(1) If relief is demanded against unknown parties, the sworn statement for service of process by publication against them shall show:

(a) That affiant believes that there are persons who are or may be interested in the subject matter of the action or proceedings whose names, after diligent search and inquiry, are unknown to the affiant; and

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Terms Used In Florida Statutes 49.071

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • defendant: means any party on whom service by publication is authorized by this chapter, without regard to his or her designation in the pleadings or position in the action. See Florida Statutes 49.031
  • person: includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
  • Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
  • publication: includes the posting of the notice of action as provided for in ss. See Florida Statutes 49.031
  • Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
(b) Whether said unknown parties claim as heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, or other claimants:

1. By, through, under or against a known person who is dead or not known to be dead or alive; or
2. By, through, under or against some corporation, domestic or foreign, that has been dissolved or which is not known to be existing or dissolved; or
3. By, through, under or against some organization which operated or did business under a name indicating a corporation; or
4. Otherwise as the case may be.
(2) In any case alleged against a named defendant, natural or corporate, who is stated, either in the pleadings or in the sworn statement, to be either dead or dissolved, or not known to be dead or alive, or dissolved or existing, any judgment, decree or order rendered against such defendant shall be as good, valid and effectual as if it had not been so stated.