2010 Palm Beach County Certified Process Servers Program
Licensing is offered by and through the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in West Palm Beach Florida ONLY
The Court Seminar for new Applicants has past. The next court sponsored seminar is NEXT December 2010! The seminar is mandatory.

NOTICE to applicants and those approved for the Palm Beach County Certified Process Server Program.
The next seminar for preparing for the 2011 test is December, 2010. Anyone interested in attending the class must be approved for the test and pay a $125.00 fee for the seminar. The seminar is a three hour classroom setting and will cover most of the information you will need to know for the test. Though the seminar does not guarantee your test results, you will be better informed and any questions you have will be answered. Guaranteed. Contact Jonathan Levy at 561. 526. 7834 to confirm your seat.

2010 Palm Beach Court Program Description The Administrative Office of the Court certifies and regulates Certified Process Servers in the 15th Judicial Circuit. These individuals are responsible for serving initial non-enforceable civil process issued by the courts of Palm Beach County. The purpose of civil process is to provide notice to defendants and other interested persons that a judicial action or proceeding has been initiated. The court may not proceed with a judicial action/proceeding until delivery of process has been confirmed.

Certification Requirements – You must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Have no mental or legal disability.
Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida.
Complete an application.
Pay a $250.00 processing fee and $24.00 background check fee.
File a certificate of good conduct (included in application materials) which certifies that there is no pending criminal case against you, that there is no record of any felony conviction against you, and that there is no record of a conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty within the past five years.
Pass a background investigation including a review of your criminal record, should one exist.
Attend a mandatory seminar.
Pass the Certified Civil Process Servers examination.
Purchase a $5,000 surety bond and keep bond in good standing.
Take the Oath of Office administered by the Chief Judge

Administrative Office of the Court
Main Judicial Complex
205 N. Dixie Highway
Room 5.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Applications are accepted from October 1, 2010 through October 30, 2010 by 5:00 p.m. If you do not meet the deadline you are out of luck until 2011. Sorry

Seminar/Exam: The mandatory seminar is offered in December of each year with the examination scheduled approximately two (2) weeks after the seminar.

Once Certified: Your name will be added to the list of Certified Civil Process Servers maintained by the 15th Judicial Circuit. Having your name on this list allows you to serve non-enforceable civil process in Palm Beach County. This is not a position that is offered by the State or County. You will be required to solicit your own business.

Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Process Servers

What does "service" mean as it relates to process servers?
"Service" is the official delivery of legal papers on parties, witnesses or other people involved in a case.

Why do legal papers need to be officially served?
Official service of a summons and a copy of your complaint or petition is necessary to start a legal action by giving the other side formal notice there is a lawsuit filed against them. Otherwise, your case cannot proceed through the court system. After serving the other parties in your civil case, the process server files a return of service form with the Court so that the judge will know service has been performed according to the law. Civil process servers also serve subpoenas (orders to appear in court or produce documents) and other legal notices and may be called upon to testify in Court if there is a question about proper service.

Who do I contact to serve my legal papers?
Contact the Administrative Office of the Court or hire a certified process server, call 561-447-7638 or email info@AceFLA.com

Does the Sheriff also do this?
Yes. Palm Beach County's Sheriff's Office has a Civil Process Bureau which can serve legal papers. The Court's program is not intended to compete with the Sheriff's program, but rather to assist with serving legal papers in the high number of civil cases filed in Palm Beach County.

How do I have legal papers served on a person or business outside of Palm Beach County?
You may contact the Association Office at info@AceFLA.com or call 561. 447. 7638 to arrange services

What laws govern Certified Civil Process Servers?
Chapter 48, Florida Statutes, in particular Sections 48.25 - 48.31, the "Florida Certified Process Servers Act." See also, Administrative Order 2.701 ; Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.070 and 1.080; and Florida Small Claims Rule 7.070.

Whom do I contact for further information?

Administrative Office of the Court
Main Judicial Complex
205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 5.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2431
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (excluding court holidays)

PBCPS Association Mail to:
A. C. E., Inc.
8130 Glades Road # 352
Boca Raton, Florida 33434
Membership Telephone: 561.526.7834