501(c)(3)

501(c)3 Not-For-Profit Florida Corporations

Definitions of 501(c)(3)

Section 501(c)(3) is a tax law provision granting exemption from the federal income tax to non-profit organizations. This exemption does not cover other federal taxes such as employment taxes.

501(c)(3) exemptions apply to corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

Another provision, 26 U.S.C. § 170, provides a deduction, for federal income tax purposes, for some donors who make charitable contributions to most types of 501(c)(3) organizations, among others. Regulations specify which such deductions must be verifiable in order to be allowed (e.g., receipts for donations over $250).

Testing for public safety is described under section 509(a)(4) of the code which makes the organization a public charity and not a private foundation, but contributions to 509(a)(4) organizations are not deductible by the donor for federal income, estate, or gift tax purposes.

The three principal classifications of 501(c)(3) organizations are as follows:

A public charity, identified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as "not a private foundation," normally receives a substantial part of its income, directly or indirectly, from the general public or from the government. The public support must be fairly broad, not limited to a few individuals or families. Public charities are defined in the Internal Revenue Code under sections 509(a)(1) through 509(a)(4).

A private foundation, sometimes called a non-operating foundation, receives most of its income from investments and endowments. This income is used to make grants to other organizations, rather than being disbursed directly for charitable activities. Private foundations are defined in the Internal Revenue Code under section 509(a) as 501(c)(3) organizations which do not qualify as public charities.

A private operating foundation is a private foundation that devotes most of its earnings and assets directly to the conduct of its tax exempt purposes, rather than to making grants to other organizations for these purposes. Private operating foundations are defined in the Internal Revenue Code under section 4942(j)(3).

Charitable deductions

Under IRC Section 170, individuals giving to 501(c)(3) organizations that are either public charities, private operating foundations, and certain private foundations may deduct contributions representing up to 50% of the donor's adjusted gross income if the individual itemizes on his tax returns. Individuals giving to 501(c)(3) organizations that are private foundations may generally deduct contributions representing up to 30% of their adjusted gross income. Corporations may deduct all contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations (regardless of foundation status) up to an amount normally equal to 10% of their taxable income.

501(c)(3) status for charities and the related section 170 deduction for donors are important to many charitable groups. Some individuals and groups (and virtually all foundations) will not give to a charity if it does not have 501(c)(3) status (as no tax deduction would be allowed). Therefore, loss of this status can be harmful (if not fatal) to a charity's existence.

Obtaining 501(c)(3) status

Some organizations automatically acquire 501(c)(3) status upon filing of proper organizational documents (e.g., articles of incorporation as a church), at least until annual income exceeds a statutory threshold. Others will not receive 501(c)(3) status until they file an application and supporting documentation to the IRS and have a certification letter issued. The IRS will examine the application and may request further financial and organization information prior to granting the 501(c)(3) status. To cover donations made before the letter is issued, the regulations require prompt filing of the application after organization, or after an existing organization satisfies the criteria for 501(c)(3), or after exceeding the income threshold.

Political activity

Organizations with this classification are prohibited from conducting political campaign activities to influence elections to public office. Public charities (but not private foundations^{[citation
needed]}) are permitted to conduct a limited amount of lobbying to influence legislation. Although the law states that "no substantial part" of a public charity's activities may be devoted to lobbying, charities with very large budgets may lawfully expend a million dollars (under the "expenditure" test) or more (under the "substantial part" test) per year on lobbying. ^[6]

All 501(c)(3) organizations are also permitted to educate individuals about issues, or fund research that supports their political position without overtly advocating for a position on a specific bill. Think tanks such as the Cato Institute, Center for American Progress, and Heritage Foundation and other 501(c)(3) organizations produce reports and recommendations on policy proposals that do not count as lobbying under the tax code. Another example is the The American Foreign Policy Council is a strong pro-Israel lobbyist organization operating under this code.

Relations to other nonprofit organizations

Many 501(c)(3) organizations are part of nonprofit "conglomerates,"^{[citation
needed]} having organizational control relationships with other nonprofit organizations. The board of a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization may create a 501(c)(3) that operates solely for "educational" purposes. The League of Women Voters advocates positions on issues and evaluates candidates as a 501(c)(4) and there is a similarly named 501(c)(3) organization, League of Women Voters Education Fund, which provides nonpartisan voter information. The board of a 501(c)(6) business league may create a 501(c)(3) organization with the purpose of conducting research related to the business focus. While 501(c)(3) organizations may be similarly named to other organizations, they cannot be owned by other organzations, and cannot also have private owners. 501(c)(3) organizations should usually be chartered as independent organizations.

Roberts Rules of Order

General parliamentary law

Parliamentary procedure is based on parliamentary law. Specifically, parliamentary procedure is the parliamentary law you follow in your organization along with any special rules of order you make just for your group.

The broad concept of parliamentary law, although not actually law in the sense of statutes and jurisprudence, is the body of accepted rules and practices of deliberative assemblies of all types and sizes.

Fundamental principles

One fundamental principle of parliamentary law is that a deliberative assembly is an autonomous body that enjoys the freedom to conduct its business in accordance with its own provisions for the rights of its members and itself as an assembly. It is free to enact its own rules, choose its leadership, delegate to its leadership all or part of its authority, and retain whatever control over its business that it wishes.

Two other principles are so close to the heart of things that Robert's Rules also terms them fundamental principles of parliamentary law. The rules that embody these principles can never be suspended. The only way to avoid having these rules apply to your group is to provide differently in your bylaws. Those fundamental principles are as follows:

The right to vote is limited to the members who are present in a meeting during the time a vote is actually taken. Therefore, even if the vote is unanimous,

• Rules can't be suspended to give a right to vote to a nonmember.

• Cumulative voting is prohibited.

• Absentee voting is prohibited.

Only one motion can be considered at a time. (You can, however, have several questions pending at one time.)

Rights to Corporate records.--

(1) A corporation shall keep as records minutes of all meetings of its members and board of directors, a record of all actions taken by the members or board of directors without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken by a committee of the board of directors in place of the board of directors on behalf of the corporation.

(2) A corporation shall maintain accurate accounting records.

(3) A corporation or its agent shall maintain a record of its members in a form that permits preparation of a list of the names and addresses of all members in alphabetical order by class of voting members.

(4) A corporation shall maintain its records in written form or in another form capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time.

(5) A corporation shall keep a copy of the following records:

(a) Its articles or restated articles of incorporation and all amendments to them currently in effect.

(b) Its bylaws or restated bylaws and all amendments to them currently in effect.

(c) The minutes of all members' meetings and records of all action taken by members without a meeting for the past 3 years.

(d) Written communications to all members generally or all members of a class within the past 3 years, including the financial statements furnished for the past 3 years under s. 617.1605.

(e) A list of the names and business street, or home if there is no business street, addresses of its current directors and officers.

(f) Its most recent annual report delivered to the Department of State under s. 617.1622.

History.--s. 106, ch. 90-179; s. 69, ch. 93-281.

617.1602 Inspection of records by members.--

(1) A member of a corporation is entitled to inspect and copy, during regular business hours at the corporation's principal office, any of the records of the corporation described in s. 617.1601(5), if the member gives the corporation written notice of his or her demand at least 5 business days before the date on which he or she wishes to inspect and copy.

(2) A member of a corporation is entitled to inspect and copy, during regular business hours at a reasonable location specified by the corporation, any of the following records of the corporation if the member meets the requirements of subsection (3) and gives the corporation written notice of his or her demand at least 5 business days before the date on which he or she wishes to inspect and copy:

(a) Excerpts from minutes of any meeting of the board of directors, records of any action of a committee of the board of directors while acting in place of the board of directors on behalf of the corporation, minutes of any meeting of the members, and records of action taken by the members or board of directors without a meeting, to the extent not subject to inspection under subsection (1).

(b) Accounting records of the corporation.

(d) Any other books and records.

(3) A member may inspect and copy the records described in subsection (2) only if:

(a) The member's demand is made in good faith and for a proper purpose;

(b) The member describes with reasonable particularity his or her purpose and the records he or she desires to inspect;

(4) This section does not affect:

(a) The right of a member to inspect and copy records under ¹s. 617.0730(6), or, if the member is in litigation with the corporation, to the same extent as any other litigant.

(b) The power of a court, independently of this act, to compel the production of corporate records for examination.

(5) A corporation may deny any demand for inspection made pursuant to subsection (2) if the demand was made for an improper purpose, or if the demanding member has within 2 years preceding his or her demand sold or offered for sale any list of members of the corporation or any other corporation, has aided or abetted any person in procuring any list of members for any such purpose, or has improperly used any information secured through any prior examination of the records of the corporation or any other corporation.

(6) For purposes of this section, the term "member" includes a beneficial owner whose shares are held in a voting trust or by a nominee on his or her behalf.

(7) For purposes of this section, a "proper purpose" means a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a member.

History.--s. 70, ch. 93-281; s. 100, ch. 97-102.

¹Note.--Section 617.0730 does not exist.

The 2007 Florida Statutes

CHAPTER 617

CORPORATIONS NOT FOR PROFIT

617.01011 Short title.

617.0102 Reservation of power to amend or repeal.

617.01201 Filing requirements.

617.0121 Forms.

617.0122 Fees for filing documents and issuing certificates.

617.0123 Effective date of document.

617.0124 Correcting filed document.

617.0125 Filing duties of Department of State.

617.0126 Appeal from Department of State's refusal to file document.

617.0127 Evidentiary effect of copy of filed document.

617.0128 Certificate of status.

617.01301 Powers of Department of State.

617.01401 Definitions.

617.0141 Notice.

617.02011 Incorporators.

617.0202 Articles of incorporation; content.

617.0203 Incorporation.

617.0204 Liability for preincorporation transactions.

617.0205 Organizational meeting of directors.

617.0206 Bylaws.

617.0207 Emergency bylaws.

617.0301 Purposes and application.

617.0302 Corporate powers.

617.0303 Emergency powers.

617.0304 Ultra vires.

617.0401 Corporate name.

617.0403 Registered name; application; renewal; revocation.

617.0501 Registered office and registered agent.

617.0502 Change of registered office or registered agent; resignation of registered agent.

617.0503 Registered agent; duties; confidentiality of investigation records.

617.0504 Service of process, notice, or demand on a corporation.

617.0505 Payment of dividends and distribution of income to members prohibited; issuance of certificates of membership; effect of stock issued under prior law.

617.0601 Members, generally.

617.0604 Liability of members.

617.0701 Meetings of members, generally; failure to hold annual meeting; special meeting; consent to corporate actions without meetings; waiver of notice of meetings.

617.0721 Voting by members.

617.0725 Quorum.

617.0801 Requirement for and duties of board of directors.

617.0802 Qualifications of directors.

617.0803 Number of directors.

617.0806 Staggered terms for directors.

617.0807 Resignation of directors.

617.0808 Removal of directors.

617.0809 Vacancy on board.

617.08101 Compensation of directors.

617.0820 Meetings.

617.0821 Action by directors without a meeting.

617.0822 Notice of meetings.

617.0823 Waiver of notice.

617.0824 Quorum and voting.

617.0825 Committees.

617.0830 General standards for directors.

617.0831 Indemnification and liability of officers, directors, employees, and agents.

617.0832 Director conflicts of interest.

617.0833 Loans to directors or officers.

617.0834 Officers and directors of certain corporations and associations not for profit; immunity from civil liability.

617.0835 Prohibited activities by private foundations.

617.0840 Required officers.

617.0841 Duties of officers.

617.0842 Resignation and removal of officers.

617.0843 Contract rights of officers.

617.0901 Reincorporation.

617.1001 Authority to amend the articles of incorporation.

617.1002 Procedure for amending articles of incorporation.

617.1006 Contents of articles of amendment.

617.1007 Restated articles of incorporation.

617.1008 Amendment pursuant to reorganization.

617.1009 Effect of amendment.

617.1101 Plan of merger.

617.1103 Approval of plan of merger; abandonment of plan thereafter.

617.1105 Articles of merger.

617.1106 Effect of merger.

617.1107 Merger of domestic and foreign corporations.

617.1108 Merger of domestic corporation and other business entities.

617.1201 Secured transactions and other dispositions of corporate property and assets not requiring member approval.

617.1202 Sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of corporate property and assets requiring member approval.

617.1401 Voluntary dissolution of corporation prior to conducting its affairs.

617.1402 Dissolution of corporation.

617.1403 Articles of dissolution.

617.1404 Revocation of dissolution.

617.1405 Effect of dissolution.

617.1406 Plan of distribution of assets.

617.1420 Grounds for administrative dissolution.

617.1421 Procedure for and effect of administrative dissolution.

617.1422 Reinstatement following administrative dissolution.

617.1423 Appeal from denial of reinstatement.

617.1430 Grounds for judicial dissolution.

617.1431 Procedure for judicial dissolution.

617.1432 Receivership or custodianship.

617.1433 Judgment of dissolution.

617.1440 Deposit with Department of Financial Services.

617.1501 Authority of foreign corporation to conduct affairs required.

617.1502 Consequences of conducting affairs without authority.

617.1503 Application for certificate of authority.

617.1504 Amended certificate of authority.

617.1505 Effect of certificate of authority.

617.1506 Corporate name of foreign corporation.

617.1507 Registered office and registered agent of foreign corporation.

617.1508 Change of registered office and registered agent of foreign corporation.

617.1509 Resignation of registered agent of foreign corporation.

617.1510 Service of process, notice, or demand on a foreign corporation.

617.1520 Withdrawal of foreign corporation.

617.1530 Grounds for revocation of authority to conduct affairs.

617.1531 Procedure for and effect of revocation.

617.1532 Appeal from revocation.

617.1533 Reinstatement following revocation.

617.1601 Corporate records.

617.1602 Inspection of records by members.

617.1603 Scope of inspection right.

617.1604 Court-ordered inspection.

617.1605 Financial reports for members.

617.1622 Annual report for Department of State.

617.1623 Corporate information available to the public; application to corporations incorporated by circuit courts and by special act of the Legislature.

617.1701 Application to existing domestic corporation.

617.1702 Application to qualified foreign corporations.

617.1711 Application to foreign and interstate commerce.

617.1803 Domestication of foreign not-for-profit corporations.

617.1805 Corporations for profit; when may become corporations not for profit.

617.1806 Conversion to corporation not for profit; petition and contents.

617.1807 Conversion to corporation not for profit; authority of circuit judge.

617.1808 Application of act to corporation converted to corporation not for profit.

617.1904 Estoppel.

617.1907 Effect of repeal of prior acts.

617.1908 Applicability of Florida Business Corporation Act.

617.2001 Corporations which may be incorporated hereunder; incorporation of certain medical services corporations.

617.2002 Corporation not for profit organized pursuant to s. 2, ch. 87-296; requirements.

617.2003 Proceedings to revoke articles of incorporation or charter or prevent its use.

617.2004 Extinct churches and religious societies; property.

617.2005 Extinct churches and religious societies; dissolution.

617.2006 Incorporation of labor unions or bodies.

617.2007 Sponge packing and marketing corporations.

617.2101 Corporation authorized to act as trustee.

617.2102 Fines and penalties against members.

617.2103 Exemptions for certain corporations.

617.01011 Short title.--This act may be cited as the "Florida Not For Profit Corporation Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 90-179.

617.0102 Reservation of power to amend or repeal.--The Legislature has the power to amend or repeal all or part of this act at any time, and all domestic and foreign corporations subject to this act shall be governed by the amendment or repeal.

History.--s. 2, ch. 90-179.

617.01201 Filing requirements.--

(1) A document must satisfy the requirements of this section and of any other section that adds to or varies these requirements to be entitled to filing by the Department of State.

(2) This act must require or permit filing the document in the office of the Department of State.

(3) The document must contain the information required by this act. It may contain other information as well.

(4) The document must be typewritten or printed and must be legible.

(5) The document must be in the English language. A corporate name need not be in English if written in English letters or Arabic or Roman numerals, and the certificate of authority required of foreign corporations need not be in English if accompanied by a reasonably authenticated English translation.

