(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, service of process upon any person may be made as provided in chapter 48.
(2) Where only in rem or quasi in rem relief is sought against a person in a matter involving a trust, service of process on that person may be made by sending a copy of the summons and complaint by any commercial delivery service requiring a signed receipt or by any form of mail requiring a signed receipt. Service under this subsection shall be complete upon signing of a receipt by the addressee or by any person authorized to receive service of a summons on behalf of the addressee as provided in chapter 48. Proof of service shall be by verified statement of the person serving the summons, to which must be attached the signed receipt or other evidence satisfactory to the court that delivery was made to the addressee or other authorized person.
(3) Under any of the following circumstances, service of original process pursuant to subsection (2) may be made by first-class mail:
(a) If registered or certified mail service to the addressee is unavailable and if delivery by commercial delivery service is also unavailable.
(b) If delivery is attempted and is refused by the addressee.
(c) If delivery by mail requiring a signed receipt is unclaimed after notice to the addressee by the delivering entity.
(4) If service of process is obtained under subsection (3), proof of service shall be made by verified statement of the person serving the summons. The verified statement must state the basis for service by first-class mail, the date of mailing, and the address to which the mail was sent.
History.—s. 11, ch. 2013-172.
Structure Florida Statutes