Notary Requirements for Florida: 2025 Updated

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Florida as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Application Process for New Notary Commission
• Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning
• Surety Bond
• Notary Seal and Journal Requirements
• Oath of Office and Commission Recording
• Commission Term and Expiration
• Commission Renewal Process
• Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• General Notary Public Duties and Best Practices
• Official Resources and Contact Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Florida Notary Public commission, you must:

• Age: Be at least 18 years of age.

• Residency: Be a legal resident of Florida.

• Citizenship/Legal Status: Be a United States citizen. (Non-U.S. citizens must submit a recorded Declaration of Domicile).

• Character/Qualifications: Be of good character. Submit an Affidavit of Character signed by an unrelated affiant known for one year+.

• Understanding Laws: Attest to reading Chapter 117, F.S., and understanding notary duties.

• Education: First-time applicants must complete a 3-hour Notary education course and submit a signed certificate of completion.

• Disqualification Criteria: No felony conviction or withheld adjudication for a felony, unless civil rights are restored (requires written statement, court judgment, sentencing order, and restoration certificate).

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Application Process for New Notary Commission

Applications are facilitated through DOS-approved Notary Processors.

1. Obtain Application Packet: From an approved Notary Processor. Typically includes Application (DS-DE 77) and Bond form (DS/DE 76).

2. Complete Education Course: First-time applicants: 3-hour Notary education course; submit completion certificate.

3. Complete Application Form (DS-DE 77): Provide personal/residency details, answer conviction questions. Includes Affidavit of Character (completed by unrelated individual) and Oath of Office (applicant swears before another notary).

4. Obtain $7,500 Surety Bond: See Section III.

5. Submit Application: Completed, notarized application, bond, and fee submitted to DOS, usually via approved Notary Processor.

6. Commission Issuance: Upon DOS approval, commission issued. Cannot notarize until commission received.

Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning

• Application Fee: $20.00 (to Florida Department of State).

• Surety Bond ($7,500): Cost varies by provider.

• Notary Education Course: Cost varies by approved provider.

• Notary Supplies (Seal, optional Journal): Cost varies by vendor.

Surety Bond

A $7,500 surety bond is mandatory for the entire four-year commission term.

• Provider: From an insurance company or surety bond company licensed in Florida.

• Purpose: Protects the public from notary errors or misconduct.

• Form: Bond form (DS/DE 76) is part of the application packet.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

A. Notary Seal (Stamp/Embosser): Mandatory. Must authenticate all official acts. Inked rubber stamp or embosser; must be copyable.

• Content: Clearly show notary's name, "Notary Public," and "State of Florida."

• Security: Notary's sole control. Prohibited from allowing others to use. Upon commission end (resignation, revocation, expiration without renewal), notary must destroy/deface seal.

B. Notary Journal (Record Book):

• Traditional Notarizations: Not explicitly mandated by law, but DOS provides "Daily Transaction Journals" for download, implying use as best practice.

• Remote Online Notarization (RON): Maintaining an electronic journal and an audiovisual recording of the RON session (by tech provider) is mandatory.

Oath of Office and Commission Recording

• Oath: Included on Application Form (DS-DE 77), sworn to and subscribed before another notary.

• Recording: DOS issues/maintains commission records. No separate county recording is mentioned for the commission itself.

Commission Term and Expiration

• Term: Four (4) years.

• Expiration: Authority ends on this date. Cease notarizing immediately if expired.

Commission Renewal Process

• Timing: Reapply before expiration.

• Process: Similar to initial: new application packet, new surety bond, fulfill current education requirements. Via approved Notary Processors.

• Lapsed Commission: Reapply as new.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Florida

Legal since January 1, 2020 (HB 409, Chapter 2019-71, Laws of Florida).

A. Requirements for Becoming a Florida Remote Online Notary:

• Existing Commission: Hold active FL traditional Notary Public commission.

