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Florida 120-day service of process deadline
In Florida, a plaintiff generally must serve initial process on each defendant within 120 days after filing the complaint.
Estimates based on standard Florida rules and federal-holiday closures; not legal advice. Confirm against your specific case, local administrative orders, and the current rules.
How the deadline works
Under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070(j), if a defendant is not served within 120 days after the complaint is filed, the court — on its own initiative after notice, or on motion — must direct that service be effected within a specified time, or drop that defendant or dismiss the action without prejudice. A showing of good cause or excusable neglect can extend the time.
The 120-day count follows Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.514, rolling a final weekend or holiday to the next business day. Track it from filing so you can request an extension before the period runs.
- Per defendant The 120 days runs as to each defendant; serving one does not stop the clock for the others.
- Good cause can extend it Move for additional time before the 120 days expire if service is proving difficult.
Questions
- How long do I have to serve a defendant after filing in Florida?
- 120 days after the complaint is filed, under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070(j), unless the court extends the time for good cause or excusable neglect.