(6) The document must be executed:

(a) By the chair or any vice chair of the board of directors of a domestic or foreign corporation, or by its president or by another of its officers;

(b) If directors have not been selected or the corporation has not been formed, by an incorporator; or

(7) The person executing the document shall sign it and state beneath or opposite his or her signature his or her name and the capacity in which he or she signs. The document may, but need not, contain:

(a) The corporate seal,

(b) An attestation by the secretary or an assistant secretary,

(8) If the Department of State has prescribed a mandatory form for the document under s. 617.0121, the document must be in or on the prescribed form.

(9) The document must be delivered to the office of the Department of State for filing and may be accompanied by one exact or conformed copy (except as provided in s. 617.1508), and must be accompanied by the correct filing fee and any other tax or penalty required by this act or other law.

History.--s. 3, ch. 90-179; s. 44, ch. 93-281; s. 76, ch. 97-102.

617.0121 Forms.--

(1) The Department of State may prescribe and furnish on request forms for:

(a) An application for certificate of status,

(b) A foreign corporation's application for certificate of authority to conduct its affairs in the state,

(d) The annual report, for which the department may prescribe the use of the uniform business report, pursuant to s. 606.06.

If the Department of State so requires, the use of these forms shall be mandatory.

(2) The Department of State may prescribe and furnish on request forms for other documents required or permitted to be filed by this act, but their use shall not be mandatory.

History.--s. 4, ch. 90-179; s. 8, ch. 99-218.

617.0122 Fees for filing documents and issuing certificates.--The Department of State shall collect the following fees on documents delivered to the department for filing:

(1) Articles of incorporation: $35.

(2) Application for registered name: $87.50.

(3) Application for renewal of registered name: $87.50.

(4) Corporation's statement of change of registered agent or registered office or both if not included on the annual report: $35.

(5) Designation of and acceptance by registered agent: $35.

(6) Agent's statement of resignation from active corporation: $87.50.

(7) Agent's statement of resignation from administratively dissolved corporation: $35.

(8) Amendment of articles of incorporation: $35.

(9) Restatement of articles of incorporation with amendment of articles: $35.

(10) Articles of merger for each party thereto: $35.

(11) Articles of dissolution: $35.

(12) Articles of revocation of dissolution: $35.

(13) Application for reinstatement following administrative dissolution: $175.

(14) Application for certificate of authority to transact business in this state by a foreign corporation: $35.

(15) Application for amended certificate of authority: $35.

(16) Application for certificate of withdrawal by a foreign corporation: $35.

(17) Annual report: $61.25.

(18) Articles of correction: $35.

(19) Application for certificate of status: $8.75.

(20) Certified copy of document: $52.50.

(21) Serving as agent for substitute service of process: $87.50.

(22) Any other document required or permitted to be filed by this chapter: $35.

Any citizen support organization that is required by rule of the Department of Environmental Protection to be formed as a nonprofit organization and is under contract with the department is exempt from any fees required for incorporation as a nonprofit organization, and the Secretary of State may not assess any such fees if the citizen support organization is certified by the Department of Environmental Protection to the Secretary of State as being under contract with the Department of Environmental Protection.

History.--s. 5, ch. 90-179; s. 45, ch. 93-281; ss. 25, 27, ch. 94-314; s. 469, ch. 94-356; s. 13, ch. 97-94; s. 15, ch. 98-101.

617.0123 Effective date of document.--

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) and in s. 617.0124(3), a document accepted for filing is effective at the time of filing on the date it is filed, as evidenced by the Department of State's date and time endorsement on the original document.

(2) A document may specify a delayed effective date, and if it does the document shall become effective on the date specified. Unless otherwise permitted by this act, a delayed effective date for a document may not be later than the 90th day after the date on which it is filed.

(3) If a document is determined by the Department of State to be incomplete and inappropriate for filing, the Department of State may return the document to the person or corporation filing it, together with a brief written explanation of the reason for the refusal to file, in accordance with s. 617.0125(3). If the applicant returns the document with corrections in accordance with the rules of the department within 60 days after it was mailed to the applicant by the department, and if at the time of return the applicant so requests in writing, the filing date of the document will be the filing date that would have been applied had the original document not been deficient, except as to persons who relied on the record before correction and were adversely affected thereby.

(4) Corporate existence may predate the filing date, pursuant to s. 617.0203(1).

History.--s. 6, ch. 90-179; s. 47, ch. 93-281.

617.0124 Correcting filed document.--

(1) A domestic or foreign corporation may correct a document filed by the Department of State within 10 business days after filing if the document:

(a) Contains an incorrect statement; or

(b) Was defectively executed, attested, sealed, verified, or acknowledged.

(2) A document is corrected:

(a) By preparing articles of correction that:

1. Describe the document (including its filing date) or attach a copy of it to the articles;

2. Specify the incorrect statement and the reason it is incorrect or the manner in which the execution was defective; and

3. Correct the incorrect statement or defective execution; and

(b) By delivering the executed articles of correction to the Department of State for filing.

(3) Articles of correction are effective on the effective date of the document they correct except as to persons relying on the uncorrected document and who are adversely affected by the correction. As to those persons, articles of correction are effective when filed.

History.--s. 7, ch. 90-179; s. 48, ch. 93-281.

617.0125 Filing duties of Department of State.--

(1) If a document delivered to the Department of State for filing satisfies the requirements of s. 617.01201, the Department of State shall file it.

(2) The Department of State files a document by stamping or otherwise endorsing "filed," together with the Secretary of State's official title and the date and time of receipt. After filing a document, the Department of State shall deliver the acknowledgment of filing or a certified copy to the domestic or foreign corporation or its representative.

(3) If the Department of State refuses to file a document, it shall return it to the domestic or foreign corporation or its representative within 15 days after the document was received for filing, together with a brief, written explanation of the reason for refusal.

(4) The Department of State's duty to file documents under this section is ministerial. The filing or refusing to file a document does not:

(a) Affect the validity or invalidity of the document in whole or part;

(b) Relate to the correctness or incorrectness of information contained in the document; or

(c) Create a presumption that the document is valid or invalid or that information contained in the document is correct or incorrect.

(5) If not otherwise provided by law and the provisions of this act, the Department of State shall determine, by rule, the appropriate format for, number of copies of, manner of execution of, method of electronic transmission of, and amount of and method of payment of fees for, any document placed under its jurisdiction.

History.--s. 8, ch. 90-179.

617.0126 Appeal from Department of State's refusal to file document.--If the Department of State refuses to file a document delivered to its office for filing, within 30 days after return of the document by the department by mail, as evidenced by the postmark, the domestic or foreign corporation may:

(1) Appeal the refusal pursuant to s. 120.68; or

(2) Appeal the refusal to the circuit court of the county where the corporation's principal office (or, if none in this state, its registered office) is or will be located. The appeal is commenced by petitioning the court to compel filing the document and by attaching to the petition the document and the Department of State's explanation of its refusal to file. The matter shall promptly be tried de novo by the court without a jury. The court may summarily order the Department of State to file the document or take other action the court considers appropriate. The court's final decision may be appealed as in other civil proceedings.

History.--s. 9, ch. 90-179.

617.0127 Evidentiary effect of copy of filed document.--A certificate attached to a copy of a document filed by the Department of State, bearing the signature of the Secretary of State (which may be in facsimile) and the seal of this state, is conclusive evidence that the original document is on file with the department.

History.--s. 10, ch. 90-179.

617.0128 Certificate of status.--

(1) Anyone may apply to the Department of State to furnish a certificate of status for a domestic corporation or a certificate of authorization for a foreign corporation.

(2) A certificate of status or authorization sets forth:

(a) The domestic corporation's corporate name or the foreign corporation's corporate name used in this state;

(b)1. That the domestic corporation is duly incorporated under the law of this state and the date of its incorporation, or

2. That the foreign corporation is authorized to conduct its affairs in this state;

1. Payment is reflected in the records of the department, and

2. Nonpayment affects the existence or authorization of the domestic or foreign corporation;

(d) That its most recent annual report required by s. 617.1622 has been delivered to the department; and

(e) That articles of dissolution have not been filed.

(3) Subject to any qualification stated in the certificate, a certificate of status or authorization issued by the department may be relied upon as conclusive evidence that the domestic or foreign corporation is in existence or is authorized to conduct its affairs in this state.

History.--s. 11, ch. 90-179; s. 3, ch. 95-211.

617.01301 Powers of Department of State.--

(1) The Department of State may propound to any corporation subject to the provisions of this act, and to any officer or director thereof, such interrogatories as may be reasonably necessary and proper to enable it to ascertain whether the corporation has complied with all applicable filing provisions of this act. Such interrogatories must be answered within 30 days after mailing or within such additional time as fixed by the department. Answers to interrogatories must be full and complete, in writing, and under oath. Interrogatories directed to an individual must be answered by him or her, and interrogatories directed to a corporation must be answered by the president, vice president, secretary, or assistant secretary.

(2) The Department of State is not required to file any document:

(a) To which interrogatories, as propounded pursuant to subsection (1) relate, until the interrogatories are answered in full;

(b) When interrogatories or other relevant evidence discloses that such document is not in conformity with the provisions of this act; or

(c) When the department has determined that the parties to such document have not paid all fees, taxes, and penalties due and owing this state.

(3) The Department of State may, based upon its findings hereunder or as provided in s. 213.053(13), bring an action in circuit court to collect any penalties, fees, or taxes determined to be due and owing the state and to compel any filing, qualification, or registration required by law. In connection with such proceeding the department may, without prior approval by the court, file a lis pendens against any property owned by the corporation and may further certify any findings to the Department of Legal Affairs for the initiation of any action permitted pursuant to s. 617.0503 which the Department of Legal Affairs may deem appropriate.

(4) The Department of State shall have the power and authority reasonably necessary to enable it to administer this act efficiently, to perform the duties herein imposed upon it, and to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this act conferring duties upon it.

History.--s. 13, ch. 90-179; s. 49, ch. 93-281; s. 78, ch. 97-102; s. 198, ch. 98-200; s. 7, ch. 2006-85.

617.01401 Definitions.--As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

(1) "Articles of incorporation" includes original, amended, and restated articles of incorporation, articles of consolidation, and articles of merger, and all amendments thereto, including documents designated by the laws of this state as charters, and, in the case of a foreign corporation, documents equivalent to articles of incorporation in the jurisdiction of incorporation.

(2) "Board of directors" means the group of persons vested with the management of the affairs of the corporation irrespective of the name by which such group is designated, including, but not limited to, managers or trustees.

(3) "Bylaws" means the code or codes of rules adopted for the regulation or management of the affairs of the corporation irrespective of the name or names by which such rules are designated.

(4) "Corporation" or "domestic corporation" means a corporation not for profit, subject to the provisions of this act, except a foreign corporation.

(5) "Corporation not for profit" means a corporation no part of the income or profit of which is distributable to its members, directors, or officers.

(6) "Electronic transmission" means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission or transfer of paper, which creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof and which may be directly reproduced in a comprehensible and legible paper form by such recipient through an automated process. Examples of electronic transmission include, but are not limited to, telegrams, facsimile transmissions of images, and text that is sent via electronic mail between computers.

(7) "Foreign corporation" means a corporation not for profit organized under laws other than the laws of this state.

(8) "Insolvent" means the inability of a corporation to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of its affairs.

(9) "Mail" means the United States mail, facsimile transmissions, and private mail carriers handling nationwide mail services.

(10) "Member" means one having membership rights in a corporation in accordance with the provisions of its articles of incorporation or bylaws or the provisions of this act.

(11) "Person" includes individual and entity.

History.--s. 14, ch. 90-179; s. 1, ch. 2003-14.

617.0141 Notice.--

(1) Notice under this act must be in writing, unless oral notice is:

(a) Expressly authorized by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws; and

(b) Reasonable under the circumstances.

(2) Notice may be communicated in person; by telephone (where oral notice is permitted), telegraph, teletype, or other form of electronic transmission; or by mail.

(3) Written notice by a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state to its member, if in a comprehensible form, is effective:

(a) When mailed, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed to the member's address shown in the corporation's current record of members;

(b) When actually transmitted by facsimile telecommunication, if correctly directed to a number at which the member has consented to receive notice;

(c) When actually transmitted by electronic mail, if correctly directed to an electronic mail address at which the member has consented to receive notice;

(d) When posted on an electronic network that the member has consented to consult, upon the later of:

1. Such correct posting; or

2. The giving of a separate notice to the member of the fact of such specific posting; or

(e) When correctly transmitted to the member, if by any other form of electronic transmission consented to by the member to whom notice is given.

(4) Consent by a member to receive notice by electronic transmission shall be revocable by the member by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if:

(a) The corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent; and

(b) Such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation, or other authorized person responsible for the giving of notice. However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation does not invalidate any meeting or other action.

(5) Written notice to a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state may be addressed to its registered agent at its registered office or to the corporation or its secretary at its principal office shown in its most recent annual report or, in the case of a corporation that has not yet delivered an annual report, in a domestic corporation's articles of incorporation or in a foreign corporation's application for certificate of authority.

(6) Except as provided in subsection (3) or elsewhere in this act, written notice, if in a comprehensible form, is effective at the earliest date of the following:

(a) When received;

(b) Five days after its deposit in the United States mail, as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed; or

(c) On the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the addressee.

(7) Oral notice is effective when communicated if communicated directly to the person to be notified in a comprehensible manner.

(8) An affidavit of the secretary, an assistant secretary, the transfer agent, or other authorized agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission is, in the absence of fraud, prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the notice.

(9) If this act prescribes notice requirements for particular circumstances, those requirements govern. If articles of incorporation or bylaws prescribe notice requirements not less stringent than the requirements of this section or other provisions of this act, those requirements govern.

History.--s. 15, ch. 90-179; s. 2, ch. 2003-14.

617.02011 Incorporators.--One or more persons may act as the incorporator or incorporators of a corporation by delivering articles of incorporation to the Department of State for filing.

History.--s. 16, ch. 90-179.

617.0202 Articles of incorporation; content.--

(1) The articles of incorporation must set forth:

(a) A corporate name for the corporation that satisfies the requirements of s. 617.0401.

(b) The street address of the initial principal office and, if different, the mailing address of the corporation;

(d) A statement of the manner in which the directors are to be elected or appointed. In lieu thereof, the articles of incorporation may provide that the method of election of directors be stated in the bylaws;

(e) Any provision, not inconsistent with this act or with any other law, which limits in any manner the corporate powers authorized under this act;

(f) The street address of the corporation's initial registered office and the name of its initial registered agent at that address together with a written acceptance of appointment as a registered agent as required by s. 617.0501; and

(g) The name and address of each incorporator.

(2) The articles of incorporation may set forth:

(a) The names and addresses of the individuals who are to serve as the initial directors;

(b) Any provision not inconsistent with law, regarding the regulation of the internal affairs of the corporation, including, without limitation, any provision with respect to the relative rights or interests of the members as among themselves or in the property of the corporation;

(d) The rights, upon termination of membership, of the corporation, the terminated members, and the remaining members;

(e) The transferability or nontransferability of membership;

(f) The distribution of assets upon dissolution or final liquidation or, if otherwise permitted by law, upon partial liquidation;

(g) If the corporation is to have one or more classes of members, any provision designating the class or classes of members and stating the qualifications and rights of the members of each class;

(h) The names of any persons or the designations of any groups of persons who are to be the initial members;

(i) A provision to the effect that the corporation will be subordinate to and subject to the authority of any head or national association, lodge, order, beneficial association, fraternal or beneficial society, foundation, federation, or other corporation, society, organization, or association not for profit; and

(j) Any provision that under this act is required or permitted to be set forth in the bylaws. Any such provision set forth in the articles of incorporation need not be set forth in the bylaws.

(3) The articles of incorporation need not set forth any of the corporate powers enumerated in this act.

History.--s. 17, ch. 90-179; s. 50, ch. 93-281; s. 1, ch. 96-343.

617.0203 Incorporation.--

(1) Unless a delayed effective date is specified, the corporate existence begins when the articles of incorporation are filed or on a date specified in the articles of incorporation, if such date is within 5 business days prior to the date of filing.

