After a complaint is filed, the summons and complaint must be served, usually by a sheriff or a certified process server. In Florida state court, service generally must be made within 120 days after the complaint is filed, unless the court extends it. Counsel tracks the rule that applies to each case.
What to log for each person to be served
- Who, and the address or addresses to try.
- The documents sent and the date they went to the server.
- Each attempt the server reports.
- The date served and how.
- When the return of service was filed with the court.
Watch the clock
If attempts fail, counsel may need a new address, a skip trace or another method. Flag stalled service early, well before the deadline.
Our service of process log tracks each defendant and shows the days since filing.
Litigation support is performed at the direction of a licensed attorney.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
