What is an affidavit or return of service in Florida?

Return of service, affidavit of service, and proof of service

Return of service is the Florida statutory term for the proof document after service. Affidavit of service is a common label for a proof-of-service document. Proof of service is the general phrase for documentation showing what happened with service.

These labels point to the same practical need: a clear record that tells the client and court what the server did. The return does not replace the service event. It documents that event and the server's result.

What a Florida return should identify

Florida Statutes section 48.21 covers the return of execution of process, meaning the required proof record after service. The return of service should identify when the process came to hand, when it was served, how it was served, who was served, any representative capacity, the documents served, and the signature of the person who served it.

• Process came to hand: when the server received the legal papers.
• Method and recipient: how service occurred and who was served.
• Representative capacity: the role in which the recipient accepted papers, when that detail applies.
• Documents and signature: what papers were served and the signature of the person who served them.

Electronic signatures and court-reviewed forms

Florida law allows an authorized person who serves process to sign the return of service electronically. An electronic signature is a signature method used in electronic form rather than ink on paper.

Florida Statutes sections 48.29(6) and 48.031(5) cover certified process server detail and return-form requirements. A certified process server must put required service details on the first page of at least one process served, and the return must use a court-reviewed and court-approved form.

What happens when required facts are missing

Florida Statutes section 48.21(2) covers a return that omits required facts or the required signature. If a return of service leaves out required facts or the required signature, service is invalid unless the return is amended through the issuing court. The issuing court is the court connected to the process.

That is why the details and signature matter. PLS delivers the verified return to your inbox, ready for the court, and can add eFiling support when appropriate. For the broader delivery workflow, read what service of process means in Florida or visit our service of process page.