cited 5 times | Published

administrative assistant of Nationsbanc, in violation of section 48.081, Florida Statutes. The Gardens argued that

Synchron, Inc. v. Kogan

757 So. 2d 564, 2000 WL 485551

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 26, 2000 | Docket: 1698232

Cited 5 times | Published

had not been served in accordance either with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1997), governing service

Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. v. Ward

719 So. 2d 1218, 1998 Fla. App. LEXIS 12263, 1998 WL 654272

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 25, 1998 | Docket: 1705191

Cited 5 times | Published

appearance. See Space Coast, 467 So.2d at 739. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1997) sets forth the method

Wash. Capital Corp. v. Milandco

665 So. 2d 375, 1996 Fla. App. LEXIS 26, 1996 WL 1124

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 3, 1996 | Docket: 1351485

Cited 5 times | Published

corporation which was not in strict compliance with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1993), governing service

City Contract Bus Service, Inc. v. Woody

515 So. 2d 1354, 12 Fla. L. Weekly 2699, 1987 Fla. App. LEXIS 11251, 1987 WL 1912

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 1, 1987 | Docket: 1467912

Cited 5 times | Published

of business therefrom, within the meaning of section 48.081(5), or that Georgia Bus is engaged in substantial

Murphy & Jordan, Inc. v. Insurance Company of North America

278 So. 2d 296, 1973 Fla. App. LEXIS 8043

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 15, 1973 | Docket: 1706436

Cited 5 times | Published

Murphy, as officer." Process was improper as F.S. § 48.081[2] F.S.A. requires that service be made on the

EAGLE-PICHER INDUS. INC. v. Proverb

464 So. 2d 658, 10 Fla. L. Weekly 576

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 6, 1985 | Docket: 1306308

Cited 4 times | Published

dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1983) makes no requirement

Pollard v. Steel Systems Const. Co., Inc.

581 F. Supp. 1551, 1984 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17864

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Apr 5, 1984 | Docket: 1168212

Cited 4 times | Published

fully complied with the provisions of F.S.A. Section 48.081. These cases hold that the test to be used

Carlon, Inc. v. Lindy's of Omni, Inc.

408 So. 2d 243

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 12, 1981 | Docket: 2538149

Cited 4 times | Published

find no demonstration of reversible error. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1979), governs service of

Koster v. Sullivan

103 So. 3d 882, 2012 WL 4798610, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 17423

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 10, 2012 | Docket: 60227242

Cited 3 times | Published

of the statutorily prescribed [, pursuant to section 48.081,] superior classes of persons who could have

Pinero v. Yam Margate, L.L.C.

825 F. Supp. 2d 1264, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 135854, 2011 WL 5865293

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Aug 12, 2011 | Docket: 1432690

Cited 3 times | Published

the State of Florida is governed by Fla. Stat. § 48.081(1). Long arm service on corporations is governed

TID Services, Inc. v. Dass

65 So. 3d 1, 2010 Fla. App. LEXIS 17638, 2010 WL 4628571

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 17, 2010 | Docket: 2361345

Cited 3 times | Published

First, the legislature added subsection (b) to section 48.081(3) as follows: If the address provided for

Bernardele v. Bonorino

608 F. Supp. 2d 1313, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27995, 2009 WL 890093

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Mar 30, 2009 | Docket: 2333726

Cited 3 times | Published

state where the district court is located. Section 48.081 of the Florida Statutes specifically provides

Haueter-Herranz v. Romero

975 So. 2d 511, 2008 WL 161023

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 18, 2008 | Docket: 1727120

Cited 3 times | Published

Rocko in compliance with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2005). Section 48.081 provides in pertinent part

STR Industries, Inc. v. Hidalgo Corp.

832 So. 2d 262, 2002 Fla. App. LEXIS 18099, 2002 WL 31757610

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 11, 2002 | Docket: 1700099

Cited 3 times | Published

that Mary McKillip was not an S.T.R. employee. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2001), governs service of

LISA, SA v. Gutierrez

806 So. 2d 557, 2002 WL 54411

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 16, 2002 | Docket: 1344125

Cited 3 times | Published

, Inc., 665 So.2d 375 (Fla. 4th DCA 1996), section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1999), governs service of

Stewart v. Julana Development Corp.

