F.A.Q
How We Create Bullet Proof Returns Of Service?
we use
Top 10 Questions About Hiring a Process Server in Florida (Answered)
If you’ve never hired a process server before, it can feel confusing. Do you call the sheriff? Do you need one for every case? How do you know you’re hiring someone legitimate?
At A Local Serve, we get these questions every day from attorneys, landlords, and individuals across Hillsborough County.
Here are the top 10 most common questions about hiring a process server in Florida—answered clearly and simply.
1. What is a process server?
A process server is a licensed professional who delivers legal documents—such as summons, subpoenas, and eviction notices—to the correct person while following Florida law. They also provide proof that the documents were delivered correctly.
2. Why do I need a process server?
The court requires legal notice before hearings and trials. Without proper service, your case could be delayed or even dismissed.
3. Can’t the sheriff serve my papers?
Yes, but sheriffs often have long backlogs and limited resources. A private process server usually delivers faster, offers more flexible hours, and provides better tracking and documentation.
4. How much does it cost to hire a process server?
Costs vary depending on distance, type of documents, and urgency. In Florida, most routine serves range between $65–$100, with rush or hard-to-locate serves costing more.
5. How long does it take to serve someone?
Many routine serves can be completed within 24–72 hours. Difficult serves, like evasive defendants, may take longer, but a professional process server uses multiple strategies to get the job done.
6. Can someone refuse to be served?
No. Even if they won’t take the papers in their hand, once identity is confirmed, the service is still valid. A professional server knows how to document refusals properly so the court accepts the serve.
7. What happens if I don’t know where the person lives?
Process servers can use skip tracing tools to locate hard-to-find individuals. This is often faster than trying to track them down yourself.
8. What proof do I get that papers were served?
You’ll receive a Return of Service (affidavit), which details when, where, and how the documents were delivered. At A Local Serve, we also provide GPS check-ins and photo confirmation for bulletproof proof.
9. Are process servers regulated in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires process servers to be certified by the county court or appointed by the sheriff. Always make sure you’re hiring someone licensed in your county.
10. How do I choose the right process server?
Look for someone who is:
Hiring the right process server ensures your case moves forward without unnecessary delays or challenges. At A Local Serve, we specialize in fast, professional, and legally bulletproof service across Plant City and surrounding areas.
👉 Contact us today to get your documents served right—the first time.
At A Local Serve, we get these questions every day from attorneys, landlords, and individuals across Hillsborough County.
Here are the top 10 most common questions about hiring a process server in Florida—answered clearly and simply.
1. What is a process server?
A process server is a licensed professional who delivers legal documents—such as summons, subpoenas, and eviction notices—to the correct person while following Florida law. They also provide proof that the documents were delivered correctly.
2. Why do I need a process server?
The court requires legal notice before hearings and trials. Without proper service, your case could be delayed or even dismissed.
3. Can’t the sheriff serve my papers?
Yes, but sheriffs often have long backlogs and limited resources. A private process server usually delivers faster, offers more flexible hours, and provides better tracking and documentation.
4. How much does it cost to hire a process server?
Costs vary depending on distance, type of documents, and urgency. In Florida, most routine serves range between $65–$100, with rush or hard-to-locate serves costing more.
5. How long does it take to serve someone?
Many routine serves can be completed within 24–72 hours. Difficult serves, like evasive defendants, may take longer, but a professional process server uses multiple strategies to get the job done.
6. Can someone refuse to be served?
No. Even if they won’t take the papers in their hand, once identity is confirmed, the service is still valid. A professional server knows how to document refusals properly so the court accepts the serve.
7. What happens if I don’t know where the person lives?
Process servers can use skip tracing tools to locate hard-to-find individuals. This is often faster than trying to track them down yourself.
8. What proof do I get that papers were served?
You’ll receive a Return of Service (affidavit), which details when, where, and how the documents were delivered. At A Local Serve, we also provide GPS check-ins and photo confirmation for bulletproof proof.
9. Are process servers regulated in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires process servers to be certified by the county court or appointed by the sheriff. Always make sure you’re hiring someone licensed in your county.
10. How do I choose the right process server?
Look for someone who is:
- Licensed and experienced in Florida law
- Locally based (knows the area, backroads, and neighborhoods)
- Tech-enabled (GPS, photos, digital returns)
- Responsive and professional
Hiring the right process server ensures your case moves forward without unnecessary delays or challenges. At A Local Serve, we specialize in fast, professional, and legally bulletproof service across Plant City and surrounding areas.
👉 Contact us today to get your documents served right—the first time.