If you're going to request validation do it ASAP before it does go to judgment. Make sure you send it CRRR.
Are you saying they didn't have a Proof of Service with your file ?? If you've been served, no matter what method was used, then this form should be in the casefile. You need a copy of that Proof of Service. If the judge has the file, did the clerk say WHEN the suit was filed ? It could be that the Summons is on its way.
Here's some info on Service of Process (summons) from the FL court rules of Civil Procedure:
"(j) Summons; Time Limit. If service of the initial process and initial pleading is not made upon a defendant within 120 days after filing of the initial pleading and the party on whose behalf service is required does not show good cause why service was not made within that time, the action shall be dismissed without prejudice or that defendant dropped as a party on the court's own initiative after notice or on motion. "
So, it looks like they have up to 6 months to serve you....
"48.031 Service of process generally; service of witness subpoenas.
(1) (a) Service of original process is made by delivering a copy of it to the person to be served with a copy of the complaint, petition, or other initial pleading or paper or by leaving the copies at his or her usual place of abode with any person residing therein who is 15 years of age or older and informing the person of their contents. Minors who are or have been married shall be served as provided in this section."
"48.21 Return of execution of process.
All officers to whom process is directed shall note on it, or on a return-of-service form attached thereto, the time when it comes to hand, the time when it is executed, the manner of execution, the name of the person on whom it was executed and if such person is served in a representative capacity, the position occupied by the person. A failure to state the foregoing facts invalidates the service, but the return is amendable to state the truth at any time on application to the court from which the process issued. On amendment, service is as effective as if the return had originally stated the omitted facts."