678 So. 2d 1385, 1996 Fla. App. LEXIS 9456, 1996 WL 511568

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 11, 1996 | Docket: 1470803

Cited 3 times | Published

Dade County. Reynolds is Julana's president. Section 48.081(1)(a), Florida Statutes (1995) authorizes service

Woodbury v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.

152 F.R.D. 229, 1993 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17084, 1993 WL 498867

District Court, M.D. Florida | Filed: Nov 30, 1993 | Docket: 66310814

Cited 3 times | Published

corporation are Florida Statutes § 48.091 and § 48.081. Section 48.091 deals with service of process

Cortez v. First City Nat. Bank of Houston

735 F. Supp. 1021, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4183, 1990 WL 42567

District Court, M.D. Florida | Filed: Apr 11, 1990 | Docket: 1022496

Cited 3 times | Published

long-arm statute, is governed by Florida law. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes, provides that service on

Richardson v. Albury

505 So. 2d 521, 12 Fla. L. Weekly 878

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 25, 1987 | Docket: 1745838

Cited 3 times | Published

of process on PEMHS under subsection (3) of section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1985).[1] On March 10, 1986

Kindle Trucking Co. v. Marmar Corp.

468 So. 2d 502, 10 Fla. L. Weekly 1179, 1985 Fla. App. LEXIS 13942

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 9, 1985 | Docket: 1402282

Cited 3 times | Published

because it was not made in compliance with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1983), but we need not address

A-One Dahill Moving & Storage Co. v. American Ins. Co.

436 So. 2d 424, 1983 Fla. App. LEXIS 22590

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 24, 1983 | Docket: 1339673

Cited 3 times | Published

of this case we do not believe it matters. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1981), which governs service

Killingsworth v. Montgomery Ward & Co.

327 So. 2d 50

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 18, 1976 | Docket: 1716422

Cited 3 times | Published

appellees here in Florida in accordance with Section 48.081(5), Florida Statutes, which authorizes service

Crown Colony Club, Limited v. Honecker

307 So. 2d 889, 1974 Fla. App. LEXIS 7330

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 31, 1974 | Docket: 1241107

Cited 3 times | Published

upon Elizabeth Rom as business agent pursuant to § 48.081 Fla. Stat. After a review of the services performed

Empire Beauty Salon v. Commercial Loan Solutions IV, LLC

159 So. 3d 136, 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 18697, 2014 WL 5877947

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 14, 2014 | Docket: 60246502

Cited 2 times | Published

not properly served with process pursuant to section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2013). The affidavit of

Mills Corp. v. Amato

72 So. 3d 814, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 17378, 2011 WL 5170016

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 2, 2011 | Docket: 60303321

Cited 2 times | Published

method of service in this case is dictated by section 48.081, Fla. Stat. (2007). Section 48.101, Florida

Sunseeker International Ltd. v. Devers

50 So. 3d 715, 2010 Fla. App. LEXIS 19095, 2010 WL 5093224

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 15, 2010 | Docket: 60297339

Cited 2 times | Published

distributor as a business agent, pursuant to section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2009). The manufacturer

Cannella v. Auto-Owners Ins. Co.

801 So. 2d 94, 26 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 754, 2001 Fla. LEXIS 2273, 2001 WL 1422463

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Nov 15, 2001 | Docket: 1744767

Cited 2 times | Published

LEWIS, and QUINCE, JJ., concur. NOTES [1] Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2000), provides for service

Saridis v. VISTA ST. LUCIE ASSOC. INC.

804 So. 2d 372, 2001 WL 1131697

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 26, 2001 | Docket: 1178104

Cited 2 times | Published

corporate employee. The affidavit referred to "F.S. 48.081(3)" but said nothing more. The affidavit contained

Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. v. Ghilotti

255 So. 3d 423

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 29, 2018 | Docket: 7766230

Cited 1 times | Published

the sufficiency of service of process under section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1983), and does not address

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC v. Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Co.

