Process Servers
Process Server Certification
Certified Process Server Application Process – Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
New Applicants
To become a certified process server in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, applicants must submit the following:
- A completed Initial Application (available here)
- A Certificate of Good Conduct
- A $5,000 surety bond made payable to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- A $75.00 check made payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
- All applicants can mail their $75 check made payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to the following address: Court Administration, Attn: Process Server Certification, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
- Proof of completion of a 20-hour certified process server education course
Once all documents are submitted, applicants will receive an email with fingerprinting instructions and the ORI number. Fingerprinting must be scheduled directly with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and payment to FDLE must be completed online using the TCN number provided by the Sheriff. Applications will be reviewed for statutory compliance by the Process Server Board only after fingerprint results have been received. If approved, the applicant will be authorized to complete 10 hours of supervised observation and submit a completed Mentor Affidavit. Upon final approval by the Chief Judge, applicants will be contacted to schedule their badge appointment. Applicants must bring a completed Oath to their badge appointment.
Renewal Applicants
To renew certification, applicants must submit the following:
- A completed Renewal Application (available here)
- A Certificate of Good Conduct
- A $5,000 surety bond made payable to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- A $75.00 check made payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
- All applicants can mail their $75 check made payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to the following address: Court Administration, Attn: Process Server Certification, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
- Proof of completion of a 4-hour continuing education course
- 10 returns of service from 10 different cases
**All applicants must combine their required returns of service into a single PDF file before uploading. The PDF must include at least ten returns of service from ten different cases and must be clear, legible, and in proper order. Incomplete or separate-file submissions will delay processing of the application.**
Once all documents are submitted, applicants will receive an email with fingerprinting instructions and the ORI number. Fingerprinting must be scheduled directly with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and payment to FDLE must be completed online using the TCN number provided by the Sheriff. The application will be reviewed by the Process Server Board for statutory compliance only after fingerprint results have been received. Upon final approval by the Chief Judge, applicants will be contacted to schedule their badge appointment. Applicants must bring a completed Oath to their badge appointment.
Process Server Education
Individuals seeking to become certified process servers in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit must complete an approved education course that meets the requirements of Administrative Order 2024-14.
Information about upcoming process server education courses can be found on the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers website: www.fapps.org
Applicants must submit proof of completing the required education course as part of the initial application and again for renewal (continuing education). Details are included in the certification checklists.
Process Server Review Board
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Certified Process Server Review Board oversees the certification, conduct, and professionalism of certified process servers within the circuit. The Board reviews complaints, investigates alleged violations, conducts hearings when necessary, and makes disciplinary recommendations to the Chief Judge.
Filing a Complaint Against a Certified Process Server
Any person may file a complaint concerning the conduct of a certified process server. Complaints must be submitted in writing and must contain enough detail for the Review Board to evaluate the concerns. Complaints and related materials remain confidential until the Board enters a finding of probable cause under Rule 2.420.
What to Include in Your Complaint
Please provide:
• A clear description of the conduct at issue
• The category of alleged misconduct (see list below)
• The name of the process server, if known
• Dates, times, and locations involved
• Names of any witnesses
• Any supporting documents, photographs, or other materials
• Your contact information
Complaints may be submitted through the online form (see below).
What Happens After You File a Complaint
- Initial Review
Court Administration reviews the complaint and forwards it to the Review Board. - Probable Cause Determination
If a majority of the Board finds probable cause that a violation may have occurred, the Board:
• Sends written notice to the process server
• Provides the process server with a copy of the complaint
• Opens a disciplinary case - Response from Process Server
The process server has 30 days to file a written response. - Board Action
After reviewing all materials, the Board will:
• Dismiss the complaint; or
• Issue a proposed disposition; or
• Set a hearing. - Hearing (if held)
Both parties may present documents and sworn testimony. Formal rules of evidence do not apply. Hearings are recorded. - Recommendation to the Chief Judge
The Board issues a written recommendation with factual findings.
The Chief Judge issues the final decision. - Possible Outcomes
• Reprimand
• Restitution or costs
• Additional training or testing
• Temporary suspension
• Revocation of certification
The Chief Judge may also impose a temporary suspension once probable cause is found.
To initiate a complaint against a certified process server in the Nineteenth Circuit, click here.