(2) The Department of State's filing of the articles of incorporation, and the original recorded charter or certified copy of the charter of a corporation which has not been reincorporated under s. 617.0901, is conclusive proof that the incorporators satisfied all conditions precedent to incorporation and that the corporation has been incorporated under this act, except in a proceeding by the state to cancel or revoke the incorporation or involuntarily dissolve the corporation.

History.--s. 18, ch. 90-179.

617.0204 Liability for preincorporation transactions.--All persons purporting to act as or on behalf of a corporation, having actual knowledge that there was no incorporation under this act, are jointly and severally liable for all liabilities created while so acting except for any liability to any person who also had actual knowledge that there was no incorporation.

History.--s. 19, ch. 90-179.

617.0205 Organizational meeting of directors.--

(1) After incorporation:

(a) If initial directors are named in the articles of incorporation, the initial directors shall hold an organizational meeting, at the call of a majority of the directors, to complete the organization of the corporation by appointing officers, adopting bylaws, and carrying on any other business brought before the meeting;

(b) If initial directors are not named in the articles, the incorporators shall hold an organizational meeting at the call of a majority of the incorporators:

1. To elect directors and complete the organization of the corporation; or

2. To elect a board of directors who shall complete the organization of the corporation.

(2) Action required or permitted by this act to be taken by incorporators or directors at an organizational meeting may be taken without a meeting if the action taken is evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken and signed by each incorporator or director.

(3) The directors or incorporators calling the organizational meeting shall give at least 3 days' notice thereof to each director or incorporator so named, stating the time and place of the meeting.

(4) An organizational meeting may be held in or out of this state.

History.--s. 20, ch. 90-179.

617.0206 Bylaws.--The initial bylaws of a corporation shall be adopted by its board of directors. The power to alter, amend, or repeal the bylaws or adopt new bylaws shall be vested in the board of directors unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The bylaws may contain any provision for the regulation and management of the affairs of the corporation not inconsistent with law or the articles of incorporation.

History.--s. 21, ch. 90-179.

617.0207 Emergency bylaws.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the board of directors of a corporation may adopt bylaws to be effective only in an emergency defined in subsection (5). The emergency bylaws may make all provisions necessary for managing the corporation during an emergency, including:

(a) Procedures for calling a meeting of the board of directors;

(b) Quorum requirements for the meeting; and

(2) The board of directors, either before or during any such emergency, may provide, and from time to time modify, lines of succession if during such emergency any or all officers or agents of the corporation are for any reason rendered incapable of discharging their duties.

(3) All provisions of the regular bylaws consistent with the emergency bylaws remain effective during the emergency. The emergency bylaws are not effective after the emergency ends.

(4) Corporate action taken in good faith in accordance with the emergency bylaws:

(a) Binds the corporation; and

(b) May not be used to impose liability on a corporate director, officer, employee, or agent.

(5) An emergency exists for purposes of this section if a quorum of the corporation's directors cannot readily be assembled because of some catastrophic event.

History.--s. 22, ch. 90-179.

617.0301 Purposes and application.--Corporations may be organized under this act for any lawful purpose or purposes not for pecuniary profit and not specifically prohibited to corporations under other laws of this state. Such purposes include, without limitation, charitable, benevolent, eleemosynary, educational, historical, civic, patriotic, political, religious, social, fraternal, literary, cultural, athletic, scientific, agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry, and professional, commercial, industrial, or trade association purposes. If special provisions are made, by law, for the organization of designated classes of corporations not for profit, such corporations shall be formed under such provisions and not under this act.

History.--s. 23, ch. 90-179.

617.0302 Corporate powers.--Every corporation not for profit organized under this act, unless otherwise provided in its articles of incorporation or bylaws, shall have power to:

(1) Have succession by its corporate name for the period set forth in its articles of incorporation.

(2) Sue and be sued and appear and defend in all actions and proceedings in its corporate name to the same extent as a natural person.

(3) Adopt, use, and alter a common corporate seal. However, such seal must always contain the words "corporation not for profit."

(4) Elect or appoint such officers and agents as its affairs shall require and allow them reasonable compensation.

(5) Adopt, change, amend, and repeal bylaws, not inconsistent with law or its articles of incorporation, for the administration of the affairs of the corporation and the exercise of its corporate powers.

(6) Increase, by a vote of its members cast as the bylaws may direct, the number of its directors so that the number shall not be less than three but may be any number in excess thereof.

(7) Make contracts and incur liabilities, borrow money at such rates of interest as the corporation may determine, issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations, and secure any of its obligations by mortgage and pledge of all or any of its property, franchises, or income.

(8) Conduct its affairs, carry on its operations, and have offices and exercise the powers granted by this act in any state, territory, district, or possession of the United States or any foreign country.

(9) Purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, devise, or bequest, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use, or otherwise deal in and with real or personal property, or any interest therein, wherever situated.

(10) Acquire, enjoy, utilize, and dispose of patents, copyrights, and trademarks and any licenses and other rights or interests thereunder or therein.

(11) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets.

(12) Purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise dispose of and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares and other interests in, or obligations of, other domestic or foreign corporations, whether for profit or not for profit, associations, partnerships, or individuals, or direct or indirect obligations of the United States, or of any other government, state, territory, governmental district, municipality, or of any instrumentality thereof.

(13) Lend money for its corporate purposes, invest and reinvest its funds, and take and hold real and personal property as security for the payment of funds loaned or invested except as prohibited by s. 617.0833.

(14) Make donations for the public welfare or for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or other similar purposes.

(15) Have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized.

(16) Merge with other corporations or other business entities, both for profit and not for profit, domestic and foreign, if the surviving corporation or other surviving business entity is a corporation not for profit or other business entity that has been organized as a not-for-profit entity under a governing statute or other applicable law that permits such a merger.

History.--s. 24, ch. 90-179; s. 14, ch. 2005-267.

617.0303 Emergency powers.--

(1) In anticipation of or during any emergency defined in subsection (5), the board of directors of a corporation may:

(a) Modify lines of succession to accommodate the incapacity of any director, officer, employee, or agent; and

(b) Relocate the principal office or designate alternative principal offices or regional offices or authorize the officers to do so.

(2) During an emergency defined in subsection (5), unless emergency bylaws provide otherwise:

(a) Notice of a meeting of the board of directors need be given only to those directors whom it is practicable to reach and may be given in any practicable manner, including by publication and radio;

(b) One or more officers of the corporation present at a meeting of the board of directors may be deemed to be directors for the meeting, in order of rank and within the same rank in order of seniority, as necessary to achieve a quorum; and

(c) The director or directors in attendance at a meeting, or any greater number affixed by the emergency bylaws, constitute a quorum.

(3) Corporate action taken in good faith during an emergency under this section to further the ordinary affairs of the corporation:

(a) Binds the corporation; and

(b) May not be used to impose liability on a corporate director, officer, employee, or agent.

(4) An officer, director, or employee acting in accordance with any emergency bylaws is only liable for willful misconduct.

(5) An emergency exists for purposes of this section if a quorum of the corporation's directors cannot readily be assembled because of some catastrophic event.

(6) To the extent not inconsistent with any emergency bylaws so adopted, the bylaws of the corporation shall remain in effect during any emergency, and upon termination of the emergency, the emergency bylaws will cease to be operative.

History.--s. 25, ch. 90-179.

617.0304 Ultra vires.--

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the validity of corporate action, including, but not limited to, any conveyance, transfer, or encumbrance of real or personal property to or by a corporation, may not be challenged on the ground that the corporation lacks or lacked power to act.

(2) A corporation's power to act may be challenged:

(a) In a proceeding by a member against the corporation to enjoin the act;

(b) In a proceeding by the corporation, directly, derivatively, or through a receiver, trustee, or other legal representative, or through members in a representative suit, against an incumbent or former officer, employee, or agent of the corporation; or

(c) In a proceeding by the Attorney General, as provided in this act, to dissolve the corporation or in a proceeding by the Attorney General to enjoin the corporation from the transaction of unauthorized business.

(3) In a member's proceeding under paragraph (2)(a) to enjoin an unauthorized corporate act, the court may enjoin or set aside the act, if equitable and if all affected persons are parties to the proceeding, and may award damages for loss (other than anticipated profits) suffered by the corporation or another party because of enjoining the unauthorized act.

History.--s. 26, ch. 90-179.

617.0401 Corporate name.--

(1) A corporate name:

(a) Must contain the word "corporation" or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "corp." or "inc." or words or abbreviations of like import in language, as will clearly indicate that it is a corporation instead of a natural person, unincorporated association, or partnership. The name of the corporation may not contain the word "company" or its abbreviation "co.";

(b) May contain the word "cooperative" or "co-op" only if the resulting name is distinguishable from the name of any corporation, agricultural cooperative marketing association, or nonprofit cooperative association existing or doing business in this state under chapter 607, chapter 618, or chapter 619;

(c) May not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted in this act and its articles of incorporation;

(d) May not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is connected with a state or federal government agency or a corporation chartered under the laws of the United States; and

(e) Must be distinguishable from the names of all other entities or filings, except fictitious name registrations pursuant to s. 865.09, organized, registered, or reserved under the laws of this state, that are on file with the Division of Corporations.

(2) Any corporation eligible to reincorporate under s. 617.0901, may do so and retain its corporate name, subject to the requirements of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).

History.--s. 27, ch. 90-179; s. 51, ch. 93-281.

617.0403 Registered name; application; renewal; revocation.--

(1) A foreign corporation may register its corporate name, or its corporate name with any addition required by s. 617.1506, if the name is distinguishable upon the records of the Department of State from the corporate names that are not available under s. 617.0401(1)(e).

(2) A foreign corporation registers its corporate name, or its corporate name with any addition required by s. 617.1506, by delivering to the Department of State for filing an application:

(a) Setting forth its corporate name, or its corporate name with any addition required by s. 617.1506, the state or country and date of its incorporation, and a brief description of the nature of its purposes and the affairs in which it is engaged; and

(b) Accompanied by a certificate of existence, or a certificate setting forth that such corporation is in good standing under the laws of the state or country wherein it is organized (or a document of similar import), from the state or country of incorporation.

(3) The name is registered for the applicant's exclusive use upon the effective date of the application and shall be effective until the close of the calendar year in which the application for registration is filed.

(4) A foreign corporation the registration of which is effective may renew it from year to year by annually filing a renewal application which complies with the requirements of subsection (2) between October 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. The renewal application when filed renews the registration for the following calendar year.

(5) A foreign corporation the registration of which is effective may thereafter qualify as a foreign corporation under the registered name or consent in writing to the use of that name by a corporation thereafter incorporated under this act or by another foreign corporation thereafter authorized to conduct its affairs in this state. The registration terminates when the domestic corporation is incorporated or the foreign corporation qualifies or consents to the qualification of another foreign corporation under the registered name.

(6) The Department of State may revoke any registration if, after a hearing, it finds that the application therefor or any renewal thereof was not made in good faith.

History.--s. 29, ch. 90-179.

617.0501 Registered office and registered agent.--

(1) Each corporation shall have and continuously maintain in this state:

(a) A registered office which may be the same as its principal office; and

(b) A registered agent, who may be either:

1. An individual who resides in this state whose business office is identical with such registered office; or

2. A corporation for profit or not for profit, authorized to transact business or conduct its affairs in this state, having a business office identical with the registered office.

(2) This section does not apply to corporations which are required by law to designate the Chief Financial Officer as their attorney for the service of process.

(3) A registered agent appointed pursuant to this section or a successor registered agent appointed pursuant to s. 617.0502 on whom process may be served shall each file a statement in writing with the Department of State, in such form and manner as shall be prescribed by the department, accepting the appointment as a registered agent simultaneously with his or her being designated. Such statement of acceptance shall state that the registered agent is familiar with, and accepts, the obligations of that position.

(4) The Department of State shall maintain an accurate record of the registered agents and registered offices for the service of process and shall furnish any information disclosed thereby promptly upon request and payment of the required fee. There shall be no charge for telephone requests for general corporate information, including the corporation's status, names of officers and directors, address of principal place of business, and name and address of resident agent.

(5) A corporation may not maintain any action in a court in this state until the corporation complies with this section or s. 617.1508, as applicable, and pays to the Department of State a penalty of $5 for each day it has failed to so comply or $500, whichever is less.

History.--s. 30, ch. 90-179; s. 52, ch. 93-281; s. 79, ch. 97-102; s. 748, ch. 2003-261.

617.0502 Change of registered office or registered agent; resignation of registered agent.--

(1) A corporation may change its registered office or its registered agent upon filing with the Department of State a statement of change setting forth:

(a) The name of the corporation;

(b) The street address of its current registered office;

(d) The name of its current registered agent;

(e) If its current registered agent is to be changed, the name of the new registered agent and the new agent's written consent (either on the statement or attached to it) to the appointment;

(f) That the street address of its registered office and the street address of the business office of its registered agent, as changed, will be identical; and

(g) That such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors or by an officer of the corporation so authorized by the board of directors.

(2) Any registered agent may resign his or her agency appointment by signing and delivering for filing with the Department of State a statement of resignation and mailing a copy of such statement to the corporation at its principal office address shown in its most recent annual report or, if none, filed in the articles of incorporation or other most recently filed document. The statement of resignation shall state that a copy of such statement has been mailed to the corporation at the address so stated. The agency is terminated as of the 31st day after the date on which the statement was filed and unless otherwise provided in the statement, termination of the agency acts as a termination of the registered office.

(3) If a registered agent changes his or her business name or business address, he or she may change such name or address and the address of the registered office of any corporation for which he or she is the registered agent by:

(a) Notifying all such corporations in writing of the change;

(b) Signing (either manually or in facsimile) and delivering to the Department of State for filing a statement that substantially complies with the requirements of paragraphs (1)(a)-(f), setting forth the names of all such corporations represented by the registered agent; and

(4) Changes of the registered office or registered agent may be made by a change on the corporation's annual report form filed with the Department of State.

(5) The Department of State shall collect a fee pursuant to s. 15.09(2) for filings authorized by this section.

History.--s. 31, ch. 90-179; s. 53, ch. 93-281; s. 8, ch. 96-212; s. 1716, ch. 97-102.

617.0503 Registered agent; duties; confidentiality of investigation records.--

(1)(a) Each corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that owns real property located in this state, that owns a mortgage on real property located in this state, or that transacts business in this state shall have and continuously maintain in this state a registered office and a registered agent and shall file with the Department of State notice of the registered office and registered agent as provided in ss. 617.0501 and 617.0502. The appointment of a registered agent in compliance with s. 617.0501 or s. 617.0502 is sufficient for purposes of this section if the registered agent so appointed files, in the form and manner prescribed by the Department of State, an acceptance of the obligations provided for in this section.

(b) Each such corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that fails to have and continuously maintain a registered office and a registered agent as required in this section is liable to this state for $500 for each year, or part of a year, during which the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization fails to comply with these requirements; but this liability is forgiven in full upon the compliance by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization with the requirements of this subsection, even if that compliance occurs after an action to collect such amount is instituted. The Department of Legal Affairs may file an action in the circuit court for the judicial circuit in which the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization is found or transacts business, or in which real property belonging to the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization is located, to petition the court for an order directing that a registered agent be appointed and that a registered office be designated, and to obtain judgment for the amount owed under this subsection. In connection with such proceeding, the department may, without prior approval by the court, file a lis pendens against real property owned by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization, which lis pendens shall set forth the legal description of the real property and shall be filed in the public records of the county where the real property is located. If the lis pendens is filed in any county other than the county in which the action is pending, the lis pendens that is filed must be a certified copy of the original lis pendens. The failure to comply timely or fully with an order directing that a registered agent be appointed and that a registered office be designated will result in a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day of noncompliance. A judgment or an order of payment entered under this subsection becomes a judgment lien against any real property owned by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization when a certified copy of the judgment or order is recorded as required by s. 55.10. The department may avail itself of, and is entitled to use, any provision of law or of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure to further the collecting or obtaining of payment pursuant to a judgment or order of payment. The state, through the Attorney General, may bid, at any judicial sale to enforce its judgment lien, any amount up to the amount of the judgment or lien obtained pursuant to this subsection. All moneys recovered under this subsection shall be treated as forfeitures under ss. 895.01-895.09 and used or distributed in accordance with the procedure set forth in s. 895.09. A corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that fails to have and continuously maintain a registered office and a registered agent as required in this section may not defend itself against any action instituted by the Department of Legal Affairs or by any other agency of this state until the requirements of this subsection have been met.

