Florida § 49.021 - Service of process by publication, upon whom.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 49.021 — Service of process by publication, upon whom., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49.021. Service of process by publication, upon whom.
Where personal service of process or, if appropriate, service of process under s. 48.194 cannot be had, service of process by publication may be had upon any party, natural or corporate, known or unknown, including: (1) Any known or unknown natural person, and, when described as such, the unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, under, or against any known or unknown person who is known to be dead or is not known to be either dead or alive; (2) Any corporation or other legal entity, whether its domicile be foreign, domestic, or unknown, and whether dissolved or existing, including corporations or other legal entities not known to be dissolved or existing, and, when described as such, the unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against any named corporation or legal entity; (3) Any group, firm, entity, or persons who operate or do business, or have operated or done business, in this state, under a name or title which includes the word “corporation,” “company,” “incorporated,” “inc.,” or any combination thereof, or under a name or title which indicates, tends to indicate or leads one to think that the same may be a corporation or other legal entity; and (4) All claimants under any of such parties. Unknown parties may be proceeded against exclusively or together with other parties.
Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 49.021
What does Florida Statutes § 49.021 cover?
Section 49.021 ("Service of process by publication, upon whom.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Florida § 49.021?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 49.021" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Florida law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.
How does Florida § 49.021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.