162 So. 3d 1058, 2015 Fla. App. LEXIS 5465, 2015 WL 1651226

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 15, 2015 | Docket: 2649592

Cited 1 times | Published

DCA 1979). With that in mind, we look to section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2013), which provides the

Laura M. Watson, P.A. v. Stewart Tilghman Fox & Bianchi, P.A.

162 So. 3d 102, 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 16803, 2014 WL 5149106

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 15, 2014 | Docket: 60247362

Cited 1 times | Published

served on a proper bank official pursuant to section 48.081(1), Florida Statutes (2012), and was improperly

Ulloa v. CMI, Inc.

133 So. 3d 914, 38 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 804, 2013 WL 5942299, 2013 Fla. LEXIS 2420

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Nov 7, 2013 | Docket: 60238970

Cited 1 times | Published

accordance with chapter 607.” In addition, section 48.081(3)(a) permits that “process may be served on

SunTrust Bank v. ELECTRONIC WIRELESS CORP.

23 So. 3d 774, 2009 Fla. App. LEXIS 17719, 2009 WL 4061228

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 25, 2009 | Docket: 1657707

Cited 1 times | Published

service for the corporation's registered agent. Section 48.081(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2008), provides: "[P]rocess

Sehringer v. Big Lots, Inc.

532 F. Supp. 2d 1335, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73859, 2007 WL 2908089

District Court, M.D. Florida | Filed: Oct 3, 2007 | Docket: 2195370

Cited 1 times | Published

the district court is located." Florida Statute § 48.081 governs service of process on corporations, and

Emery Worldwide, Inc. v. Indemnity Ins. Co.

797 So. 2d 623, 2001 Fla. App. LEXIS 14199, 2001 WL 1190893

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 10, 2001 | Docket: 1359933

Cited 1 times | Published

superior officer as defined in Florida Statute, Section 48.081." Emery failed to respond to the writ and a

Benedict v. General Motors Corp.

142 F. Supp. 2d 1330, 2001 WL 36106168, 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18706

District Court, N.D. Florida | Filed: May 23, 2001 | Docket: 2175865

Cited 1 times | Published

officers or the registered agent. See Fla. Stat. § 48.081. Any corporation that is incorporated in or registers

Heritage Corp. of So. Fla. v. Apartment Invest., Inc.

285 So. 2d 629

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 6, 1973 | Docket: 1491378

Cited 1 times | Published

an officer residing in the state by virtue of § 48.081(5) F.S.A. Therefore, service upon Van Heusden

Donnelly v. Kellogg Co.

293 F. Supp. 53, 1968 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9983

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Nov 13, 1968 | Docket: 66051063

Cited 1 times | Published

“business agent” of Kellogg Company, pursuant to § 48.081, Florida Statutes, F.S.A. The first question that

New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, Inc., Etc. v. City First Mortgage Corp., Etc.

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 25, 2025 | Docket: 70630882

Published

and 48.161, Florida Statutes, we affirm. See § 48.081(4)(b), Fla. Stat. (“If, after due diligence, the

Imperial Air Services, Inc. v. Christian Flores

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 19, 2024 | Docket: 68867493

Published

MILLER, JJ. PER CURIAM. Affirmed. See § 48.081(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2020) (“As an alternative

PEACEFUL PAWS MEMORIAL SERVICES LLC v. KAREN TARVES

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 2, 2023 | Docket: 67657790

Published

superior officer as defined in Florida Statute, Section 48.081 when defendant’s corporation fails to comply

SERVIQUIM CA, etc. v. MANUCHAR NV, etc.

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 18, 2023 | Docket: 66738026

Published

presumption by clear and convincing evidence.”); § 48.081(1)(c), Fla. Stat. (2022) (“Process against any

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, LTD. v. JOHN ABELES and PETER GLEESON

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 8, 2020 | Docket: 17330539

Published

Director of Finance for appellant IUHS. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2017), provides in part:

2D15-897 / Magwitch, LLC. v. Pusser's West Indies Limited

200 So. 3d 216, 2016 Fla. App. LEXIS 13382, 2016 WL 4649484

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 7, 2016 | Docket: 4422986

Published

the sufficiency of service of process under section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1983), and *219

SDS-IC v. Florida Concentrates International, LLC

157 So. 3d 389, 2015 Fla. App. LEXIS 1232, 2015 WL 403999

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 30, 2015 | Docket: 2629738

Published

invalidates the service. *392 Section 48.081(3)(a) provides that a corporation who has not

Laura M. Watson, P.A., d/b/a Watson & Lentner v. Stewart Tilghman Fox & Bianchi, P.A., etc., William C. Hearon, P.A., etc. and Todd S. Stewart, P.A., etc.