(2) Each corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that owns real property located in this state, that owns a mortgage on real property located in this state, or that transacts business in this state shall, pursuant to subpoena served upon the registered agent of the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization issued by the Department of Legal Affairs, produce, through its registered agent or through a designated representative within 30 days after service of the subpoena, testimony and records showing the following:

(a) True copies of documents evidencing the legal existence of the entity, including the articles of incorporation and any amendments to the articles of incorporation or the legal equivalent of the articles of incorporation and such amendments.

(b) The names and addresses of each current officer and director of the entity or persons holding equivalent positions.

(c) The names and addresses of all prior officers and directors of the entity or persons holding equivalent positions, for a period not to exceed the 5 years previous to the date of issuance of the subpoena.

(d) The names and addresses of each current shareholder, equivalent equitable owner, and ultimate equitable owner of the entity, the number of which names is limited to the names of the 100 shareholders, equivalent equitable owners, and ultimate equitable owners that, in comparison to all other shareholders, equivalent equitable owners, or ultimate equitable owners, respectively, own the largest number of shares of stock of the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization or the largest percentage of an equivalent form of equitable ownership of the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization.

(e) The names and addresses of all prior shareholders, equivalent equitable owners, and ultimate equitable owners of the entity for the 12-month period preceding the date of issuance of the subpoena, the number of which names is limited to the 100 shareholders, equivalent equitable owners, and ultimate equitable owners that, in comparison to all other shareholders, equivalent equitable owners, or ultimate equitable owners, respectively, own the largest number of shares of stock of the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization or the largest percentage of an equivalent form of equitable ownership of the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization.

(f) The names and addresses of the person or persons who provided the records and information to the registered agent or designated representative of the entity.

(g) The requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) do not apply to:

1. A financial institution;

2. A corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization the securities of which are registered pursuant to s. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. ss. 78a-78kk, if such corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission the reports required by s. 13 of that act; or

3. A corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization, the securities of which are regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States or on an established securities market located outside the United States, if such non-United States securities market is designated by rule adopted by the Department of Legal Affairs;

upon a showing by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that the exception in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., or subparagraph 3. applies to the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization. Such exception in subparagraph 1., subparagraph 2., or subparagraph 3. does not, however, exempt the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization from the requirements for producing records, information, or testimony otherwise imposed under this section for any period of time when the requisite conditions for the exception did not exist.

(3) The time limit for producing records and testimony may be extended for good cause shown by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization.

(4) A person, corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization designating an attorney, accountant, or spouse as a registered agent or designated representative shall, with respect to this state or any agency or subdivision of this state, be deemed to have waived any privilege that might otherwise attach to communications with respect to the information required to be produced pursuant to subsection (2), which communications are among such corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization; the registered agent or designated representative of such corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization; and the beneficial owners of such corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization. The duty to comply with the provisions of this section will not be excused by virtue of any privilege or provision of law of this state or any other state or country, which privilege or provision authorizes or directs that the testimony or records required to be produced under subsection (2) are privileged or confidential or otherwise may not be disclosed.

(5) If a corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization fails without lawful excuse to comply timely or fully with a subpoena issued pursuant to subsection (2), the Department of Legal Affairs may file an action in the circuit court for the judicial circuit in which the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization is found or transacts business or in which real property belonging to the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization is located, for an order compelling compliance with the subpoena. The failure without a lawful excuse to comply timely or fully with an order compelling compliance with the subpoena will result in a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day of noncompliance with the order. In connection with such proceeding, the department may, without prior approval by the court, file a lis pendens against real property owned by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization, which lis pendens shall set forth the legal description of the real property and shall be filed in the public records of the county where the real property is located. If the lis pendens is filed in any county other than the county in which the action is pending, the lis pendens that is filed must be a certified copy of the original lis pendens. A judgment or an order of payment entered pursuant to this subsection will become a judgment lien against any real property owned by the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization when a certified copy of the judgment or order is recorded as required by s. 55.10. The department may avail itself of, and is entitled to use, any provision of law or of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure to further the collecting or obtaining of payment pursuant to a judgment or order of payment. The state, through the Attorney General, may bid at any judicial sale to enforce its judgment lien, an amount up to the amount of the judgment or lien obtained pursuant to this subsection. All moneys recovered under this subsection shall be treated as forfeitures under ss. 895.01-895.09 and used or distributed in accordance with the procedure set forth in s. 895.09.

(6) Information provided to, and records and transcriptions of testimony obtained by, the Department of Legal Affairs pursuant to this section are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution while the investigation is active. For purposes of this section, an investigation shall be considered "active" while such investigation is being conducted with a reasonable, good faith belief that it may lead to the filing of an administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding. An investigation does not cease to be active so long as the department is proceeding with reasonable dispatch and there is a good faith belief that action may be initiated by the department or other administrative or law enforcement agency. Except for active criminal intelligence or criminal investigative information, as defined in s. 119.011, and information which, if disclosed, would reveal a trade secret, as defined in s. 688.002, or would jeopardize the safety of an individual, all information, records, and transcriptions become available to the public when the investigation is completed or ceases to be active. The department shall not disclose confidential information, records, or transcriptions of testimony except pursuant to authorization by the Attorney General in any of the following circumstances:

(a) To a law enforcement agency participating in or conducting a civil investigation under chapter 895, or participating in or conducting a criminal investigation.

(b) In the course of filing, participating in, or conducting a judicial proceeding instituted pursuant to this section or chapter 895.

(c) In the course of filing, participating in, or conducting a judicial proceeding to enforce an order or judgment entered pursuant to this section or chapter 895.

(d) In the course of a criminal proceeding.

A person or law enforcement agency that receives any information, record, or transcription of testimony that has been made confidential by this subsection shall maintain the confidentiality of such material and shall not disclose such information, record, or transcription of testimony except as provided for herein. Any person who willfully discloses any information, record, or transcription of testimony that has been made confidential by this subsection, except as provided for in this subsection, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. If any information, record, or testimony obtained pursuant to subsection (2) is offered in evidence in any judicial proceeding, the court may, in its discretion, seal that portion of the record to further the policies of confidentiality set forth in this subsection.

(7) This section is supplemental and shall not be construed to preclude or limit the scope of evidence gathering or other permissible discovery pursuant to any other subpoena or discovery method authorized by law or rule of procedure.

(8) It is unlawful for any person, with respect to any record or testimony produced pursuant to a subpoena issued by the Department of Legal Affairs under subsection (2), to knowingly and willfully falsify, conceal, or cover up a material fact by a trick, scheme, or device; make any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or make or use any false writing or document knowing the writing or document to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry. A person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(9) In the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, a registered agent is not liable for the failure to give notice of the receipt of a subpoena under subsection (2) to the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that appointed the registered agent if the registered agent timely sends written notice of the receipt of the subpoena by first-class mail or domestic or international air mail, postage fees prepaid, to the last address that has been designated in writing to the registered agent by the appointing corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization.

(10) The designation of a registered agent and a registered office as required by subsection (1) for a corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization that owns real property in this state or a mortgage on real property in this state is solely for the purposes of this chapter; and, notwithstanding s. 48.181, s. 617.1502, s. 617.1503, or any other relevant section of the Florida Statutes, such designation may not be used in determining whether the corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization is actually doing business in this state.

(11) As used in this section, the term:

(a) "Alien business organization" means:

1. Any corporation, association, partnership, trust, joint stock company, or other entity organized under any laws other than the laws of the United States, of any United States territory or possession, or of any state of the United States; or

2. Any corporation, association, partnership, trust, joint stock company, or other entity or device 10 percent or more of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by an entity described in subparagraph 1. or by a foreign natural person.

(b) "Financial institution" means:

1. A bank, banking organization, or savings association, as defined in s. 220.62;

2. An insurance company, trust company, credit union, or industrial savings bank, any of which is licensed or regulated by an agency of the United States or any state of the United States; or

3. Any person licensed under the provisions of chapter 494.

(c) "Mortgage" means a mortgage on real property situated in this state, except a mortgage owned by a financial institution.

(d) "Real property" means any real property situated in this state or any interest in such real property.

(e) "Ultimate equitable owner" means a natural person who, directly or indirectly, owns or controls an ownership interest in a corporation, foreign corporation, or alien business organization, regardless of whether such natural person owns or controls such ownership interest through one or other natural persons or one or more proxies, powers of attorney, nominees, corporations, associations, partnerships, trusts, joint stock companies, or other entities or devices, or any combination thereof.

History.--s. 54, ch. 93-281; s. 1, ch. 95-116; s. 361, ch. 96-406.

617.0504 Service of process, notice, or demand on a corporation.--

(1) Process against any corporation may be served in accordance with chapter 48 or chapter 49.

(2) Any notice to or demand on a corporation made pursuant to this act may be made to the chair of the board, the president, any vice president, the secretary, the treasurer, the registered agent of the corporation at the registered office of the corporation in this state, or any address in this state that is in fact the principal office of the corporation in this state.

(3) This section does not prescribe the only means, or necessarily the required means, of serving notice or demand on a corporation.

History.--s. 32, ch. 90-179; s. 80, ch. 97-102.

617.0505 Payment of dividends and distribution of income to members prohibited; issuance of certificates of membership; effect of stock issued under prior law.--

(1) A dividend may not be paid, and any part of the income or profit of a corporation may not be distributed, to its members, directors, or officers. A private club that is established for social, pleasure, or recreational purposes and organized as a corporation of which the equity interests are held by the members may purchase the equity membership interest of any member, and the payment for such interest is not a distribution for purposes of this section. A corporation may pay compensation in a reasonable amount to its members, directors, or officers for services rendered, may confer benefits upon its members in conformity with its purposes, and, upon dissolution or final liquidation, may make distributions to its members as permitted by this act. If expressly permitted by its articles of incorporation, a corporation may make distributions upon partial liquidation to its members, as permitted by this section. Any such payment, benefit, or distribution does not constitute a dividend or a distribution of income or profit for purposes of this section. Any corporation which is a utility exempt from regulation under s. 367.022(7), whose articles of incorporation state that it is exempt from taxation under s. 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code, may make such refunds to its members, prior to a dissolution or liquidation, as its managing board deems necessary to establish or preserve its tax-exempt status. Any such refund does not constitute a dividend or a distribution of income or profit for purposes of this section.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), a corporation may issue certificates in any form evidencing membership in the corporation.

(3) Stock certificates issued under former s. 617.011(2), Florida Statutes (1989), constitute membership certificates for purposes of this act.

History.--s. 33, ch. 90-179; s. 2, ch. 96-343; s. 15, ch. 2005-267.

617.0601 Members, generally.--

(1)(a) A corporation may have one or more classes of members or may have no members. If the corporation has one or more classes of members, the designation of such class or classes, the qualifications and rights of the members of each class, any quorum and voting requirements for meetings and activities of the members, and notice requirements sufficient to provide notice of meetings and activities of the members must be set forth in the articles of incorporation or in the bylaws.

(b) The articles of incorporation or bylaws of any corporation not for profit that maintains chapters or affiliates may grant representatives of such chapters or affiliates the right to vote in conjunction with the board of directors of the corporation notwithstanding applicable quorum or voting requirements of this act if the corporation is registered with the Department of State pursuant to ss. ¹496.001-²496.011, the Solicitation of Funds Act.

(2) A corporation may issue certificates of membership.

(3) Corporation members have no voting or other rights except as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. However, members of any corporation existing on July 1, 1991, shall continue to have the same voting and other rights as before such date until changed by amendment of the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

(4) A corporation shall keep a membership book containing, in alphabetical order, the name and address of each member. The corporation shall also keep records in accordance with s. 617.1601.

(5) Membership in the corporation may be terminated in the manner provided by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by the bylaws, and a termination of membership shall be recorded in the membership book. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, all the rights and privileges of a member cease on termination of membership.

(6) Subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) do not apply to a corporation that is an association as defined in s. 720.301.

(7) Where the articles of incorporation expressly limit membership in the corporation to property owners within specific measurable geographic boundaries and where the corporation has been formed for the benefit of all of those property owners, no such property owner shall be denied membership, provided that such property owner once admitted to membership, shall comply with the terms and conditions of membership. Any bylaws, rules, or other regulations to the contrary are deemed void and any persons excluded from membership by such bylaws, rules, or other regulations are deemed members with full rights, including the right, by the majority, or as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, to call for a meeting of the membership.

History.--s. 34, ch. 90-179; s. 4, ch. 95-211; s. 48, ch. 95-274; s. 2, ch. 99-382; s. 52, ch. 2000-258.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 25, ch. 91-208.

²Note.--Repealed by s. 25, ch. 91-208. Substituted for a reference to s. 496.11 by the editors. Section 496.011 was included in the Solicitation of Funds Act, enacted by ch. 89-205; s. 496.11 was repealed by ch. 89-205.

617.0604 Liability of members.--

(1) A member of a corporation is not, as such, personally liable for any act, debt, liability, or obligation of the corporation.

(2) A member may become liable to the corporation for dues, assessments, or fees as provided by law.

History.--s. 55, ch. 93-281.

617.0701 Meetings of members, generally; failure to hold annual meeting; special meeting; consent to corporate actions without meetings; waiver of notice of meetings.--

(1) The frequency of all meetings of members, the time and manner of notice of such meetings, the conduct and adjournment of such meetings, the determination of members entitled to notice or to vote at such meetings, and the number or voting power of members necessary to constitute a quorum, shall be determined by or in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The place and time of all meetings may be determined by the board of directors.

(2) Failure to hold an annual meeting does not cause a forfeiture or give cause for dissolution of the corporation, nor does such failure affect otherwise valid corporate acts, except as provided in s. 617.1430 in the case of a deadlock among the directors or the members.

(3) Special meetings of the members may be called by the president, the chair of the board of directors, the board of directors, or such other officers or persons as are provided for in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(4)(a) Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, action required or permitted by this act to be taken at an annual or special meeting of members may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote if the action is taken by the members entitled to vote on such action and having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to authorize such action at a meeting at which all members entitled to vote on such action were present and voted. In order to be effective, the action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, dated and signed by approving members having the requisite number of votes and entitled to vote on such action, and delivered to the corporation by delivery to its principal office in this state, its principal place of business, the corporate secretary, or another officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of members are recorded. Written consent shall not be effective to take the corporate action referred to in the consent unless the consent is signed by members having the requisite number of votes necessary to authorize the action within 60 days of the date of the earliest dated consent and is delivered in the manner required by this section.

(b) Any written consent may be revoked prior to the date that the corporation receives the required number of consents to authorize the proposed action. A revocation is not effective unless in writing and until received by the corporation at its principal office in this state or its principal place of business, or received by the corporate secretary or other officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of members are recorded.

(c) Within 10 days after obtaining such authorization by written consent, notice must be given to those members who are entitled to vote on the action but who have not consented in writing. The notice must fairly summarize the material features of the authorized action.

(d) A consent signed under this section has the effect of a meeting vote and may be described as such in any document.

(e) If the action to which the members consent is such as would have required the filing of a certificate under any other section of this act if such action had been voted on by members at a meeting thereof, the certificate filed under such other section must state that written consent has been given in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(f) Whenever action is taken pursuant to this section, the written consent of the members consenting to such action or the written reports of inspectors appointed to tabulate such consents must be filed with the minutes of proceedings of members.

(5)(a) Notice of a meeting of members need not be given to any member who signs a waiver of notice, in person or by proxy, either before or after the meeting. Unless required by the bylaws, neither the affairs transacted nor the purpose of the meeting need be specified in the waiver.

