A Chief Judge in Florida has signed an administrative order creating a Certified Process Server program allowing private process servers in Orange County, Florida, alleviating concerns over previous plans to phase out the private process server program.
In August, the Sheriff’s Department of Orange County had announced plans to phase out the private process server program, with the program being terminated on December 31st. The order signed by Chief Judge Lauten of the 9th Judicial District will override this statement and create the opportunity for private process servers to continue serving in Orange County , as well as Osceola County where the private process server program is also set to be discontinued.
The Florida Association of Professional Process Servers (FAPPS) worked alongside the Judge and his staff to help create the program. The program will require all private process servers to be registered in order to serve.
New applicants to the program will be required to:
- Submit an application along with a fee of $300.00
- Submit to a background check
- Pass a written examination with at least 80%
- Obtain a $5,000.00 performance bond
Renewal applicants will have similar requirements:
- Submit a renewal application along with a fee of $250.00
- Submit to a background investigation
- Pass a written examination with at least 80%
- Provide proof of a $5,000.00 performance bond
Servers will need to notify the courts if the server is arrested for any criminal crime, including criminal traffic offenses, as well as report any change in home or work address or telephone number.
To view the full order as well as the application and renewal forms, click here.
