What Time Can a Process Server Serve Papers?

In Florida, process servers have a lot of leeway on when they are allowed to serve process recipients. In this post, we’ll discuss the service times allowed for individuals and businesses, along with a few restrictions.

Serving an Individual in Florida

At Home

There are no hard laws about when a process server can or cannot serve an individual in their home, however, common sense and decency should prevail. Depending on when the person is typically at home, we do not recommend attempting service before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m. at a private residence.

At Work

A process server is allowed to serve an individual at any time you are at work (assuming they are not the business owner). The process server must contact the employer, notify them of the situation, and serve the person in a private location provided by the employer.

At a Business They Own

If the person being served actually owns the business where service is being attempted, there is no requirement for notification ahead of time. The process server may attempt service on the owner of the business at any time during normal business hours. So if the business is posted as open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., service may only be attempted during these hours. Also, if service on the owners is unsuccessful after multiple attempts, the process server may serve the papers to the manager on duty instead.

Serving an Individual Outside of Florida

When serving an individual that is located outside the state of Florida, local laws and regulations in the location where the person resides or works must be followed. This includes using a process server authorized to work in that area. Process servers certified in Florida do not have automatic jurisdiction to serve someone in another area.

Serving a Business

Service on a business may be made at the business location at any time the business is open and on any owner, partner, manager, or designated representative.

Restricted Times

The only time in Florida that is completely restricted from serving any type of process is Sunday. No service of process is allowed on Sundays unless previously authorized by a judge, which would only happen in extremely rare cases.

Quality Process Servers in Ocala

For process servers who know all the rules, contact Accurate Serve® of Ocala at (352) 278-2188 or online. We can set up a plan to serve your process quickly and efficiently while respecting all state and local laws.