(b) Attendance of a member at a meeting, either in person or by proxy, constitutes waiver of notice and waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting, or the manner in which it has been called or convened, unless the member attends a meeting solely for the purpose of stating, at the beginning of the meeting, any such objection or objections to the transaction of affairs.

(6) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply to any corporation that is an association as defined in s. 720.301.

History.--s. 35, ch. 90-179; s. 49, ch. 95-274; s. 81, ch. 97-102; s. 53, ch. 2000-258.

617.0721 Voting by members.--

(1) Members are not entitled to vote except as conferred by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(2) A member who is entitled to vote may vote in person or, unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws otherwise provide, may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member or by his or her duly authorized attorney in fact. An appointment of a proxy is not valid after 11 months following the date of its execution unless otherwise provided in the proxy. If directors or officers are to be elected by members, the bylaws may provide that such elections may be conducted by mail.

(3) If any corporation, whether for profit or not for profit, is a member of a corporation organized under this act, the chair of the board, president, any vice president, the secretary, or the treasurer of the member corporation, and any such officer or cashier or trust officer of a banking or trust corporation holding such membership, and any like officer of a foreign corporation whether for profit or not for profit, holding membership in a domestic corporation, shall be deemed by the corporation in which membership is held to have the authority to vote on behalf of the member corporation and to execute proxies and written waivers and consents in relation thereto, unless, before a vote is taken or a waiver or consent is acted upon, it is made to appear by a certified copy of the bylaws or resolution of the board of directors or executive committee of the member corporation that such authority does not exist or is vested in some other officer or person. In the absence of such certification, a person executing any such proxies, waivers, or consents or presenting himself or herself at a meeting as one of such officers of a corporate member shall be, for the purposes of this section, conclusively deemed to be duly elected, qualified, and acting as such officer and to be fully authorized. In the case of conflicting representation, the corporate member shall be deemed to be represented by its senior officer, in the order first stated in this subsection.

(4) The articles of incorporation or the bylaws may provide that, in all elections for directors, every member entitled to vote has the right to cumulate his or her votes and to give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of votes he or she could give if one director were being elected multiplied by the number of directors to be elected or to distribute such votes on the same principles among any number of such candidates. A corporation may not have cumulative voting unless such voting is expressly authorized in the articles of incorporation.

(5) If a corporation has no members or its members do not have the right to vote, the directors shall have the sole voting power.

(6) Subsections (1), (2), (4), and (5) do not apply to a corporation that is an association as defined in s. 720.301.

History.--s. 36, ch. 90-179; s. 50, ch. 95-274; s. 82, ch. 97-102; s. 54, ch. 2000-258.

617.0725 Quorum.--An amendment to the articles of incorporation or the bylaws that changes or deletes a greater quorum or voting requirement must meet the same quorum or voting requirement and be adopted by the same vote and voting groups required to take action under the quorum and voting requirements prescribed in the provision being amended.

History.--s. 37, ch. 90-179.

617.0801 Requirement for and duties of board of directors.--All corporate powers must be exercised by or under the authority of, and the affairs of the corporation managed under the direction of, its board of directors, subject to any limitation set forth in the articles of incorporation.

History.--s. 38, ch. 90-179.

617.0802 Qualifications of directors.--

(1) Directors must be natural persons who are 18 years of age or older but need not be residents of this state or members of the corporation unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws so require. The articles of incorporation or the bylaws may prescribe additional qualifications for directors.

(2) In the event that the eligibility to serve as a member of the board of directors of a condominium association, cooperative association, homeowners' association, or mobile home owners' association is restricted to membership in such association and membership is appurtenant to ownership of a unit, parcel, or mobile home, a grantor of a trust described in s. 733.707(3), or a beneficiary as defined in ¹s. 737.303(4)(b) of a trust which owns a unit, parcel, or mobile home shall be deemed a member of the association and eligible to serve as a director of the condominium association, cooperative association, homeowners' association, or mobile home owners' association, provided that said beneficiary occupies the unit, parcel, or mobile home.

History.--s. 39, ch. 90-179; s. 3, ch. 99-382.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 48, ch. 2006-217.

617.0803 Number of directors.--

(1) A board of directors must consist of three or more individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(2) The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by amendment to, or in the manner provided in, the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, but the corporation must never have fewer than three directors.

(3) Directors shall be elected or appointed in the manner and for the terms provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

History.--s. 40, ch. 90-179.

617.0806 Staggered terms for directors.--Directors may be divided into classes and the terms of office of the several classes need not be uniform. Each director shall hold office for the term to which he or she is elected or appointed and until his or her successor has been elected or appointed and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, or death.

History.--s. 41, ch. 90-179; s. 83, ch. 97-102.

617.0807 Resignation of directors.--

(1) A director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the board of directors or its chair or to the corporation.

(2) A resignation is effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date. If a resignation is made effective at a later date, the board of directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the board of directors provides that the successor does not take office until the effective date.

History.--s. 43, ch. 90-179; s. 84, ch. 97-102.

617.0808 Removal of directors.--A director may be removed from office pursuant to procedures provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, which shall provide the following, and if they do not do so, shall be deemed to include the following:

(1) Any member of the board of directors may be removed from office with or without cause by the vote or agreement in writing by a majority of all votes of the membership.

(2) The notice of a meeting of the members to recall a member or members of the board of directors shall state the specific directors sought to be removed.

(3) A proposed removal of a director at a meeting shall require a separate vote for each board member sought to be removed. Where removal is sought by written agreement, a separate agreement is required for each board member to be removed.

(4) If removal is effected at a meeting, any vacancies created thereby shall be filled by the members at the same meeting.

(5) Any director who is removed from the board shall not be eligible to stand for reelection until the next annual meeting of the members.

(6) Any director removed from office shall turn over to the board of directors within 72 hours any and all records of the corporation in his or her possession.

(7) If a director who is removed shall not relinquish his or her office or turn over records as required under this section, the circuit court in the county where the corporation's principal office is located may summarily order the director to relinquish his or her office and turn over corporate records upon application of any member.

History.--s. 42, ch. 90-179; s. 56, ch. 93-281; s. 65, ch. 95-274; s. 85, ch. 97-102; s. 1, ch. 97-230.

617.0809 Vacancy on board.--

(1) Any vacancy occurring on the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining directors, even though the remaining directors constitute less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director, as the case may be, or, if the vacancy is not so filled or if no director remains, by the members or, on the application of any person, by the circuit court of the county where the registered office of the corporation is located.

(2) A director elected or appointed to fill a vacancy shall be elected or appointed for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by the board of directors, but only for a term of office continuing until the next election of directors by the members or, if the corporation has no members or no members having the right to vote thereon, for such term of office as is provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(3) A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date, by reason of a resignation effective at a later date under s. 617.0807 or otherwise, may be filled before the vacancy occurs. However, the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.

History.--s. 44, ch. 90-179; s. 86, ch. 97-102.

617.08101 Compensation of directors.--Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may fix the compensation of directors.

History.--s. 45, ch. 90-179.

617.0820 Meetings.--

(1) The board of directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of this state.

(2) A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum exists, may adjourn any meeting of the board of directors to another time and place. Unless the bylaws otherwise provide, notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given to the directors who were not present at the time of the adjournment and, unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the time of the adjournment, to the other directors.

(3) Meetings of the board of directors may be called by the chair of the board or by the president unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(4) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may permit any or all directors to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of communication by which all directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A director participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

History.--s. 46, ch. 90-179; s. 87, ch. 97-102.

617.0821 Action by directors without a meeting.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, action required or permitted by this act to be taken at a board of directors' meeting or committee meeting may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the board or of the committee. The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken and signed by each director or committee member.

(2) Action taken under this section is effective when the last director signs the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date.

(3) A consent signed under this section has the effect of a meeting vote and may be described as such in any document.

History.--s. 47, ch. 90-179.

617.0822 Notice of meetings.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the meeting.

(2) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide for a longer or shorter period, a special meeting of the board of directors must be preceded by at least 2 days' notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting unless required by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

History.--s. 48, ch. 90-179.

617.0823 Waiver of notice.--Notice of a meeting of the board of directors need not be given to any director who signs a waiver of notice either before or after the meeting. Attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting and a waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting, or the manner in which it has been called or convened, except when a director states, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival at the meeting, any objection to the transaction of affairs because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

History.--s. 49, ch. 90-179.

617.0824 Quorum and voting.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws require a different number, a quorum of a board of directors consists of a majority of the number of directors prescribed by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(2) The articles of incorporation may authorize a quorum of a board of directors to consist of less than a majority but no fewer than one-third of the prescribed number of directors determined under the articles of incorporation or the bylaws.

(3) If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is the act of the board of directors unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws require the vote of a greater number of directors.

(4) A director of a corporation who is present at a meeting of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors when corporate action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless:

(a) The director objects, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon his or her arrival, to holding the meeting or transacting specified affairs at the meeting; or

(b) The director votes against or abstains from the action taken.

History.--s. 50, ch. 90-179; s. 88, ch. 97-102.

617.0825 Committees.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws otherwise provide, the board of directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full board of directors, may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees each of which, to the extent provided in such resolution or in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the corporation, shall have and may exercise all the authority of the board of directors, except that no such committee shall have the authority to:

(a) Approve or recommend to members actions or proposals required by this act to be approved by members.

(b) Fill vacancies on the board of directors or any committee thereof.

(2) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, ss. 617.0820, 617.0822, 617.0823, and 617.0824, which govern meetings, notice and waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements of the board of directors, apply to committees and their members as well.

(3) Each committee must have two or more members who serve at the pleasure of the board of directors. The board, by resolution adopted in accordance with subsection (1), may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any such committee who may act in the place and stead of any absent member or members at any meeting of such committee.

(4) Neither the designation of any such committee, the delegation thereto of authority, nor action by such committee pursuant to such authority shall alone constitute compliance by any member of the board of directors not a member of the committee in question with his or her responsibility to act in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.

History.--s. 51, ch. 90-179; s. 89, ch. 97-102.

617.0830 General standards for directors.--

(1) A director shall discharge his or her duties as a director, including his or her duties as a member of a committee:

(a) In good faith;

(b) With the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and

(2) In discharging his or her duties, a director may rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by:

(a) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented;

(b) Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director reasonably believes are within the persons' professional or expert competence; or

(c) A committee of the board of directors of which he or she is not a member if the director reasonably believes the committee merits confidence.

(3) A director is not acting in good faith if he or she has knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (2) unwarranted.

(4) A director is not liable for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, if he or she performed the duties of his or her office in compliance with this section.

History.--s. 52, ch. 90-179; s. 90, ch. 97-102.

617.0831 Indemnification and liability of officers, directors, employees, and agents.--Except as provided in s. 617.0834, ss. 607.0831 and 607.0850 apply to a corporation organized under this act and a rural electric cooperative organized under chapter 425. Any reference to "directors" in those sections includes the directors, managers, or trustees of a corporation organized under this act or of a rural electric cooperative organized under chapter 425. However, the term "director" as used in ss. 607.0831 and 607.0850 does not include a director appointed by the developer to the board of directors of a condominium association under chapter 718, a cooperative association under chapter 719, a homeowners' association defined in s. 720.301, or a timeshare managing entity under chapter 721. Any reference to "shareholders" in those sections includes members of a corporation organized under this act and members of a rural electric cooperative organized under chapter 425.

History.--s. 53, ch. 90-179; s. 1, ch. 94-165; s. 51, ch. 95-274; s. 55, ch. 2000-258.

617.0832 Director conflicts of interest.--

(1) No contract or other transaction between a corporation and one or more of its directors or any other corporation, firm, association, or entity in which one or more of its directors are directors or officers or are financially interested shall be either void or voidable because of such relationship or interest, because such director or directors are present at the meeting of the board of directors or a committee thereof which authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction, or because his or her or their votes are counted for such purpose, if:

(a) The fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the board of directors or committee which authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction by a vote or consent sufficient for the purpose without counting the votes or consents of such interested directors;

(b) The fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the members entitled to vote on such contract or transaction, if any, and they authorize, approve, or ratify it by vote or written consent; or

(c) The contract or transaction is fair and reasonable as to the corporation at the time it is authorized by the board, a committee, or the members.

(2) Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or a committee thereof which authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction.

History.--s. 55, ch. 90-179; s. 91, ch. 97-102.

617.0833 Loans to directors or officers.--Loans, other than through the purchase of bonds, debentures, or similar obligations of the type customarily sold in public offerings, or through ordinary deposit of funds in a bank, may not be made by a corporation to its directors or officers, or to any other corporation, firm, association, or other entity in which one or more of its directors or officers is a director or officer or holds a substantial financial interest, except a loan by one corporation which is exempt from federal income taxation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to another corporation which is exempt from federal income taxation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. A loan made in violation of this section is a violation of the duty to the corporation of the directors or officers authorizing it or participating in it, but the obligation of the borrower with respect to the loan shall not be affected thereby.

History.--s. 56, ch. 90-179; s. 57, ch. 93-281.

617.0834 Officers and directors of certain corporations and associations not for profit; immunity from civil liability.--

(1) An officer or director of a nonprofit organization recognized under s. 501(c)(3) or s. 501(c)(4) or s. 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or of an agricultural or a horticultural organization recognized under s. 501(c)(5), of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, is not personally liable for monetary damages to any person for any statement, vote, decision, or failure to take an action, regarding organizational management or policy by an officer or director, unless:

(a) The officer or director breached or failed to perform his or her duties as an officer or director; and

(b) The officer's or director's breach of, or failure to perform, his or her duties constitutes:

1. A violation of the criminal law, unless the officer or director had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A judgment or other final adjudication against an officer or director in any criminal proceeding for violation of the criminal law estops that officer or director from contesting the fact that his or her breach, or failure to perform, constitutes a violation of the criminal law, but does not estop the officer or director from establishing that he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful;

2. A transaction from which the officer or director derived an improper personal benefit, either directly or indirectly; or

3. Recklessness or an act or omission which was committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the term:

(a) "Recklessness" means the acting, or omission to act, in conscious disregard of a risk:

1. Known, or so obvious that it should have been known, to the officer or director; and

2. Known to the officer or director, or so obvious that it should have been known, to be so great as to make it highly probable that harm would follow from such action or omission.

(b) "Director" means a person who serves as a director, trustee, or member of the governing board of an organization.

(c) "Officer" means a person who serves as an officer without compensation except reimbursement for actual expenses incurred or to be incurred.

History.--s. 54, ch. 90-179; s. 92, ch. 97-102.

617.0835 Prohibited activities by private foundations.--

(1) As used in this section, section references, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Title 26 of the United States Code, including corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.

(2) A corporation, during the period it is a "private foundation" as defined in s. 509(a), may not:

(a) Engage in any act of "self-dealing," as defined in s. 4941(d), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by s. 4941(a);

(b) Retain any "excess business holdings," as defined in s. 4943(c), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by s. 4943(a);

(c) Make any investment which would jeopardize the carrying out of any of its exempt purposes, within the meaning of s. 4944, so as to give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by s. 4944(a); and

(d) Make any "taxable expenditures," as defined in s. 4945(d), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by s. 4945(a).

(3) Each corporation, during the period it is a "private foundation" as defined in s. 509, shall distribute, for the purposes specified in its articles of incorporation or organization, for each taxable year, amounts at least sufficient to avoid liability for the tax imposed by s. 4942(a).

(4) The provisions of subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to any corporation to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such application would be contrary to the terms of the articles of incorporation or organization or other instrument governing such corporation or governing the administration of charitable funds held by it and that the same may not properly be changed to conform to such subsections.

(5) This section shall not impair the rights and powers of the courts or of the Department of Legal Affairs with respect to any corporation.

History.--s. 57, ch. 90-179.

617.0840 Required officers.--

(1) A corporation shall have the officers described in its articles of incorporation or its bylaws who shall be elected or appointed at such time and for such terms as is provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. In the absence of any such provisions, all officers shall be elected or appointed by the board of directors annually.

(2) A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors.

(3) The bylaws or the board of directors shall delegate to one of the officers responsibility for preparing minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and for authenticating records of the corporation.