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 15, 2014 | Docket: 1447658

Published

served on a proper bank official pursuant to section 48.081(1), Florida Statutes (2012), and was improperly

Kalb v. Sail Condominium Ass'n

112 So. 3d 674, 2013 WL 1810642, 2013 Fla. App. LEXIS 6902

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 1, 2013 | Docket: 60231210

Published

registered agent’s employee was proper under section 48.081(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2010). Chapter 2004-273

Schofield v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

95 So. 3d 1051, 2012 WL 3758640, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 14621

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 31, 2012 | Docket: 60311066

Published

process server failed to strictly comply with section 48.081(5), Florida Statutes (2009), we reverse. Wells

Thomas Cook UK Ltd. v. Maesbury Homes, Inc.

280 F.R.D. 649, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28330, 2012 WL 714814

District Court, M.D. Florida | Filed: Mar 5, 2012 | Docket: 66047236

Published

process. Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 4(e). Florida Statute § 48.081(3)(a) allows process to be served on the registered

VERABELLA FALLS CONDO., ASS'N, INC. v. Sosa

77 So. 3d 815, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 36, 2012 WL 10826

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 4, 2012 | Docket: 2359845

Published

follow the corporate hierarchy set forth in section 48.081(1), Florida Statutes (2004), asserting that

Sol Meliá, S.A. v. Fontana

67 So. 3d 1226, 2011 WL 3820376

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 31, 2011 | Docket: 60301962

Published

sufficient record evidence to justify service under section 48.081(2), Florida Statutes (2009). The trial court

Dienes v. U.S. Alliance Management Corp.

955 So. 2d 1187, 2007 Fla. App. LEXIS 6622, 2007 WL 1263951

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 2, 2007 | Docket: 64850558

Published

Management was served on April 4, 2006, pursuant to section 48.081(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2005).1 In support

Golden State Industries, Inc. v. Cueto

883 So. 2d 817, 2004 Fla. App. LEXIS 5221, 2004 WL 784487

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 14, 2004 | Docket: 64833104

Published

turn now to the issue of service of process. Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1999), permits service of

Marine Hospitality Corp. v. One River Plaza, Co.

858 So. 2d 1224, 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 17063, 2003 WL 22658403

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 12, 2003 | Docket: 64826412

Published

perfect service on a corporation pursuant to section 48.081, Fla. Stat. (2002). Service was attempted in

Jack E. Dominik, P.A. v. Comsof N.V.

293 F. Supp. 2d 1288, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21351, 2003 WL 22810297

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Nov 7, 2003 | Docket: 2138823

Published

of Florida's long arm statute, Fla Stat. Ann. § 48.081, therefore determines whether service was effected

Ntca Corp. v. Associates Commercial Corp.

812 So. 2d 506, 2002 Fla. App. LEXIS 3558, 2002 WL 428868

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 20, 2002 | Docket: 64813869

Published

July 1, 1990, must be made in accordance with section 48.081, Florida Statutes (2000). See Camella v. Auto-Owners

Baker v. Petway

740 So. 2d 1235, 1999 Fla. App. LEXIS 11565, 1999 WL 641434

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 25, 1999 | Docket: 64790845

Published

corporation’s officers or agents, pursuant to section 48.081, Florida Statutes. See Country Clubs, Etc.

Ludwig v. Schweigel

701 So. 2d 1256, 1997 Fla. App. LEXIS 13621, 1997 WL 751963

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 5, 1997 | Docket: 64777035

Published

the corporation because they complied with section 48.081(3), Florida Statutes: As an alternative to

Suntrust Banks of Florida, Inc. v. Don Wood, Inc.

