Certified Process Servers: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “service” mean as it relates to process servers?“Service” is the official delivery of legal papers on parties, witness or other people involved in a case.
Why do legal papers need to be officially served? Official service of a summons and a copy of your complaint or petition is necessary to start a legal action by giving the other side formal notice there is a lawsuit against them. Otherwise, your case cannot proceed through the court system. After serving the other parties in your civil case, the process server files a return of service form with the Court so that the judge will know service has been performed according to the law. Civil process servers also serve subpoenas (orders to appear in court or produce documents) and other legal notices and may be called upon to testify in Court if there is a question about proper service.
Who do I contact to serve my legal papers? Contact the Clerk of the Court at the George Edgecomb Courthouse, Room 530 or click here for a list of Certified Civil Process Servers approved by the Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Does the Sheriff also serve legal papers? Yes. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office also has a Civil Process Bureau which serves legal papers at a cost. This program is not intended to compete with the Sheriff’s program, but rather assist with serving legal papers in the high number of civil cases filed in Hillsborough County.
How do I have legal papers served on a person or business outside of Hillsborough County? You may contact the Sheriff’s Office in the county and state where the person or the business can be served. The Clerk’s Office in that county may also be able to assist you.
What laws govern Certified Process Servers?
Chapter 48, Florida Statutes, in particular, Sections 48.25-48.31, “the Florida Certified Process Servers Act.” See also Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.070 and 1.080; Florida Small Claims Rule 7.070 and Administrative Order S-1999-076.