409.257  Service of process.--The service of initial process and orders in lawsuits filed by the department, under this act, shall be served by the sheriff in the county where the person to be served may be found or, if determined more effective by the department, by any means permitted under chapter 48 for service of process in a civil action. The sheriff shall be reimbursed at the prevailing rate of federal financial participation for service of process and orders as allowed by law. The sheriff shall bill the department monthly as provided for in s. 30.51(2). In addition, process and orders may be served or executed by authorized agents of the department at the department's discretion; provided that the agent of the department does not take any action against personal property, real property, or persons. Notices and other intermediate process, except witness subpoenas, shall be served by the department as provided for in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Witness subpoenas shall be served by the department by United States mail as provided for in s. 48.031(3).