693 So. 2d 99, 1997 Fla. App. LEXIS 4954, 1997 WL 231483

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 9, 1997 | Docket: 64773319

Published

Buys, a clerical employee of the corporation. See § 48.081 Fla.Stat. (1995). Moreover, contrary to the Bank’s

Heftel Broadcasting Corp. v. Professional Services & Advertising Inc.

682 So. 2d 698, 1996 Fla. App. LEXIS 11904, 1996 WL 661753

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 13, 1996 | Docket: 64768773

Published

business agent, or registered agent of Heftel. See § 48.081, Fla. Stat. (1995); Richardson v. Albury, 505

Vernon Holdings Co. v. Granite State Insurance Co.

653 So. 2d 420, 1995 Fla. App. LEXIS 2574, 1995 WL 107056

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 15, 1995 | Docket: 64755467

Published

PER CURIAM. Affirmed. § 48.081(2), Florida Statutes (1993); Dampskibsselskabet Dannebrog v. Signal Oil

Vernon Holdings Co. v. Granite State Insurance Co.

653 So. 2d 420, 1995 Fla. App. LEXIS 2574, 1995 WL 107056

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 15, 1995 | Docket: 64755467

Published

PER CURIAM. Affirmed. § 48.081(2), Florida Statutes (1993); Dampskibsselskabet Dannebrog v. Signal Oil

Mayo & Associates, Inc. v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

619 So. 2d 511, 1993 Fla. App. LEXIS 6492

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 16, 1993 | Docket: 64696650

Published

other person on whom service can be made under section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1991). The motion to quash

Patry v. Capps

618 So. 2d 261, 1993 Fla. App. LEXIS 3017, 1993 WL 75792

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 19, 1993 | Docket: 64696229

Published

sufficient to satisfy the service required under section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1989), as to Dr. Capps’

Receivable Funding Corp. v. Barnett Bank of South Florida, N.A.

587 So. 2d 1188, 1991 Fla. App. LEXIS 10995, 1991 WL 225547

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 6, 1991 | Docket: 64662488

Published

served process, by service on its agent under section 48.081(2), Florida Statutes (1989). While the evidence

ARW Exploration Corp. v. Kartsonis

576 So. 2d 1369, 1991 Fla. App. LEXIS 3171, 1991 WL 46863

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 3, 1991 | Docket: 64657591

Published

jurisdiction over the corporation. 464 So.2d at 654. Section 48.081(1), Florida Statutes (1989),1 states that process

Intertrans Navigation, Inc. v. Seguros St. Paul de Venezuela, C.A.

576 So. 2d 419, 1991 Fla. App. LEXIS 2355, 1991 WL 35361

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 19, 1991 | Docket: 64657343

Published

any superior as defined by Florida Statute, Section 48.081_” (R.9). Contrary to defendant’s contention

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Pettegrove Truck Service, Inc.

123 F.R.D. 354, 1988 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16440, 47 Empl. Prac. Dec. (CCH) 38,213, 47 Fair Empl. Prac. Cas. (BNA) 820

District Court, S.D. Florida | Filed: Aug 4, 1988 | Docket: 66300218

Published

service of process upon a corporation is governed by § 48.081 of the Florida Statutes. The statute provides

Ugarit Corp. v. Sun Holdings Ltd.

522 So. 2d 1034, 1988 Fla. App. LEXIS 1336, 1988 WL 28440

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 5, 1988 | Docket: 64633880

Published

Mattison Co., 140 So.2d 125 (Fla. 3d DCA 1962); § 48.081(l)(a), (d), (2), Fla.Stat. (1985).

