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
- Certificate of Good Conduct
- $5,000 surety bond payable to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- $75.00 check payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
- Proof of completion of a 20-hour certified process server education course
Renewal Applicants
To renew certification, applicants must submit the following:
- A completed Renewal Application
- Certificate of Good Conduct
- $5,000 surety bond payable to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- $75.00 check payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
- Proof of completion of a 4-hour continuing education course
- 10 returns of service from 10 different cases
Important: All returns of service must be combined into a single PDF file before uploading. The PDF must include at least 10 returns of service from 10 different cases and must be clear, legible, and in proper order. Incomplete or separate-file submissions will delay processing.
Payment Instructions
Applicants may submit the required $75 fee by mail or in person.
- Checks must be made payable to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners.
- The memo line must include:
- “Process Server Payment” and
- The applicant’s process server number, if one has been assigned.
- New applicants should write “New Applicant” if no number has been assigned.
- All payments must clearly include the full name of the process server certification applicant.
Mail or Hand Delivery Address
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
Attn: Finance
201 S Indian River Dr., 5th Floor
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
After Submission — What Happens Next
- You will receive an email with fingerprinting instructions and your ORI number.
- Schedule fingerprinting directly with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
- Pay FDLE online using the TCN number provided by the Sheriff.
- The Process Server Board will review your application after fingerprint results are received.
- New applicants only: If approved, complete 10 hours of supervised observation and submit a completed Mentor Affidavit.
- Upon final approval by the Chief Judge, you will be contacted to schedule your badge appointment. Bring a completed Oath.
Required Documents
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
- 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
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, submit an online complaint form.