(4) The same individual may simultaneously hold more than one office in a corporation.

History.--s. 58, ch. 90-179.

617.0841 Duties of officers.--Each officer has the authority and shall perform the duties set forth in the bylaws or, to the extent consistent with the bylaws, the duties prescribed by the board of directors or by direction of any officer authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors to prescribe the duties of other officers.

History.--s. 59, ch. 90-179.

617.0842 Resignation and removal of officers.--

(1) An officer may resign at any time by delivering notice to the corporation. A resignation is effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date. If a resignation is made effective at a later date and the corporation accepts the future effective date, its board of directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the board of directors provides that the successor does not take office until the effective date of the pending vacancy.

(2) A board of directors may remove any officer at any time with or without cause. Any officer or assistant officer, if appointed by another officer, may likewise be removed by such officer.

History.--s. 60, ch. 90-179.

617.0843 Contract rights of officers.--

(1) The appointment of an officer does not itself create contract rights.

(2) An officer's removal does not affect the officer's contract rights, if any, with the corporation. An officer's resignation does not affect the corporation's contract rights, if any, with the officer.

History.--s. 61, ch. 90-179.

617.0901 Reincorporation.--

(1) Any corporation which has a charter approved by a circuit judge under former chapter 617, Florida Statutes (1989), or a charter granted by the Legislature of this state, on or prior to September 1, 1959, the effective date of chapter 59-427, Laws of Florida, may reincorporate under this act by filing with the Department of State a copy of its charter and all amendments thereto, certified by the clerk of the circuit court of the county wherein recorded, as to charters and amendments granted by circuit judges, and by the Department of State, as to legislative charters, together with a certificate containing the provisions required in original articles of incorporation by s. 617.0202, and accepting the provisions of this act.

(2) A certificate of reincorporation must be executed in accordance with s. 617.01201, and it must show that its issuance was duly authorized by a meeting of its members regularly called, or if there are no members entitled to vote on reincorporation, by a meeting of its board of directors. Upon the filing of a certificate of reincorporation in accordance with s. 617.01201, the corporation shall be deemed to be incorporated under this act and the certificate shall constitute its articles of incorporation.

(3) The corporation shall then be entitled to and be possessed of all the privileges, franchises, and powers as if originally incorporated under this act, and all the properties, rights, and privileges belonging to the corporation prior to reincorporation, which were acquired by gift, grant, conveyance, assignment, or otherwise are hereby ratified, approved, confirmed, and assured to the corporation with like effect and to all intents and purposes as if they had been originally acquired pursuant to incorporation under this act. However, any corporation reincorporating under this act shall be subject to all the contracts, duties, and obligations resting upon the corporation prior to reincorporation or to which the corporation shall then be in any way liable.

History.--s. 62, ch. 90-179.

617.1001 Authority to amend the articles of incorporation.--

(1) A corporation may amend its articles of incorporation at any time as provided in this act.

(2) A member of the corporation does not have a vested property right resulting from any provision in the articles of incorporation, including provisions relating to management, control, purpose, or duration of the corporation.

History.--s. 63, ch. 90-179; s. 58, ch. 93-281.

617.1002 Procedure for amending articles of incorporation.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation provide an alternative procedure, amendments to the articles of incorporation must be made in the following manner:

(a) If there are members entitled to vote on a proposed amendment to the articles of incorporation, the board of directors must adopt a resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and directing that it be submitted to a vote at a meeting of members entitled to vote on the proposed amendment, which may be either an annual or a special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed amendment or a summary of the changes to be effected by the amendment must be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The proposed amendment shall be adopted upon receiving at least a majority, or any larger or smaller percentage specified in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, of the votes which members present at such meeting or represented by proxy are entitled to cast; or

(b) If there are no members or if members are not entitled to vote on proposed amendments to the articles of incorporation, an amendment may be adopted at a meeting of the board of directors by a majority vote of the directors then in office.

(2) Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, members entitled to vote on proposed amendments to the articles of incorporation may amend the articles of incorporation, without action by the directors, at a meeting for which notice of the changes to be made is given.

(3) Any number of amendments may be submitted and voted upon at any one meeting.

History.--s. 64, ch. 90-179; s. 27, ch. 91-208; s. 59, ch. 93-281.

617.1006 Contents of articles of amendment.--The articles of amendment must be executed by the corporation as provided in s. 617.01201 and must set forth:

(1) The name of the corporation;

(2) The text of each amendment adopted;

(3) If there are members entitled to vote on a proposed amendment, the date of the adoption of the amendment by the members and a statement that the number of votes cast for the amendment was sufficient for approval; and

(4) If there are no members or if members are not entitled to vote on a proposed amendment, a statement of such fact and the date of the adoption of the amendment by the board of directors.

History.--s. 65, ch. 90-179.

617.1007 Restated articles of incorporation.--

(1) A corporation's board of directors may restate its articles of incorporation at any time with or without a vote of the members.

(2) The restatement may include one or more amendments to the articles. If the restatement includes an amendment requiring member approval, it must be adopted as provided in s. 617.1002.

(3) A corporation restating its articles of incorporation shall deliver to the Department of State for filing articles of restatement, executed in accordance with the provisions of s. 617.01201, setting forth the name of the corporation and the text of the restated articles of incorporation together with a certificate setting forth:

(a) Whether the restatement contains an amendment to the articles requiring member approval and, if it does not, that the board of directors adopted the restatement; or

(b) If the restatement contains an amendment to the articles requiring member approval, the information required by s. 617.1006.

(4) Duly adopted restated articles of incorporation supersede the original articles of incorporation and all amendments to them.

(5) The Department of State may certify restated articles of incorporation, as the articles of incorporation currently in effect, without including the certificate information required by subsection (3).

History.--s. 66, ch. 90-179; s. 60, ch. 93-281.

617.1008 Amendment pursuant to reorganization.--

(1) A corporation's articles of incorporation may be amended without action by the board of directors or members to carry out a plan of reorganization ordered or decreed by a court of competent jurisdiction under any federal or state law if the articles of incorporation, after amendment, contain only provisions required or permitted by s. 617.0202.

(2) The individual or individuals designated by the court shall deliver to the Department of State for filing articles of amendment setting forth:

(a) The name of the corporation;

(b) The text of each amendment approved by the court;

(d) The title of the reorganization proceeding in which the order or decree was entered; and

(e) A statement that the court had jurisdiction of the proceeding under federal or state law.

(3) This section does not apply after entry of a final decree in the reorganization proceeding even though the court retains jurisdiction of the proceeding for limited purposes unrelated to consummation of the reorganization plan.

History.--s. 67, ch. 90-179.

617.1009 Effect of amendment.--An amendment to articles of incorporation does not affect a cause of action existing against or in favor of the corporation, a proceeding to which the corporation is a party, or the existing rights of persons other than members of the corporation. An amendment changing a corporation's name does not abate a proceeding brought by or against the corporation in its former name.

History.--s. 68, ch. 90-179.

617.1101 Plan of merger.--

(1) Any two or more domestic corporations may merge into one domestic corporation pursuant to a plan of merger approved in the manner provided in this section.

(2) Each corporation must adopt a plan of merger setting forth:

(a) The names of the corporations proposing to merge and the name of the surviving corporation into which each other corporation plans to merge, which is hereinafter designated as the surviving corporation;

(b) The terms and conditions of the proposed merger;

(c) A statement of any changes in the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation to be effected by such merger; and

(d) Such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger as are deemed necessary or desirable.

History.--s. 69, ch. 90-179.

617.1103 Approval of plan of merger; abandonment of plan thereafter.--

(1) A plan of merger must be adopted in the following manner:

(a) If the members of any merging corporation are entitled to vote on a plan of merger, the board of directors of such corporation must adopt a resolution approving the proposed plan and directing that it be submitted to a vote at a meeting of members entitled to vote on the proposed plan, which may be either an annual or special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed plan or a summary thereof must be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The proposed plan shall be adopted upon receiving at least a majority of the votes which members present at each such meeting or represented by proxy are entitled to cast; or

(b) If a merging corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote on a plan of merger, such plan may be adopted at a meeting of its board of directors by a majority vote of the directors then in office.

(2) Unless a plan of merger prohibits abandonment of the merger without approval by the members entitled to vote on the plan of merger, after authorization for a planned merger by a vote of members, the board of directors may, in its discretion, abandon such planned merger, subject to the rights of third parties under any contracts relating to the planned merger, at any time prior to the filing of articles of merger by any corporation party to the merger without any further action or approval by the members.

History.--s. 70, ch. 90-179.

617.1105 Articles of merger.--Articles of merger must be executed by each corporation, as provided in s. 617.01201 and must set forth:

(1) The plan of merger;

(2) If the members of any merging corporation are entitled to vote on such a plan, then, as to each such corporation, the date of the meeting of members at which the plan of merger was adopted, a statement that the number of votes cast for the merger was sufficient for approval, and the vote on the plan, or a statement that such plan was adopted by written consent and executed in accordance with s. 617.0701;

(3) If a merging corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote on a plan of merger, then, as to each such corporation, a statement of such fact, the date of the adoption of the plan by the board of directors, the number of directors then in office, and the vote for the plan; and

(4) The effective date of the merger if the effective date of the merger is to occur after the delivery of the articles of merger to the Department of State.

History.--s. 71, ch. 90-179.

617.1106 Effect of merger.--When a merger becomes effective:

(1) Every other corporation party to the merger merges into the surviving corporation and the separate existence of every corporation except the surviving corporation ceases;

(2) The title to all real estate and other property, or any interest therein, owned by each corporation party to the merger is vested in the surviving corporation without reversion or impairment;

(3) The surviving corporation shall thenceforth be responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations of each corporation party to the merger;

(4) Any claim existing or action or proceeding pending by or against any corporation party to the merger may be continued as if the merger did not occur or the surviving corporation may be substituted in the proceeding for the corporation which ceased existence;

(5) Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon the property of any corporation party to the merger shall be impaired by such merger;

(6) The articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation are amended to the extent provided in the plan of merger; and

(7) Members of each corporation which is a party to the merger, other than the surviving corporation, are entitled only to the rights, if any, provided in the articles of merger.

History.--s. 72, ch. 90-179.

617.1107 Merger of domestic and foreign corporations.--

(1) One or more foreign corporations and one or more domestic corporations may be merged into a corporation of this state or of another jurisdiction if such merger is permitted by the laws of the jurisdiction under which each such foreign corporation is organized and if:

(a) Each foreign corporation complies with the applicable laws of the jurisdiction under which it is organized; and

(b) Each domestic corporation complies with the provisions of this act relating to the merger of domestic corporations.

(2) If the surviving corporation is to be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than this state, it must comply with the provisions of this act with respect to foreign corporations if it is to conduct its affairs in this state, and in every case it will be deemed to have filed with the Department of State:

(a) An agreement that it may be served with process in this state in any proceeding for the enforcement of any obligation of any domestic corporation which is a party to such merger; and

(b) An irrevocable appointment of the Department of State of this state as its agent to accept service of process in any such proceeding.

(3) If the surviving corporation is to be governed by the laws of this state, the effect of such merger is the same as in the case of the merger of domestic corporations. If the surviving corporation is to be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than this state, the effect of such merger is governed by the laws of such other jurisdiction.

(4) At any time prior to the filing of the articles of merger by the Department of State, the merger may be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the plan of merger.

History.--s. 73, ch. 90-179.

617.1108 Merger of domestic corporation and other business entities.--Subject to s. 617.0302(16) and other applicable provisions of this chapter, ss. 607.1108, 607.1109, and 607.11101 shall apply to a merger involving a corporation not for profit organized under this act and one or more other business entities identified in s. 607.1108(1).

History.--s. 16, ch. 2005-267.

617.1201 Secured transactions and other dispositions of corporate property and assets not requiring member approval.--

(1) Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws otherwise provide, the board of directors may authorize any of the following transactions without any vote or consent of the members, even though the corporation has members entitled to vote:

(a) Any mortgage or pledge of, or creation of a security interest in, or conveyance of title to, all or any part of the property and assets of the corporation of any description, or any interest therein, for the purpose of securing the payment or performance of any contract, note, bond, or other obligation of the corporation;

(b) Any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of less than substantially all the property and assets of the corporation; and

1. The corporation is insolvent and a sale for cash or its equivalent is deemed advisable by the board in order to meet the liabilities of the corporation; or

2. The corporation was incorporated for the purpose of liquidating such property and assets.

(2) Any transaction made pursuant to this section without any vote or consent of the members may be upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the board may deem to be in the best interests of the corporation.

History.--s. 74, ch. 90-179.

617.1202 Sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of corporate property and assets requiring member approval.--A sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of a corporation, in all cases other than those not requiring member approval as specified in s. 617.1201, may be made upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration, which may consist in whole or in part of money or property, real or personal, including shares, bonds, or other securities of any corporation or corporations for profit, domestic or foreign, and must be authorized in the following manner:

(1) If the corporation has members entitled to vote on the sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of corporate property, the board of directors must adopt a resolution approving such sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition, and directing that it be submitted to a vote at a meeting of members entitled to vote thereon, which may be either an annual or special meeting. Written notice stating that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of such meeting is to consider the sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the corporation must be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. At such meeting, the members may authorize such sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition and may approve or fix, or may authorize the board of directors to fix, any or all of the terms and conditions thereof and the consideration to be received by the corporation therefor. Such authorization requires at least a majority of the votes which members present at such meeting or represented by proxy are entitled to cast. After such authorization by a vote of members, the board of directors may, in its discretion, abandon such sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of assets, subject to the rights of third parties under any contracts relating to such sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition, without further action or approval by members.

(2) If the corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote thereon, a sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all the property and assets of a corporation may be authorized by a majority vote of the directors then in office.

History.--s. 75, ch. 90-179.

617.1401 Voluntary dissolution of corporation prior to conducting its affairs.--

(1) At any time after the filing of the articles of incorporation, a corporation which has not commenced to conduct its affairs may be voluntarily dissolved in the following manner:

(a) If there are no directors of the corporation, by the incorporator or, if there is more than one incorporator, by a majority of the incorporators; or

(b) If there are directors of the corporation, by a majority of the directors.

(2) Articles of dissolution must be executed in accordance with s. 617.01201 and must set forth:

(a) The name of the corporation;

(b) The date of filing of its articles of incorporation;

(d) That no debts of the corporation remain unpaid; and

(e) That the incorporator or a majority of the incorporators or a majority of the directors, as the case may be, authorized the dissolution.

(3) The articles of dissolution must be filed and shall become effective in accordance with s. 617.1403, may be revoked in accordance with s. 617.1404, and shall have the effect prescribed in s. 617.1405.

History.--s. 80, ch. 90-179; s. 61, ch. 93-281.

617.1402 Dissolution of corporation.--A corporation desiring to dissolve and wind up its affairs must adopt a resolution to dissolve in the following manner:

(1) If the corporation has members entitled to vote on a resolution to dissolve, and unless the board of directors determines that because of a conflict of interest or other substantial reason it should not make any recommendation, the board of directors must adopt a resolution recommending that the corporation be dissolved and directing that the question of such dissolution be submitted to a vote at a meeting of members entitled to vote thereon, which may be either an annual or special meeting. Written notice stating that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of such meeting is to consider the advisability of dissolving the corporation must be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. A resolution to dissolve the corporation shall be adopted upon receiving at least a majority of the votes which members present at such meeting or represented by proxy are entitled to cast.

(2) If the corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote on a resolution to dissolve, the dissolution of the corporation may be authorized at a meeting of the board of directors by a majority vote of the directors then in office.

History.--s. 76, ch. 90-179.

617.1403 Articles of dissolution.--

(1) At any time after dissolution is authorized, the corporation may dissolve by delivering to the Department of State for filing articles of dissolution setting forth:

(a) The name of the corporation;

(b) If the corporation has members entitled to vote on dissolution, the date of the meeting of members at which the resolution to dissolve was adopted, a statement that the number of votes cast for dissolution was sufficient for approval, or a statement that such a resolution was adopted by written consent and executed in accordance with s. 617.0701; and

(c) If the corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote on dissolution, a statement of such fact, the date of the adoption of such resolution by the board of directors, the number of directors then in office, and the vote for the resolution.

