Certified Process Servers
Certified Process Servers
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About Certified Process Servers
Administrative Office of the Courts staff maintains a list of individuals who have satisfied the statutory and other administrative requirements that merit designation as certified process servers, who are then responsible for serving initial non-enforceable civil process in actions filed in this state on persons found within the 13th Judicial Circuit. The purpose of the civil process is to provide notice to the 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 of process has been confirmed.
Certified Process Server Renewal Procedure Summary:
Please be advised Process Server renewals take 7 -10 days to complete and will be completed via email. Fill out and sign the Application Update and Background Check forms. Be prepared to upload your valid Florida Driver’s license, and current insurance policy along with the $60.00 payment receipt from the Clerk of Court. Forward the documents to: ProcessServers@fljud13.org. Receipt of your email and documentation will be acknowledged. When processing has been completed you will be notified.
Step by Step:
- Payment of the $60.00 renewal fee may only be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Administrative Office of the Court is unable able to accept payments for CPS renewals. The Clerk’s office accepts payment telephonically or in person. Online payments are not available at this time. To reach the Clerk’s office dial: 813-276-8100, advise the attendant you are calling to make payment for a Certified Process Server Renewal, a receipt will be provided via email. The payment receipt is a required document in the Process Server renewal process.
- Complete the Renewal Application Form and Background Check form. The documents may be accessed using the Forms section on the left side of this page.
- The following documents are mandatory for the Certified Process Server renewal process: (a) paid receipt in the amount of $60 from the Clerk of Court; (b) completed and signed Application Update; (c) a completed and signed Background Check form; (d) copy of your valid Florida driver’s license; and (e) a copy of your current insurance policy. Email the documents to: ProcessServers@fljud13.org.
- Upon completion of the background screening an email will be sent advising you of the outcome. At that time the renewed certification ID will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service to your business address as indicated in the public record information section of the Application Update form.
The above information is provided for your use in maintaining active status your process server certification status. The procedures as stated do not allow for deviation and rush status cannot be given on individual basis. Process Server renewals require 7 -10 days to process, plan accordingly to maintain business operations. For additional information email ProcessServers@fljud13.org or contact Christine Cuenin Wilson at 813-272-5368.
Citizens
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, Customer Service Center, Room 101 or click on Community Partners 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-2012-032.
New Process Servers
Where is the course offered in this circuit for certified process servers?
The Certified Process Server course is offered once a year and is announced by Hillsborough County Community College, Ybor Campus. (HCC) Applicants must receive a test score of 75 or higher on an examination administered by HCC, which covers chapter 48 and 83.22 of the Florida Statutes and Rules 1.070 and 1.410 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
What are the procedures for becoming a Certified Process Server in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit?
Click here to review the procedures and requirements.
Annual Renewals
What are the requirements for renewal of a Process Server License?
- Payment of the $60.00, non-refundable renewal fee, paid at the Hillsborough Clerk’s Office, Circuit Civil Division, Room 101. Please retain a validated receipt for payment. The Clerk’s Office accepts checks (no counter checks) or money orders payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court. No payments are accepted by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
- Bring your non-refundable renewal receipt to Room 605G.
- Complete an Application Update form and include a current e-mail address.
- Complete a criminal Background Check Request form. (Please note, 10 - 20 minutes processing time).
- If your insurance has expired at the time of renewal, an original Certificate of Insurance is required as proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000/300,000. The Process Server shall be a named insured under the insurance policy and the Administrative Office of the Courts, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, shall be named as Certificate Holder. The Policy must contain a provision that the Certificate Holder shall be given a thirty (30) day notification of any cancellation, expiration or termination.
Please have your insurance company send an original Certificate of Insurance to:
Administrative Office of the Courts
Process Server Program
Attention: Cristine Cuenin-Wilson
800 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 605
Tampa, FL 33602
Due to budget cut backs, Process Server licenses may only be renewed each Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Court Administrator’s Office, Room 605.
Forms
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