The Chief Judge, through Court Administration, authorizes and regulates Certified Process Servers in the 12th Judicial Circuit. These individuals are responsible for serving initial non-enforceable civil process issued within the 12th Judicial Circuit.
The purpose of the civil process is to provide notice to defendants and other interested persons that a judicial action or proceeding has been initiated. The court may not proceed with a judicial action/proceeding until delivery or process has been confirmed.
To become a certified Process Server in the 12th Judicial Circuit, you may apply during the enrollment period of July 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021. The application will be posted to the website beginning the last week of June 2021. In addition to the completed application, you must pay a processing fee, complete a favorable background investigation, pass an examination and obtain a $5,000 bond.
Please review Chapter 48, Florida Statutes (2015), Sections 48.021 and 48.25-48.31 (the “Florida Certified Process Server Act”). See also, 12th Judicial Circuit Administrative Order 2015-24.2, dated 12/30/2015; Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.070(b); and Florida Small Claims Rule 7.070.