Sierra Holding, Inc. v. Sayner

469 So. 2d 239, 10 Fla. L. Weekly 1344, 1985 Fla. App. LEXIS 14219

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 29, 1985 | Docket: 64612155

Published

defendant *240corporation in compliance with F.S. 48.-081(3) for failure by the corporation to comply

KMR Designs, Ltd. v. Shandler

450 So. 2d 1230, 1984 Fla. App. LEXIS 13248

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 30, 1984 | Docket: 64605257

Published

corporation is accomplished as provided in Section 48.-081(1), Florida Statutes: (1) Process against any

Tropigas, S.A. v. Anderson

447 So. 2d 338, 1984 Fla. App. LEXIS 12063

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 28, 1984 | Docket: 64603694

Published

PER CURIAM. Affirmed. § 48.081(5), Fla.Stat. (1983); Houston v. Caldwell, 359 So.2d 858 (Fla.1978);

Samari Lake East Condominium Ass'n v. Barut

426 So. 2d 1270, 1983 Fla. App. LEXIS 27846

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 15, 1983 | Docket: 64595161

Published

House, Inc., 381 So.2d 318 (Fla. 5th DCA 1980); § 48.081(3), Fla.Stat. (1981).

Daniels v. Vann ex rel. Liberated Lady, Inc.

396 So. 2d 723, 1981 Fla. App. LEXIS 18691

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 11, 1981 | Docket: 64581547

Published

service of process on behalf of the corporation. Section 48.081(l)(a), Florida Statutes (1979). The law on

Talianoff v. Ashanti Enterprises, Inc.

382 So. 2d 856, 1980 Fla. App. LEXIS 16564

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 22, 1980 | Docket: 64575687

Published

contained language identical to the current Section 48.081.]. Accordingly, the order appealed is reversed

Gaulden v. Florida Insurance Guaranty Ass'n

372 So. 2d 190, 1979 Fla. App. LEXIS 15326

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 19, 1979 | Docket: 64570782

Published

served as a private corporation pursuant to Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1977). The Association is

Biscayne Athletic Club, Inc. v. Iacono

367 So. 2d 275, 1979 Fla. App. LEXIS 14445

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 13, 1979 | Docket: 64568442

Published

Palmer and Lazor, P.A.”, as provided for in Section 48.081, Florida Statutes. The sheriff’s return shows

Tropigas S. A. v. Sanchez

368 So. 2d 71, 1979 Fla. App. LEXIS 21142

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 13, 1979 | Docket: 64568813

Published

Inc., 363 So.2d 194 (Fla. 3d DCA 1978); F.S. § 48.081(5); Crown Colony Club, Ltd. v. Honecker, 307 So

Thomas v. Holder

365 So. 2d 1071, 1979 Fla. App. LEXIS 13954

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 9, 1979 | Docket: 64567842

Published

absence of any superior officer as defined in F.S. 48.081”. Venue was attacked by a motion to dismiss filed

Chinetti Garthwaite Imports, Inc. v. Sadkin

358 So. 2d 90, 1978 Fla. App. LEXIS 15820

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 25, 1978 | Docket: 64564237

Published

made on Chinetti in the manner prescribed in Section 48.081, Florida Statutes (1975), on the basis of it

Wright v. Sterling Drug, Inc.

321 So. 2d 460, 1975 Fla. App. LEXIS 15603

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 17, 1975 | Docket: 64550250

Published

that appellant was in literal compliance with Section 48.-081, Florida Statutes. We have, as we should, carefully

Iberia, Lineas Aereas de Espana, S. A. v. Knapp

260 So. 2d 868, 1972 Fla. App. LEXIS 7021

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 11, 1972 | Docket: 64525461

Published

to obtain jurisdiction over the defendant. See § 48.081(3) Fla.Stat., F.S.A.; Junction Bit & Tool Co.

Florida State Fair & Gasparilla Ass'n v. Dolcater

250 So. 2d 917, 1971 Fla. App. LEXIS 6320

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 21, 1971 | Docket: 64521573

Published

precluding it from being within the scope of Fla. Stat. § 48.081, F.S.A. Appellant also argues that it is not subject

Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc. v. Mauney

220 So. 2d 25, 1969 Fla. App. LEXIS 5998

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 13, 1969 | Docket: 64508863

Published

was made under the provisions of F.S.1967, Section 48.081(2), F.S.A. by serving an agent transacting

Goffer v. Weston

217 So. 2d 896, 1969 Fla. App. LEXIS 6412, 1970 A.M.C. 505

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 21, 1969 | Docket: 64508031

Published

on appeal that he followed the requirements of § 48.081 Fla. Stat., F.S.A. in the service of process.