(2) A corporation is dissolved upon the effective date of its articles of dissolution.

History.--s. 77, ch. 90-179.

617.1404 Revocation of dissolution.--

(1) A corporation may revoke its dissolution at any time prior to the expiration of 120 days following the effective date of the articles of dissolution.

(2) Revocation of dissolution must be authorized in the same manner as the dissolution was authorized unless that authorization permitted revocation by action of the board of directors alone, in which event the board of directors may revoke the dissolution without member action.

(3) After the revocation of dissolution is authorized, the corporation may revoke the dissolution by delivering to the Department of State for filing articles of revocation of dissolution, together with a copy of its articles of dissolution, that set forth:

(a) The name of the corporation;

(b) The effective date of the dissolution that was revoked;

(d) If the corporation's board of directors revoked a dissolution authorized by the members, a statement that revocation was permitted by action by the board of directors alone pursuant to that authorization; and

(e) If member action was required to revoke the dissolution, the information required by s. 617.1403(1)(b) or (c), whichever is applicable.

(4) Revocation of dissolution is effective upon the effective date of the articles of revocation of dissolution.

(5) When the revocation of dissolution is effective, it relates back to and takes effect as of the effective date of the dissolution and the corporation resumes conducting its affairs as if dissolution had never occurred.

History.--s. 78, ch. 90-179.

617.1405 Effect of dissolution.--

(1) A dissolved corporation continues its corporate existence but may not conduct its affairs except to the extent appropriate to wind up and liquidate its affairs, including:

(a) Collecting its assets;

(b) Disposing of its properties that will not be distributed in kind pursuant to the plan of distribution of assets adopted under s. 617.1406;

(d) Distributing its remaining property in accordance with the plan of distribution of assets adopted under s. 617.1406; and

(e) Doing every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate its affairs.

(2) Dissolution of a corporation does not:

(a) Transfer title to the corporation's property;

(b) Subject its directors or officers to standards of conduct different from those which applied prior to dissolution;

(c) Change quorum or voting requirements for its board of directors or members, change provisions for selection, resignation, or removal of its directors or officers or both, or change provisions for amending its bylaws;

(d) Prevent commencement of a proceeding by or against the corporation in its corporate name;

(e) Abate or suspend a proceeding pending by or against the corporation on the effective date of dissolution; or

(f) Terminate the authority of the registered agent of the corporation.

(3) The directors, officers, and agents of a corporation dissolved pursuant to s. 617.1403 shall not incur any personal liability thereby by reason of their status as directors, officers, and agents of a dissolved corporation, as distinguished from a corporation which is not dissolved.

(4) The name of a dissolved corporation shall not be available for assumption or use by another corporation until after 120 days after the effective date of dissolution.

History.--s. 79, ch. 90-179.

617.1406 Plan of distribution of assets.--A plan providing for the distribution of assets, not inconsistent with this act or the articles of incorporation, must be adopted by a corporation in the following manner:

(1) If the corporation has members entitled to vote on a plan of distribution of assets, the board of directors must adopt a resolution recommending a plan of distribution and directing its submission to a vote at a meeting of members entitled to vote thereon, which may be either an annual or a special meeting. Written notice setting forth the proposed plan of distribution or a summary thereof must be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. Such plan of distribution shall be adopted upon receiving at least a majority of the votes which the members present at such meeting or represented by proxy are entitled to cast.

(2) If the corporation has no members or if its members are not entitled to vote on a plan of distribution, such plan may be adopted at a meeting of the board of directors by a majority vote of the directors then in office.

(3) A plan of distribution of assets must provide that:

(a) All liabilities and obligations of the corporation be paid and discharged, or adequate provisions be made therefor;

(b) Assets held by the corporation upon condition requiring return, transfer, or conveyance, which condition occurs by reason of the dissolution, be returned, transferred, or conveyed in accordance with such requirements;

(c) Assets received and held by the corporation subject to limitations permitting their use only for charitable, religious, eleemosynary, benevolent, educational, or similar purposes, but not held upon a condition requiring return, transfer, or conveyance by reason of the dissolution, be transferred or conveyed to one or more domestic or foreign corporations, trusts, societies, or organizations engaged in activities substantially similar to those of the dissolving corporation, as provided in the plan of distribution of assets;

(d) Other assets, if any, be distributed in accordance with the provisions of the articles of incorporation or the bylaws to the extent that the articles of incorporation or the bylaws determine the distributive rights of members, or any class or classes of members, or provide for distribution to others; and

(e) Any remaining assets be distributed to such persons, trusts, societies, organizations, or domestic or foreign corporations, whether for profit or not for profit, as specified in the plan of distribution of assets.

(4) A copy of the plan of distribution of assets, authenticated by an officer of the corporation and containing the officer's certificate of compliance with the requirements of subsection (1) or subsection (2) must be filed with the Department of State.

History.--s. 81, ch. 90-179.

617.1420 Grounds for administrative dissolution.--

(1) The Department of State may commence a proceeding under s. 617.1421 to administratively dissolve a corporation if:

(a) The corporation has failed to file its annual report or pay the annual report filing fee within the time required by this act;

(b) The corporation is without a registered agent or registered office in this state for 30 days or more;

(c) The corporation does not notify the Department of State within 30 days after its registered agent or registered office has been changed, after its registered agent has resigned, or after its registered office has been discontinued;

(d) The corporation has failed to answer truthfully and fully, within the time prescribed by this act, interrogatories propounded by the Department of State; or

(e) The corporation's period of duration stated in its articles of incorporation has expired.

(2) The foregoing enumeration in subsection (1) of grounds for administrative dissolution shall not exclude actions or special proceedings by the Department of Legal Affairs or any state officials for the annulment or dissolution of a corporation for other causes as provided by law.

History.--s. 82, ch. 90-179.

617.1421 Procedure for and effect of administrative dissolution.--

(1) If the Department of State determines that one or more grounds exist under s. 617.1420 for administratively dissolving a corporation, it shall serve the corporation with written notice of its determination under s. 617.0504(2), stating the grounds therefor.

(2) If the corporation does not correct each ground for dissolution or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Department of State that each ground determined by the department does not exist within 60 days after issuance of the notice, the department shall administratively dissolve the corporation by issuing a certificate of dissolution that recites the ground or grounds for dissolution and its effective date.

(3) A corporation administratively dissolved continues its corporate existence but may not conduct any affairs except that necessary to wind up and liquidate its affairs under s. 617.1405 and adopt a plan of distribution of assets pursuant to s. 617.1406.

(4) A director, officer, or agent of a corporation dissolved pursuant to this section, purporting to act on behalf of the corporation, is personally liable for the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the corporation arising from such action and incurred subsequent to the corporation's administrative dissolution only if he or she has actual notice of the administrative dissolution at the time such action is taken; but such liability shall be terminated upon the ratification of such action by the corporation's board of directors or members subsequent to the reinstatement of the corporation.

(5) The administrative dissolution of a corporation does not terminate the authority of its registered agent.

(6) The name of the dissolved corporation shall not be available for assumption or use by another corporation until 1 year after the effective date of dissolution unless the corporation provides the Department of State with an affidavit executed as required by s. 617.01201 permitting the immediate assumption or use of the name by another corporation.

History.--s. 83, ch. 90-179; s. 93, ch. 97-102.

617.1422 Reinstatement following administrative dissolution.--

(1)(a) A corporation administratively dissolved under s. 617.1421 may apply to the Department of State for reinstatement at any time after the effective date of dissolution. The application must:

1. Recite the name of the corporation and the effective date of its administrative dissolution;

2. State that the ground or grounds for dissolution either did not exist or have been eliminated and that no further grounds currently exist for dissolution;

3. State that the corporation's name satisfies the requirements of s. 617.0401; and

4. State that all fees owed by the corporation and computed at the rate provided by law at the time the corporation applies for reinstatement have been paid; or

(b) Submit a current annual report, signed by the registered agent and an officer or director, which substantially complies with the requirements of paragraph (a).

(2) If the Department of State determines that the application contains the information required by subsection (1) and that the information is correct, it shall file the document, cancel the certificate of dissolution, and reinstate the corporation effective on the date which the reinstatement document is filed.

(3) When the reinstatement is effective, it relates back to and takes effect as of the effective date of the administrative dissolution and the corporation resumes carrying on its affairs as if the administrative dissolution had never occurred.

(4) If the name of the dissolved corporation has been lawfully assumed in this state by another corporation, the Department of State shall require the dissolved corporation to amend its articles of incorporation to change its name before accepting its application for reinstatement.

History.--s. 84, ch. 90-179.

617.1423 Appeal from denial of reinstatement.--

(1) If the Department of State denies a corporation's application for reinstatement following administrative dissolution, it shall serve the corporation under s. 617.0504(2) with a written notice that explains the reason or reasons for denial.

(2) After exhaustion of administrative remedies, the corporation may appeal the denial of reinstatement to the appropriate court as provided in s. 120.68 within 30 days after service of the notice of denial is perfected. The corporation appeals by petitioning the court to set aside the dissolution and attaching to the petition copies of the Department of State's certificate of dissolution, the corporation's application for reinstatement, and the department's notice of denial.

(3) The court may summarily order the Department of State to reinstate the dissolved corporation or may take other action the court considers appropriate.

(4) The court's final decision may be appealed as in other civil proceedings.

History.--s. 85, ch. 90-179; s. 266, ch. 96-410.

617.1430 Grounds for judicial dissolution.--A circuit court may dissolve a corporation:

(1)(a) In a proceeding by the Department of Legal Affairs if it is established that:

1. The corporation obtained its articles of incorporation through fraud; or

2. The corporation has continued to exceed or abuse the authority conferred upon it by law.

(b) The enumeration in paragraph (a) of grounds for judicial dissolution does not exclude actions or special proceedings by the Department of Legal Affairs or any state official for the annulment or dissolution of a corporation for other causes as provided by law.

(2) In a proceeding by a member if it is established that:

(a) The directors are deadlocked in the management of the corporate affairs, the members are unable to break the deadlock, and irreparable injury to the corporation is threatened or being suffered;

(b) The members are deadlocked in voting power and have failed to elect successors to directors whose terms have expired or would have expired upon qualification of their successors; or

(3) In a proceeding by a creditor if it is established that:

(a) The creditor's claim has been reduced to judgment, the execution on the judgment returned unsatisfied, and the corporation is insolvent; or

(b) The corporation has admitted in writing that the creditor's claim is due and owing and the corporation is insolvent.

(4) In a proceeding by the corporation to have its voluntary dissolution continued under court supervision.

History.--s. 86, ch. 90-179.

617.1431 Procedure for judicial dissolution.--

(1) Venue for a proceeding brought under s. 617.1430 lies in the circuit court of the county where the corporation's principal office is or was last located, as shown by the records of the Department of State, or, if none in this state, where its registered office is or was last located.

(2) It is not necessary to make members parties to a proceeding to dissolve a corporation unless relief is sought against them individually.

(3) A court in a proceeding brought to dissolve a corporation may issue injunctions, appoint a receiver or custodian pendente lite with all powers and duties the court directs, take other action required to preserve the corporate assets wherever located, and carry on the affairs of the corporation until a full hearing can be held.

History.--s. 87, ch. 90-179.

617.1432 Receivership or custodianship.--

(1) A court in a judicial proceeding brought to dissolve a corporation may appoint one or more receivers to wind up and liquidate, or one or more custodians to manage, the affairs of the corporation. The court shall hold a hearing, after notifying all parties to the proceeding and any interested persons designated by the court, before appointing a receiver or custodian. The court appointing a receiver or custodian has exclusive jurisdiction over the corporation and all of its property wherever located.

(2) The court may appoint a natural person or a corporation authorized to act as a receiver or custodian. The corporation may be a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state. The court may require the receiver or custodian to post bond, with or without sureties, in an amount the court directs.

(3) The court shall describe the powers and duties of the receiver or custodian in its appointing order, which may be amended from time to time. Among other powers:

(a) The receiver:

1. May dispose of all or any part of the assets of the corporation wherever located, at a public or private sale, if authorized by the court; and

2. May sue and defend in his or her own name as receiver of the corporation in all courts of this state.

(b) The custodian may exercise all of the powers of the corporation, through or in place of its board of directors or officers, to the extent necessary to manage the affairs of the corporation in the best interests of its members and creditors.

(4) The court during a receivership may redesignate the receiver a custodian, and during a custodianship may redesignate the custodian a receiver, if doing so is in the best interests of the corporation and its members and creditors.

(5) The court from time to time during the receivership or custodianship may order compensation paid and expense disbursements or reimbursements made to the receiver or custodian and his or her counsel from the assets of the corporation or proceeds from the sale of the assets.

(6) The court may appoint an ancillary receiver for the assets and affairs of a corporation. The ancillary receiver shall serve ancillary to a receiver located in any other state, whenever the court deems that circumstances exist requiring the appointment of such a receiver. The court may appoint such an ancillary receiver for a foreign corporation even though a receiver has not been appointed elsewhere. Such receivership shall be converted into an ancillary receivership when an order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the other state provides for a receivership of the corporation.

History.--s. 88, ch. 90-179; s. 94, ch. 97-102.

617.1433 Judgment of dissolution.--

(1) If after a hearing the court determines that one or more grounds for judicial dissolution described in s. 617.1430 exist, it may enter a judgment dissolving the corporation and specifying the effective date of the dissolution, and the clerk of the court shall deliver a certified copy of the judgment to the Department of State, which shall file it.

(2) After entering the judgment of dissolution, the court shall direct the winding up and liquidation of the corporation's affairs in accordance with ss. 617.1405 and 617.1406, subject to the provisions of subsection (3).

(3) In a proceeding for judicial dissolution, the court may require all creditors of the corporation to file with the clerk of the court or with the receiver, in such form as the court may prescribe, proofs under oath of their respective claims. If the court requires the filing of claims, it shall fix a date, which shall be not less than 4 months after the date of the order, as the last day for filing of claims. The court shall prescribe the deadline for filing claims that shall be given to creditors and claimants. Prior to the date so fixed, the court may extend the time for the filing of claims by court order. Creditors and claimants failing to file proofs of claim on or before the date so fixed may be barred, by order of court, from participating in the distribution of the assets of the corporation. Nothing in this section affects the enforceability of any recorded mortgage or lien or the perfected security interest or rights of a person in possession of real or personal property.

History.--s. 89, ch. 90-179; s. 62, ch. 93-281.

617.1440 Deposit with Department of Financial Services.--Assets of a dissolved corporation that should be transferred to a creditor, claimant, member of the corporation, or other person who cannot be found or who is not competent to receive them shall be deposited, within 6 months after the date fixed for the payment of the final liquidating distribution, with the Department of Financial Services, where such assets shall be held as abandoned property. When the creditor, claimant, member, or other person furnishes satisfactory proof of entitlement to the amount or assets deposited, the Department of Financial Services shall pay him or her or his or her representative that amount or those assets.

History.--s. 90, ch. 90-179; s. 95, ch. 97-102; s. 749, ch. 2003-261.

617.1501 Authority of foreign corporation to conduct affairs required.--

(1) A foreign corporation may not conduct its affairs in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Department of State.

(2) The following activities, among others, do not constitute conducting affairs within the meaning of subsection (1):

(a) Maintaining, defending, or settling any proceeding.

(b) Holding meetings of the board of directors or members or carrying on other activities concerning internal corporate affairs.

(d) Selling through independent contractors.

(e) Soliciting or obtaining orders, whether by mail or through employees, agents, or otherwise, if the orders require acceptance outside this state before they become contracts.

(f) Creating or acquiring indebtedness, mortgages, and security interests in real or personal property.

(g) Securing or collecting debts or enforcing mortgages and security interests in property securing the debts.

(h) Conducting its affairs in interstate commerce.

(i) Conducting an isolated transaction that is completed within 30 days and that is not one in the course of repeated transactions of a like nature.

(j) Owning and controlling a subsidiary corporation incorporated in or transacting business within this state or voting the stock of any corporation which it has lawfully acquired.