• RON Service Provider: Contract with a third-party RON service provider whose technology meets FL standards.

• Online Education: Complete online RON education training course; submit completion certificate.

• Registration Application: Submit "Online Notary Public information form" and "Application for Registration for Online Notary Public" to DOS.

• Fee: Initial $10.00 fee to DOS.

• Expiration: RON registration expires concurrently with traditional notary commission.

B. Approved Remote Technology Vendors: DOS does not endorse specific vendors but sets tech standards (Chapter 117, F.S.; FAC Chapter 1N-7001).

C. Identification Procedures for Remote Notarization: RON service provider's technology must conduct identity proofing and credential analysis.

D. Record Keeping for RON: Provider's technology must store and maintain an audiovisual recording of the RON session. Electronic journal also required.

E. Electronic Notarial Certificates, Signatures, and Seals: Provider's technology must facilitate attaching/logically associating electronic notarial certificate, signature, and seal.

F. Location Requirements for Notary and Principal during RON: While not explicitly detailed in provided snippets for notary, traditionally the notary must be in their commissioning state. Application asks for the principal's physical location (city, county, state/province, country).

G. Excluded Documents for RON: Cannot attest to copies of: documents where photocopying prohibited, vital records (birth/death/marriage certificates), court/recorded documents, filed tax forms, professional licenses, public school records.

General Notary Public Duties and Best Practices

• Scope of Acts: Acknowledgments, oaths/affirmations, verifications, witnessing signatures, certifying some copies, protests.

• Conflicts of Interest/Prohibitions: No notarizing for self, spouse, or if direct benefit. No UPL, no immigration consulting, no name variance unless commissioned, no notarizing for incompetent/blind (unless read)/non-English speaker (unless translated). No false ads. No withholding records.

• Fees: Traditional: max $10/act. RON: max $25/act.

• Name/Address Changes: Use "Notice of Name Change" form (DS-DE 77A) for name changes. Update address with DOS.

• Liability: Civil liability for errors. Bond protects public; notary reimburses.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Florida DOS Notary Section: dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/other-services/notaries/ (primary portal).

  • Mail: Dept. of State, Div. of Corporations, Notary Section, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6327.

  • Phone: (850) 245-6975. Email: [email protected]

• Legal Framework: Chapter 117, F.S.; FAC Chapter 1N-7.001.

• Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries (PDF): Sample documents, guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements to become a Florida Notary Public?

A: ≥18, legal FL resident, U.S. citizen (or Declaration of Domicile). Good character, 3-hr education course. No disqualifying felony unless civil rights are restored.

Q: How much does it cost to become a Florida Notary Public?

A: DOS application fee $20. Plus $7,500 bond cost, education course fee, and supplies (seal).

Q: Is a notary bond required in Florida?

A: Yes, a $7,500 surety bond from a FL-licensed company is mandatory.

Q: Do I need a notary seal or stamp in Florida?

A: Yes, mandatory inked stamp or embosser (must be copyable). Shows name, "Notary Public," "State of Florida."

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal or record book?

A: Not explicitly for traditional acts (DOS provides "Daily Transaction Journals"). Mandatory e-journal and A/V recording for RON.

Q: How long is a Florida Notary Public commission valid?

A: Four (4) years.

Q: How do I renew my Florida Notary Public commission?

A: Reapply as new via approved Notary Processor: new application, new bond, fulfill current education.

Q: Is an exam or training required to become a notary in Florida?

A: Yes, 3-hr education course for first-time applicants. Separate online education for RON registration. No state exam separate from course completion.

Q: Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Florida?

A: Yes. Must be active FL notary, contract with RON provider, complete RON education, register with DOS ($10 fee).

Q: What activities are prohibited for a Florida Notary Public?

A: No legal advice, no immigration consulting, no notarizing for self/spouse or if direct benefit. Cannot attest to copies of most public/vital records.

Always rely on official Florida DOS resources for the most current information.