Florida law outlines several methods for serving legal documents, depending on the circumstances.

• Personal Service:This is the most direct and reliable method, where the sheriff or process server physically hands the documents directly to the respondent. This method makes it difficult for the respondent to state that they did not have notice of the legal proceedings. Service can sometimes occur at the respondent’s place of employment. Process servers must provide the employer with advance notice of the service. Employers have a right to designate a private area for service. Process servers can face a fine if employers are not notified in advance.
• Substituted Service:If personal service is unsuccessful after multiple good-faith attempts to serve the respondent at their residence, the process server may leave the papers with anyone at least 15 years old. The process server must also explain the divorce papers so the person receiving them can notify the defendant. This is a common form of substituted service used when defendants try to evade personal service.
• Constructive Service (Service by Publication):When the respondent is avoiding service, is elusive, their whereabouts are unknown, or personal service is not possible, Florida allows for constructive service. This method involves publishing a legal notice in a newspaper, serving as a public announcement of the divorce proceedings. Specific steps include:
  
  
  • Filing an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry detailing the efforts made to locate the respondent, such as checking local directories, consulting the local tax assessor or voter registration, and contacting affiliates of the spouse for his or her whereabouts.
  • Publishing the notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper that is published in the county where the case is filed or that serves your spouse’s last known address.
  • Filing proof of publication with the court after the publication period.
• Service by Mail:In some cases, if the respondent agrees, the divorce papers can be served by certified mail with a return receipt requested. It provides proof of delivery, assuming your spouse signs the document. The respondent must sign and return a receipt acknowledging that they received the divorce documents. If the respondent refuses to sign the receipt or there are complications, alternative service methods may be necessary.
• Service on an Attorney:If the respondent has an attorney, the papers can be served on the attorney, provided the attorney accepts service on behalf of the respondent.