Earning your Florida notary public commission is a big accomplishment. Whether notary public service is an addition to your current professional role or a brand new side hustle, your notary commission will help with your career growth.
The process of becoming a notary is highly-regulated and can, therefore, be a bit confusing for first-timers. However, once you dive in, you’ll find that the required steps can be completed fairly quickly and inexpensively.
With a bit of perseverance, you’ll be notarizing documents in no time.
To help you reach the finish line, let’s review the most common questions that are asked by new notaries in the State of Florida prior to the purchase of a notary stamp.
Here’s what we’ll cover below:
- Florida notary public stamp costs
- Size, ink, and information requirements for Florida notary public stamps
- Required steps for earning a first notary public commission in Florida
- How to get your new Florida notary public stamp
1 - How Much Does a Florida Notary Public Stamp Cost?
A rubber notary stamp is an important purchase with a small price tag. Here are the Pro Stamps prices for Florida notary public stamps:
| Stamp Format | Dimensions | Price |
| Digital PDF, TIFF, JPG | N/A | $9.95 |
| Rectangular rubber stamp | ⅞” x 2 ⅜” | $18.95 |
| Round rubber stamp | 1 ⅝” diameter | $24.95 |
Each self-inking stamp purchase comes with a free digital proof.
2 - What Types of Rubber Stamps and Seal Embossers Are Allowed for Florida Notarization?
Seals made with rubber ink stamps are the official notarization marks in the State of Florida.
Stamps may be rectangular or round.
The distinction between embossed seals and rubber stamps is described in the 2022 Florida Statutes as follows:
“An impression-type seal may be used in addition to the rubber stamp seal, but the rubber stamp seal shall be the official seal for use on a paper document, and the impression-type seal may not be substituted therefor.”
In other words, the use of embossed seals is permitted, but not without an accompanying rubber stamp mark. For all physical, non-digital notarizations, a rubber stamp is needed.
3 - What Information Is Included on a Florida Notary Public Stamp?
The following information must be presented on your Florida notary public stamp:
- The notary’s name, written exactly as it appears on their commission
- The notary’s commission number
- The notary’s commission expiration date
- The words: “Notary Public - State of Florida”
When you purchase a stamp from Pro Stamps, you provide us with the data listed above. We then use laser engraving to include it onto the rubber surface of your stamp.
4 - Can You Notarize Without a Stamp in Florida?
Notarization in the State of Florida cannot be performed without the use of a rubber notary stamp. A notary’s rubber stamp must bear an unexpired commission number and comply with all of the requirements outlined in the current version of the Florida Statutes.
Separate rules apply for remote online notarization.
5 - Does Florida Allow Remote Online Notarization?
Remote online notarization (RON) is allowed in Florida. In recent years, as remote work and remote meetings have become more commonplace, RON has developed a more significant role in the notarization profession.
Any notary with an active commission may perform RON by attaching an electronic version of their seal to documents. Before doing so, notaries should read in full the Florida Statute, Chapter 117, Part 2, which is devoted entirely to the topic of RON.
6 - What Ink Color Should Be Used in Florida Notary Public Stamps?
Florida notary stamps are required to use black ink. Specifically, the 2022 Florida Statutes require the use of “photographically reproducible black ink.”
A document is photographically reproducible if it can be accurately digitally copied. The distinction mostly refers to embossed seals, which leave a physical impression on a page that may not be capable of accurate reproduction.
While stamps must use black ink, handwritten signatures on notary forms may be performed with pens of different colors.
7 - Does a Florida Notary Need to Purchase a Surety Bond Prior to Purchasing a Stamp?
Before obtaining a commission and purchasing a stamp, new notaries must first purchase a surety bond.
Notary surety bonds provide a form of insurance for the public served by notaries. Florida notary surety bonds are in the amount of $7,500 and typically cost around $50 or less.
Surety bonds can be purchased through a bonding agency from the state’s list of approved notary processors.
Because surety bonds offer no protection for notaries, some notaries choose to purchase an insurance policy.
Notary insurance, unlike a surety bond, is not required. However, insurance is a smart choice for any notary that wants to be protected in the event of a lawsuit related to their services.
Purchasing an insurance policy is especially prudent for notaries who plan to take on a large workload or handle sensitive documents, such as real estate transaction paperwork.
Notary insurance comes in the form of a notary errors and omissions insurance policy. Policies typically run for four-year terms. The strongest policies cost around $300. If your employer is sponsoring your notary commission process, they may be willing to pay for your insurance policy.
8 - Are Florida Notaries Required to Complete a Training Course?
Source: pix4free.org
Some states, including Florida, require new notaries to complete a notary public education course. These courses teach new notaries the standard procedures and ethical guidelines of the notary public profession.
Florida requires first-time notaries to complete three hours of educational instruction. The Florida Department of State provides a Notary Education Program to complete the requirement. The program can be completed online and is free of charge.
Notaries may also choose an education course from a state-approved list of providers.
Once you’ve purchased a surety bond and completed the mandatory notary training, you’ll be able to earn a commission and purchase a stamp.
How to Purchase a Florida Notary Stamp From Pro Stamps
If you’re a new Florida notary, you’ll receive from the state your commission and seal after completing a notary application and all related requirements. Once you’ve received your commission, you can order a rubber Notary Stamp from Pro Stamps.
To place an order, provide your notary name, notary commission expiration date, and notary commission ID number. Select a round self-inking stamp or a rectangular stamp bearing one of these case color options:
- Black
- White
- Mango
- Sky blue
- Lilac
- Mint
The self-inking stamps engraved and supplied by Pro Stamps are from Trodat, the world leader in professional rubber stamps. The rectangular Trodat Printy 4913 is the most popular notary public stamp in the world.
Self-inking stamps are incredibly easy to use and last for 5,000 impressions. To use the stamp, simply press down on the page; the rubber pad rotates internally to apply ink.
Each self-inking stamp purchase also includes a free digital proof in PDF, TIFF, and JPG formats. You’ll receive your digital proof via email within 24 hours of placing your order.
Your Pro Stamps rubber stamp will be made in the USA and shipped within one business day of your purchase. Your stamp comes with a lifetime warranty and ships via United States Postal Service (USPS) first class package service.
Contact our team through our website with any questions about your Florida notary public stamp purchase or send us an email at support@prostamps.com.
To learn more about the notary public profession, rubber stamps, and related topics, visit the Pro Stamps Industry News page.