While some states allow anyone who is not a party to a case and over the age of 18 to work as process server, Florida has specific laws about who can serve legal documents. In Hillsborough County, there are different laws governing who can serve enforceable and unenforceable documents. Lawyers need to employ the right process server for the job. To learn what a Tampa process server can do for you and your clients, read on.
Florida Law on Process Servers
Florida law requires process servers to be appointed by a sheriff in a qualified county or be certified by a chief judge of a judicial circuit. Enforceable documents, such as state witness subpoenas or a writ of possession, must be delivered by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. In Hillsborough County, all unenforceable process documents must be served by certified process servers.
Unenforceable documents process servers can deliver include:
- Summons
- Writs of garnishment (from non-government entities)
- Orders to show cause
- Distress writ
- Notices
- Restraining orders
- Injunctions (not protective or related to domestic violence)
- Subpoenas
Other Benefits of Tampa Process Servers
The documents will be served in a timely manner, with respect to the times legally allowed to deliver them. After the documents are served, the process server will file a proof of service/affidavit of service with the court. The documents are notarized, delivered to the requesting party, and the delivery can be defended in court.
If the subject behaves in an unlawful manner or says something incriminating while being served, the process server can testify in court.
A quality process server knows all the laws associated with process serving. For example, certain papers cannot be served on Sundays, with an exception if it appears the subject will try to flee the state on that day to avoid being served. A process server from Darwin Securities will get the job done efficiently and within the scope of the law.
To get more information or hire a Tampa process server from Darwin Securities, please submit a contact request form.