You may have seen the words “business to serve as RA” in the Florida LLC filing.
In the online filing for your Florida Articles of Organization (called Sunbiz), you’ll find the following section for “Name and Address of Registered Agent“:
If your Registered Agent will be a person:
- Then enter their information in the Last Name and First Name fields.
- Ignore the Business to serve as RA field.
- Enter the individual’s Florida address
If you hire a Registered Agent Service:
- Ignore the Last Name and First Name fields.
- Enter the company’s name in the Business to serve as RA field.
- Enter their Florida address
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal mail or state notices on behalf of your LLC.
- Legal mail is also known as Service of Process.
- And state notices can include things like your LLC Annual Report reminders.
Note: A Registered Agent is also called a Resident Agent, Statutory Agent, or Agent for Service of Process.
Who can be your Registered Agent?
In most states, you have 3 options for who can be your Registered Agent:
- you
- a friend or family member
- a Registered Agent Service
Which Registered Agent should I choose?
If you’d like to save money (and you meet the requirements), you can be your own Registered Agent. Or you can ask a reliable friend or family member.
Having said that, it’s important to know that the Registered Agent’s name and address will be on public record.
If you prefer more privacy, you may want to consider hiring a Registered Agent Service.
Business to Serve as RA – FAQs
What is the meaning of RA in business?
In the context of LLC formation, “RA” stands for Registered Agent.
What is the purpose of an RA?
The purpose of a Registered Agent (RA) is to receive legal documents (called “Service of Process”) and important notices from the state on behalf of your LLC.
What does it mean for a business to serve as a Registered Agent?
This just means that the Registered Agent is an existing business.
And this business needs to be registered in the same state in which the LLC is being formed.
Can an LLC serve as its own Registered Agent in Florida?
In Florida, no, an LLC can’t be its own Registered Agent.
Instead, a person or another company must be the Registered Agent.
Can I be my own Registered Agent in FL?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent in Florida.
For more information, please see Can I be my own Registered Agent in Florida.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
