Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Notary Law

This FAQ is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For the official statutes, see Florida Statutes Chapter 117. For official guidance, visit the Florida Department of State Notary Section.

1. Who Can Become A Florida Notary Public?

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
  
• Be a legal Florida resident
  
• Be able to read, write, and understand English
  
• Meet character and background requirements
  
• Disclose any criminal history and pending charges

Requirements are outlined in §117.01, Florida Statutes.
View §117.01 Requirements

2. How Do I Apply For A Florida Notary Commission?

The State of Florida appoints notaries through the Governor and commissions them through the Department of State. A complete application requires:

1. A state-approved application processed by a bonded notary processor
   
2. Completion of a 3-hour state-approved education course
   
3. A $7,500 surety bond valid for four years
   
4. Payment of state filing fees

Official instructions and forms can be found at:
Florida Notary Application Information

3. How Long Does A Notary Commission Last And How Do I Renew?

A Florida notary commission is valid for four years.
Renewal requires:

• A new application submitted through a notary processor
  
• A new $7,500 bond
  
• State renewal fees

You may not perform notarial acts after your commission expires.

4. What Is The Difference Between The Bond And Errors & Omissions Insurance?

• The $7,500 surety bond protects the public, ensuring compensation if someone is harmed by a notary’s misconduct.
  
• Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance protects you, covering unintentional mistakes.

The bond is required by law under §117.01(7).
View Statute

5. What Must Be On My Florida Notary Seal?

As required by §117.05(3), every Florida notary seal must include:

• The words “Notary Public – State of Florida”
  
• Your commissioned name
  
• Your commission number
  
• The commission expiration date

The seal must be clear and photographically reproducible.
See Seal Requirements

6. What Identification Is Acceptable For In-Person Notarizations?

Under §117.05(5)(b), acceptable IDs include:

• Florida or out-of-state driver license/ID card
  
• U.S. passport
  
• Foreign passport stamped by U.S. immigration
  
• U.S. military ID
  
• Other government-issued IDs containing a photo and signature

Two credible witnesses may be used if the signer lacks valid ID.

7. Can I Notarize For A Family Member?

Florida does not prohibit notarizing for relatives, but you cannot notarize when you or your immediate family have a financial interest in the transaction. Impartiality is required under §117.107.
View Prohibited Acts

8. What Is The Maximum Fee For A Traditional Notarial Act?

Florida limits traditional notarial fees to no more than $10 per notarial act under §117.05(2).
A separate, reasonable travel fee is allowed if agreed upon in advance.

9. How Much Can I Charge For Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Online notaries may charge up to $25 per online notarization, as authorized by §117.275.
RON Fee Statute

10. What Is RON And Who Can Perform It?

Remote Online Notarization allows the signer to appear using audio-video communication.
To perform RON, you must:

• Hold a current Florida notary commission
  
• Complete RON training
  
• Obtain a separate $25,000 RON surety bond
  
• Maintain required E&O coverage
  
• Register with the Department of State

Official RON guidance:
Florida Online Notarization Resources

11. How Is Identity Verified During A RON Session?

Florida requires:

• Government-issued ID credential analysis
  
• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) or another approved method
  
• Real-time audio-video appearance
  
• Secure retention of recordings and electronic journals

Requirements are found in §§117.265–117.285.
View RON Identity Requirements

12. Are Notaries Required To Keep A Journal?

Traditional Florida notaries are not legally required to keep a journal, but it is strongly recommended by the Governor’s Reference Manual.

For online notaries, however, electronic journals and audio-video recordings are mandatory under §117.245.
RON Recordkeeping Statute

13. What Are The Required Steps For A Proper In-Person Notarization?

Key steps include:

1. Personal appearance of the signer
   
2. Screening for willingness and awareness
   
3. Identity verification
   
4. Ensuring the document is complete
   
5. Administering an oath/affirmation when required
   
6. Completing the certificate accurately
   
7. Affixing your official seal

Full requirements appear in §117.05.
View §117.05

14. Can I Notarize A Document Written In A Language I Don’t Understand?

Yes. You do not need to read the document’s language, but:

• You must be able to communicate with the signer in English
  
• The signer must understand the document
  
• Your notarial certificate must be in English

15. What Documents May Not Be Notarized?

You must refuse if:

• The document is incomplete
  
• The signer is not present (for traditional notarization)
  
• You have a financial interest
  
• The transaction is fraudulent
  
• Identification is insufficient

These prohibitions appear in §117.107.
View Prohibited Acts

16. What Can Lead To Notary Discipline Or Liability?

Common issues include:

• Notarizing without personal appearance
  
• Failing to verify identity
  
• Improper certificate completion
  
• Notarizing after commission expiration
  
• Misuse of the notary seal
  
• Fraudulent notarial acts (some are felonies under Florida law)

Administrative penalties, civil liability, and even criminal charges are possible.

17. What Are The Rules For In-Person Electronic Notarizations?

Under §117.021, notaries may notarize electronic records if:

• The signer is physically present
  
• A reliable, approved electronic notarization system is used
  
• The electronic certificate includes your electronic seal and signature

This is not the same as Remote Online Notarization.
View §117.021

18. How Do I Handle Signers With Disabilities Or Those Who Use A Mark?

Florida provides accommodations such as:

• Reading documents aloud to blind signers
  
• Allowing a signer to use a mark (X) with appropriate witnesses
  
• Ensuring clear communication with signers who have disabilities

Guidelines appear in the Governor’s Reference Manual and §117.05(14).

19. Are There Continuing Education Requirements?

Florida requires:

• A 3-hour course for first-time applicants
  
• RON-specific training for online notary applicants

There is no mandatory continuing education for simple renewal, but regular training is widely recommended.

20. Where Can I Find Official Notary Laws And Guidance?

Primary resources include:

• Chapter 117, Florida Statutes
  Florida Statutes Chapter 117
  
• Florida Department of State, Notary Section
  DOS Notary Resources
  
• Governor’s Reference Manual for Notaries
  Download Manual (PDF)

Continue Learning With Notary Public Association

For deeper training, state-specific guidance and downloadable resources, visit the Notary Public Association’s Florida course and resources page. Their materials help you stay fully compliant with Florida law and confidently perform both traditional and online notarizations.