FL H0627

Sheriffs must charge uniform, nonrefundable fees for service of process: $40 for summons/writs, $50 additional for levies, $40 for witness subpoenas, with separate fees for executions ($40 processing, $50 per levy, $40 for advertisement, $40 per sale, $40 per deed/satisfaction).

Employers must allow authorized individuals to serve process on employees in a private area designated by the employer, with violations punishable by a civil fine up to $1,000.

Substitute service on sole proprietors requires two or more attempts to serve the owner at the place of business before serving the person in charge.

The person requesting service or the person authorized to serve must file the return-of-service form with the court, which must list all initial pleadings delivered and served.

Sheriffs may rely on the affidavit submitted by the levying creditor without liability for wrongful levy or distribution, and may apply to the court for instructions on disbursing proceeds from levied property sales.