(k) Owning a limited partnership interest in a limited partnership that is doing business within this state, unless such limited partner manages or controls the partnership or exercises the powers and duties of a general partner.

(l) Owning, without more, real or personal property.

(3) The list of activities in subsection (2) is not exhaustive.

(4) This section has no application to the question of whether any foreign corporation is subject to service of process and suit in this state under any law of this state.

History.--s. 91, ch. 90-179.

617.1502 Consequences of conducting affairs without authority.--

(1) A foreign corporation conducting its affairs in this state without a certificate of authority may not maintain a proceeding in any court in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority.

(2) The successor to a foreign corporation that conducted its affairs in this state without a certificate of authority and the assignee of a cause of action arising out of those affairs may not maintain a proceeding based on that cause of action in any court in this state until the foreign corporation or its successor obtains a certificate of authority.

(3) A court may stay a proceeding commenced by a foreign corporation or its successor or assignee until it determines whether the foreign corporation or its successor requires a certificate of authority. If it so determines, the court may further stay the proceeding until the foreign corporation or its successor obtains the certificate.

(4) A foreign corporation which conducts its affairs in this state without authority to do so shall be liable to this state for the years or parts thereof during which it conducted its affairs in this state without authority in an amount equal to all fees and taxes which would have been imposed by this act upon such corporation had it duly applied for and received authority to conduct its affairs in this state as required by this act. In addition to the payments thus prescribed, such corporation shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $500 or more than $1,000 for each year or part thereof during which it conducts its affairs in this state without a certificate of authority. The Department of State may collect all penalties due under this subsection.

(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), the failure of a foreign corporation to obtain a certificate of authority does not impair the validity of any of its contracts, deeds, mortgages, security interests, or corporate acts or prevent it from defending any proceeding in this state.

History.--s. 92, ch. 90-179; s. 63, ch. 93-281.

617.1503 Application for certificate of authority.--

(1) A foreign corporation may apply for a certificate of authority to conduct its affairs in this state by delivering an application to the Department of State for filing. Such application shall be made on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department of State and shall set forth:

(a) The name of the foreign corporation or, if its name is unavailable for use in this state, a corporate name that satisfies the requirements of s. 617.1506;

(b) The jurisdiction under the law of which it is incorporated;

(d) The purpose or purposes which it intends to pursue in this state and a statement that it is authorized to pursue such purpose or purposes in the jurisdiction of its incorporation;

(e) The street address of its principal office;

(f) The address of its registered office in this state and the name of its registered agent at that office;

(g) The names and usual business addresses of its current directors and officers; and

(h) Such additional information as may be necessary or appropriate in order to enable the Department of State to determine whether such corporation is entitled to file an application for authority to conduct its affairs in this state and to determine and assess the fees and taxes payable as prescribed in this act.

(2) The foreign corporation shall deliver with the completed application a certificate of existence (or a document of similar import) duly authenticated, not more than 90 days prior to delivery of the application to the Department of State, by the secretary of state or other official having custody of corporate records in the jurisdiction under the law of which it is incorporated. A translation of the certificate, under oath of the translator, must be attached to a certificate which is in a language other than the English language.

(3) A foreign corporation may not be denied authority to conduct its affairs in this state by reason of the fact that the laws of the jurisdiction under which such corporation is organized governing its organization and internal affairs differ from the laws of this state.

History.--s. 93, ch. 90-179.

617.1504 Amended certificate of authority.--

(1) A foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state shall make application to the Department of State to obtain an amended certificate of authority if it changes:

(a) Its corporate name;

(b) The period of its duration;

(d) The jurisdiction of its incorporation.

(2) Such application shall be made within 30 days after the occurrence of any change mentioned in subsection (1), shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department of State, shall be executed and filed in the same manner as an original application for authority, and shall set forth:

(a) The name of the foreign corporation as it appears on the records of the Department of State;

(b) The jurisdiction of its incorporation;

(d) If the name of the foreign corporation has been changed, the name relinquished, the new name, a statement that the change of name has been effected under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, and the date the change was effected;

(e) If the period of duration has been changed, a statement of such change and the date the change was effected;

(f) If the jurisdiction of incorporation has been changed, a statement of such change and the date the change was effected; and

(g) If the purpose or purposes which the corporation intends to pursue in this state have been changed, a statement of such new purpose or purposes, and a further statement that the corporation is authorized to pursue such purpose or purposes in the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

(3) The requirements of s. 617.1503 for obtaining an original certificate of authority apply to obtaining an amended certificate under this section.

History.--s. 94, ch. 90-179; s. 64, ch. 93-281.

617.1505 Effect of certificate of authority.--

(1) A certificate of authority authorizes the foreign corporation to which it is issued to conduct its affairs in this state subject, however, to the right of the Department of State to suspend or revoke the certificate as provided in this act.

(2) A foreign corporation with a valid certificate of authority has the same but no greater rights and has the same but no greater privileges as, and except as otherwise provided by this act is subject to the same duties, restrictions, penalties, and liabilities now or later imposed on, a domestic corporation of like character.

(3) This act does not authorize this state to regulate the organization or internal affairs of a foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state.

History.--s. 95, ch. 90-179.

617.1506 Corporate name of foreign corporation.--

(1) A foreign corporation is not entitled to file an application for a certificate of authority unless the corporate name of such corporation satisfies the requirements of s. 617.0401. To obtain or maintain a certificate of authority to transact business in this state, the foreign corporation:

(a) May add the word "corporation" or "incorporated" or the abbreviation "corp." or "inc." or words of like import, as will clearly indicate that it is a corporation instead of a natural person or partnership, to its corporate name for use in this state, provided, the name of a foreign corporation may not contain the word "company" or the abbreviation "co."; or

(b) May use an alternate name to transact business in this state if its real name is unavailable and it delivers to the Department of State, for filing, a copy of the resolution of its board of directors, executed as required by s. 617.01201, adopting an alternate name.

(2) The corporate name, including the alternate name, of a foreign corporation must be distinguishable, within the records of the Division of Corporations, from:

(a) The alternate name of another foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state.

(b) The corporate name of a not-for-profit corporation incorporated or authorized to transact business in this state.

(c) The names of all other entities or filings, except fictitious name registrations pursuant to s. 865.09, organized, or registered under the laws of this state, that are on file with the Division of Corporations.

(3) If a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state changes its corporate name to one that does not satisfy the requirements of s. 607.0401, such corporation may not transact business in this state under the changed name until the corporation adopts a name satisfying the requirements of s. 607.0401.

(4) The corporate name must be distinguishable from the names of all other entities or filings, organized, registered, or reserved under the laws of the state that are on file with the Division of Corporations, except fictitious name registrations pursuant to s. 865.09.

History.--s. 96, ch. 90-179; s. 65, ch. 93-281; s. 15, ch. 98-101.

617.1507 Registered office and registered agent of foreign corporation.--

(1) Each foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state must continuously maintain in this state:

(a) A registered office that may be the same as any of the places it conducts its affairs; and

(b) A registered agent, who may be:

1. An individual who resides in this state and whose business office is identical with the registered office;

2. A domestic corporation for profit or not for profit the business office of which is identical with the registered office; or

3. A foreign corporation for profit or not for profit authorized to transact business or conduct its affairs in this state the business office of which is identical with the registered office.

(2) A registered agent appointed pursuant to this section or a successor registered agent appointed pursuant to s. 617.1508 on whom process may be served shall each file a statement in writing with the Department of State, in such form and manner as shall be prescribed by the department, accepting the appointment as a registered agent simultaneously with his or her being designated. Such statement of acceptance shall state that the registered agent is familiar with, and accepts, the obligations of that position.

History.--s. 97, ch. 90-179; s. 66, ch. 93-281; s. 3, ch. 97-93; s. 96, ch. 97-102.

617.1508 Change of registered office and registered agent of foreign corporation.--

(1) A foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state may change its registered office or registered agent by delivering to the Department of State for filing a statement of change that sets forth:

(a) Its name;

(b) The street address of its current registered office;

(d) The name of its current registered agent;

(e) If the current registered agent is to be changed, the name of its new registered agent and the new agent's written consent (either on the statement or attached to it) to the appointment;

(f) That, after the change or changes are made, the street address of its registered office and the business office of its registered agent will be identical; and

(g) That any such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors or by an officer of the corporation so authorized by the board of directors.

(2) If a registered agent changes the street address of his or her business office, he or she may change the street address of the registered office of any foreign corporation for which he or she is the registered agent by notifying the corporation in writing of the change and signing (either manually or in facsimile) and delivering to the Department of State for filing a statement of change that complies with the requirements of paragraphs (1)(a)-(f) and recites that the corporation has been notified of the change.

History.--s. 98, ch. 90-179; s. 67, ch. 93-281; s. 97, ch. 97-102.

617.1509 Resignation of registered agent of foreign corporation.--

(1) The registered agent of a foreign corporation may resign his or her agency appointment by signing and delivering to the Department of State for filing a statement of resignation and mailing a copy of such statement to the corporation at the corporation's principal office address shown in its most recent annual report or, if none, shown in its application for a certificate of authority or other most recently filed document. The statement of resignation must state that a copy of such statement has been mailed to the corporation at the address so stated. The statement of resignation may include a statement that the registered office is also discontinued.

(2) The agency appointment is terminated as of the 31st day after the date on which the statement was filed and, unless otherwise provided in the statement, termination of the agency acts as a termination of the registered office.

History.--s. 99, ch. 90-179; s. 68, ch. 93-281; s. 98, ch. 97-102.

617.1510 Service of process, notice, or demand on a foreign corporation.--

(1) The registered agent of a foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state is the corporation's agent for service of process, notice, or demand required or permitted by law to be served on the foreign corporation.

(2) A foreign corporation may be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the secretary of the foreign corporation at its principal office shown in its application for a certificate of authority or in its most recent annual report if the foreign corporation:

(a) Has no registered agent or its registered agent cannot with reasonable diligence be served;

(b) Has withdrawn from conducting its affairs in this state under s. 617.1520; or

(3) Service is perfected under subsection (2) at the earliest of:

(a) The date the foreign corporation receives the mail;

(b) The date shown on the return receipt, if signed on behalf of the foreign corporation; or

(c) Five days after its deposit in the United States mail, as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed.

(4) This section does not prescribe the only means, or necessarily the required means, of serving a foreign corporation. Process against any foreign corporation may also be served in accordance with chapter 48 or chapter 49.

(5) Any notice to or demand on a foreign corporation made pursuant to this act may be made in accordance with the procedures for notice to or demand on domestic corporations under s. 617.0504.

History.--s. 100, ch. 90-179.

617.1520 Withdrawal of foreign corporation.--

(1) A foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state may not withdraw from this state until it obtains a certificate of withdrawal from the Department of State.

(2) A foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state may apply for a certificate of withdrawal by delivering an application to the Department of State for filing. The application shall be made on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department of State and shall set forth:

(a) The name of the foreign corporation and the jurisdiction under the law of which it is incorporated;

(b) That it is not conducting its affairs in this state and that it surrenders its authority to conduct its affairs in this state;

(c) That it revokes the authority of its registered agent to accept service on its behalf and appoints the Department of State as its agent for service of process based on a cause of action arising during the time it was authorized to conduct its affairs in this state;

(d) A mailing address to which the Department of State may mail a copy of any process served on it under paragraph (c); and

(e) A commitment to notify the Department of State in the future of any change in its mailing address.

(3) After the withdrawal of the corporation is effective, service of process on the Department of State under this section is service on the foreign corporation. Upon receipt of the process, the Department of State shall mail a copy of the process to the foreign corporation at the mailing address set forth under subsection (2).

History.--s. 101, ch. 90-179.

617.1530 Grounds for revocation of authority to conduct affairs.--The Department of State may commence a proceeding under s. 617.1531 to revoke the certificate of authority of a foreign corporation authorized to conduct its affairs in this state if:

(1) The foreign corporation has failed to file its annual report with the Department of State within the time required by this act.

(2) The foreign corporation does not pay, within the time required by this act, any fees, taxes, or penalties imposed by this act or other law.

(3) The foreign corporation is without a registered agent or registered office in this state for 30 days or more.

(4) The foreign corporation does not notify the Department of State under s. 617.1508 or s. 617.1509 that its registered agent has resigned or that its registered office has been discontinued within 30 days after the date of such resignation or discontinuance.

(5) An incorporator, director, officer, or agent of the foreign corporation signed a document he or she knew was false in any material respect with intent that the document be delivered to the Department of State for filing.

(6) The Department of State receives a duly authenticated certificate from the secretary of state or other official having custody of corporate records in the jurisdiction under the law of which the foreign corporation is incorporated stating that it has been dissolved or disappeared as the result of a merger.

(7) The foreign corporation has failed to answer truthfully and fully, within the time prescribed by this act, interrogatories propounded by the Department of State.

History.--s. 102, ch. 90-179; s. 99, ch. 97-102.

617.1531 Procedure for and effect of revocation.--

(1) If the Department of State determines that one or more grounds exist under s. 617.1530 for revocation of a certificate of authority, the Department of State shall serve the foreign corporation with written notice of such determination under s. 617.1510.

(2) If the foreign corporation does not correct each ground for revocation or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Department of State that each ground determined by the Department of State does not exist within 60 days after issuance of notice is perfected under s. 617.1510, the Department of State shall revoke the foreign corporation's certificate of authority by signing a certificate of revocation that recites the ground or grounds for revocation and its effective date.

(3) The authority of a foreign corporation to conduct its affairs in this state ceases on the date shown on the certificate revoking its certificate of authority.

(4) Revocation of a foreign corporation's certificate of authority does not terminate the authority of the registered agent of the corporation.

History.--s. 103, ch. 90-179.

617.1532 Appeal from revocation.--

(1) If the Department of State revokes the authority of any foreign corporation to conduct its affairs in this state pursuant to the provisions of this act, such foreign corporation may likewise appeal to the circuit court of the county where the registered office of such corporation in this state is situated by filing with the clerk of such court a petition setting forth a copy of its application for authority to conduct its affairs in this state and a copy of the certificate of revocation given by the Department of State, whereupon the matter shall be tried de novo by the court, and the court shall either sustain the action of the Department of State or direct the department to take such action as the court deems proper.

(2) Appeals from all final orders and judgments entered by the circuit court under this section in review of any ruling or decision of the Department of State may be taken as in other civil actions.

History.--s. 105, ch. 90-179.

617.1533 Reinstatement following revocation.--

(1)(a) A foreign corporation whose certificate of authority has been revoked under s. 617.1531 may apply to the Department of State for reinstatement at any time after the effective date of revocation of authority. The application must:

1. Recite the name of the corporation and the effective date of its revocation of authority;

2. State that the ground or grounds for revocation either did not exist or have been eliminated and that no further grounds currently exist for revocation of authority;

3. State that the corporation's name satisfies the requirements of s. 617.1506; and

4. State that all fees owed by the corporation and computed at the rate provided by law at the time the corporation applies for reinstatement have been paid; or

(b) In the alternative, the foreign corporation may submit a current annual report, signed by the registered agent and an officer or director, which substantially complies with the requirements of paragraph (a).

(2) If the Department of State determines that the application contains the information required by subsection (1) and that the information is correct, it shall file the document, cancel the certificate of revocation of authority, and reinstate the foreign corporation effective on the date on which the reinstatement document is filed.

(3) When the reinstatement is effective, it relates back to and takes effect as of the effective date of the revocation of authority and the foreign corporation resumes carrying on its affairs as if the revocation of authority has never occurred.

(4) The name of the foreign corporation whose certificate of authority has been revoked shall not be available for assumption or use by another corporation until 1 year after the effective date of revocation of authority unless the corporation provides the Department of State with an affidavit executed as required by s. 617.01201 permitting the immediate assumption or use of the name by another corporation.

(5) If the name of the foreign corporation has been lawfully assumed in this state by another corporation, the Department of State shall require the foreign corporation to comply with s. 617.1506 before accepting its application for reinstatement.

History.--s. 104, ch. 90-179; s. 5, ch. 95-211; s. 4, ch. 97-93.

617.1601 Corporate records.--