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This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.
To become a notary as a Florida resident, you must complete the following steps:
Becoming a Notary Public in Florida is a valuable opportunity to provide essential services in legal, financial, and real estate transactions. In Florida, the commission term for a Notary Public is four years. You will need to renew your commission every four years to maintain your status.
The total cost to become a Notary in Florida ranges from $100 to $200, depending on your choices for required supplies. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $39 | Includes processing your application and filing your bond. |
| Notary Education Course | $45 | Mandatory course provided by the Notary Public Association (NPA). |
| Surety Bond | $30 - $100 | Costs vary depending on the provider. |
| Notary Seal or Stamp | $20 - $40 | Required for performing notarizations. |
| Notary Journal | $15 - $30 | Not required by law but strongly recommended for recordkeeping. |
| Total Cost | $100 - $200 | Estimated total cost, depending on optional and variable expenses. |
Full Course + Exam Resources:
According to the Florida Department of State, processing a Notary Public commission application typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. This timeframe begins once your completed application is received and reviewed by the agency.
To qualify as a Florida Notary Public, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Residency: Be a legal resident of Florida.
Citizenship/Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien with a permanent resident card.
Education: Complete a state-approved notary education course.
Criminal Record: Not have been convicted of a felony unless your civil rights have been restored.
Certain individuals are ineligible to serve as a Notary Public in Florida:
Felony Convictions: Applicants with felony convictions must provide evidence of restored civil rights.
Judges and Clerks: Certain public officers, such as judges and court clerks, are prohibited from holding dual public offices, including notary commissions.
Florida requires all first-time notary applicants to complete a three-hour state-approved notary education course. The course is designed to:
Familiarize applicants with Florida’s notary laws.
Ensure you understand the responsibilities and limitations of a notary public.
Help you avoid common errors and legal penalties.
The NPA course can be completed online and must be taken before submitting your application.
To officially apply for your Notary Public commission, you must:
Complete the Notary Education Course: Submit proof of completion with your application.
Obtain a $7,500 Surety Bond: This is required by Florida law to protect the public against errors or omissions made by the notary.
Submit Your Application: Include your signed oath of office, proof of bond, and the $39 state filing fee.
Monitor Your Application Status: Once submitted, you can track your application’s progress through the Florida Department of State website.
Florida law requires all Notaries to have the following supplies:
Florida Notaries are required to use a notary seal or stamp for all notarial acts. While not mandatory, maintaining a notary journal is strongly recommended for accountability and compliance.
Your notary seal must include:
Your name as it appears on your commission.
The words “Notary Public – State of Florida.”
Your commission expiration date.
Your commission number.
Although not legally required, a notary journal provides:
A record of all notarial acts.
Protection against liability.
Evidence in case of legal disputes.
When performing notarizations, Florida law mandates that you:
Verify the identity of the signer using acceptable forms of identification.
Ensure the signer understands the document and is signing voluntarily.
Administer an oath or affirmation if required by the notarial act.
Becoming a Notary Public in Florida is a valuable opportunity to serve your community, enhance your professional skills, and earn additional income. By following the required steps—completing the education course, submitting your application, and obtaining the necessary supplies—you’ll be prepared to fulfill the duties of a Notary with confidence.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can embark on your notarial journey and build a rewarding career in this trusted role.
Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll be on your way to a successful and rewarding notarial career in the Grand Canyon State.
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