Florida Process Server Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Study Guide

In a legal context, the responsibility for serving the summons typically falls on the plaintiff. Serving a summons is an essential part of initiating a legal proceeding, as it ensures that the defendant is properly notified of the legal action being taken against them. The plaintiff is the party that initiates the lawsuit, and as part of this process, they must ensure that the defendant receives the summons and any accompanying documents.

The plaintiff may choose to handle this task personally or hire a professional process server to deliver the summons. This requirement is put in place to ensure that the defendant has adequate notice and an opportunity to respond to the allegations in the complaint. By fulfilling this responsibility, the plaintiff helps uphold the legal principle of due process, which mandates that parties involved in a lawsuit be informed of the proceedings and have the chance to participate in them.

Other parties, such as the court or the clerk of court, play roles in the legal process but are not responsible for serving the summons. The court oversees the case and ensures that the rules are followed, while the clerk maintains court records but does not directly serve documents. The defendant, being the party that is being sued, is not responsible for serving the summons; instead, they are the one who must respond after being served.