What is a Process Server Allowed to Do?

Process servers are essential to keeping Florida’s court systems running smoothly. They make sure that everyone knows about their upcoming court dates, eviction proceedings, or even sensitive business information. They must use intelligence, tact, and creativity to find and serve process recipients from all walks of life. Even though they have a lot of freedom in what they’re allowed to do to find someone, there are some rules too.

Process Servers Can Contact People You Know

Friends, family members, even someone who just likes a bunch of your Facebook posts…process servers can contact them all when searching for you. It’s usually a pretty successful tactic too…most people reach out to the process server themselves once they get a call from Mom about it!

But They Can’t Harass Anyone

Even though a process server can contact people, they can’t harass or threaten them to get information. In fact, they cannot commit any type of crime while serving process, such as trespassing, breaking and entering property destruction, or any other.

Process Servers Can Contact Your Employer

Yes, a process server can call your boss! They normally don’t do so unless you’ve been difficult to locate, but it is totally permissible in the state of Florida. Once they make contact, they can set up a time to deliver the process to your supervisor, who will then deliver it to you. Once the process server passes the paperwork off to the supervisor, you are considered served under state law.

But They Can’t Just Show Up Unannounced

Process servers are not allowed to just show up at your job without letting someone know first. Not even to approach you in the parking lot or somewhere else outside. If they do, the service is invalid and can be thrown out in court.

Process Servers Can Investigate Your Online Presence

If you like to post on social media, be aware that a process server can probably see anything you post publicly. So if you have geotags activated on your pictures or tag locations to your posts regularly, the process server may be able to find you based on that. 

But They Can’t Lie to You About Who They Are

Process servers should never try to get someone to “friend” or follow a fake profile, interact with anyone under a fake name, or do anything online that resembles deceit. Just like process servers are not allowed to lie about who they are in person, they are also expected to behave ethically online.

Process Servers Can Serve You Any day, Anytime

Process servers can officially serve you at any time on almost any day, even in the middle of the night if necessary. Many people think that working the night shift and sleeping during the day will prevent the process server from finding them, but it almost makes them easier to locate, since much fewer people are out and about at that time of night. 

Except on Sundays

The only exception in Florida is Sundays. Sundays are considered to be a day of rest for the legal system as a whole, so no service of process is allowed.

Quality Process Servers in Pensacola

If you need a reputable, quality process service agency in the Pensacola area, trust the experts at Accurate Serve® to handle your case process quickly, efficiently, and professionally. Call us at (850) 264-2917 or send us service requests online to get started today!