Florida Statutes
Chapter 48 - Process and Service of Process
48.21 - Return of Execution of Process.


(1) Each person who effects service of process shall note on a return-of-service form attached thereto the date and time when it comes to hand, the date and time when it is served, the manner of service, the name of the person on whom it was served, and, if the person is served in a representative capacity, the position occupied by the person. The return-of-service form must list all pleadings and documents served and be signed by the person who effects the service of process. However, a person who is authorized under this chapter to serve process and who effects such service of process may sign the return-of-service form using an electronic signature.
(2) A failure to state the facts or to include the signature required by subsection (1) invalidates the service, but the return is amendable to state the facts or to include the signature at any time on application to the court from which the process issued. On amendment, service is as effective as if the return had originally stated the omitted facts or included the signature. A failure to state all the facts in or to include the signature on the return shall subject the person effecting service to a fine not exceeding $10, in the court’s discretion.
History.—s. 18, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1026; GS 1414; RGS 2612; CGL 4276; s. 4, ch. 67-254; s. 4, ch. 94-170; s. 1356, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 2004-273; s. 5, ch. 2011-159; s. 7, ch. 2019-67.
Note.—Former s. 47.47.

Structure Florida Statutes

Florida Statutes

Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure

Chapter 48 - Process and Service of Process

48.011 - Process; How Directed.

48.021 - Process; by Whom Served.

48.031 - Service of Process Generally; Service of Witness Subpoenas.

48.041 - Service on Minor.

48.042 - Service on Incompetent.

48.051 - Service on State Prisoners.

48.061 - Service on Partnerships and Limited Partnerships.

48.062 - Service on a Limited Liability Company.

48.071 - Service on Agents of Nonresidents Doing Business in the State.

48.081 - Service on Corporation.

48.091 - Corporations; Designation of Registered Agent and Registered Office.

48.092 - Service on Financial Institutions.

48.101 - Service on Dissolved Corporations.

48.102 - Service by Other Means.

48.111 - Service on Public Agencies and Officers.

48.121 - Service on the State.

48.131 - Service on Alien Property Custodian.

48.141 - Service on Labor Unions.

48.151 - Service on Statutory Agents for Certain Persons.

48.161 - Method of Substituted Service on Nonresident.

48.171 - Service on Nonresident Motor Vehicle Owners, Etc.

48.181 - Service on Nonresident Engaging in Business in State.

48.183 - Service of Process in Action for Possession of Premises.

48.184 - Service of Process for Removal of Unknown Parties in Possession.

48.19 - Service on Nonresidents Operating Aircraft or Watercraft in the State.

48.193 - Acts Subjecting Person to Jurisdiction of Courts of State.

48.194 - Personal Service Outside State.

48.195 - Service of Foreign Process.

48.196 - Service of Process in Connection With Actions Under the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act.

48.197 - Service in a Foreign Country.

48.20 - Service of Process on Sunday.

48.21 - Return of Execution of Process.

48.22 - Cumulative to Other Laws.

48.23 - Lis Pendens.

48.25 - Short Title.

48.27 - Certified Process Servers.

48.29 - Certification of Process Servers.

48.31 - Removal of Certified Process Servers; False Return of Service.