How to Become a Notary in Florida 2026: Complete FL Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Florida

Florida does not require an exam to become a notary public. However, Florida does require mandatory education - a 3-hour approved course that covers notary duties and regulations. The application process is handled through the Florida Department of State.

Florida Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Florida Notary?

• No exam required - Only a 3-hour education course
• High demand - Large population means constant need for notaries
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization legal since 2020
• Good earning potential - Can charge up to $10 per act ($25 for RON)
• 4-year commission - Long term reduces renewal frequency
• Free state education - Florida offers the required course free of charge

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Florida Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Florida notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of Florida
• Be able to read and write English
• Have your civil rights restored if you've been convicted of a felony

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Education

Florida requires all notary applicants to complete a 3-hour approved course:

Course Content Includes:

• Duties and responsibilities of a notary public
• Florida notary laws and regulations
• Electronic notarization procedures
• Common notarial acts and proper procedures
• Avoiding unauthorized practice of law

Course Options:

• Free course from the Florida Department of State
• Private providers (fees vary)

Important: You must complete this course before applying for your commission.

Step 3: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before applying, obtain a $7,500 surety bond:

• Bond Amount: $7,500
• Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
• Typical Cost: $30-$50 for the 4-year term
• Provider: Must be from a surety company authorized in Florida

The bond protects the public from financial loss due to improper notarial conduct. Note: The bond protects the public, not the notary.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Apply through the Florida Department of State:

1. Complete the notary public application (available online or by mail)
2. Pay the $39 application fee (check payable to Florida Department of State)
3. Include your education completion certificate
4. Include your original surety bond

Submit to: Florida Department of State Division of Corporations Notary Section P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314

Or in person/courier to: 2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 810 Tallahassee, FL 32303

Step 5: Receive Your Commission

Once approved by the Governor:

• You'll receive your commission certificate and oath of office
• Your commission is valid for 4 years
• You can begin notarizing after obtaining supplies and completing your oath

Step 6: Take Your Oath of Office

Within 30 days of receiving your commission:

• Complete and sign your oath of office
• Have your signature witnessed and notarized
• File the oath with your county clerk

Step 7: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal/Stamp (Required):

• Rubber stamp (most common)
• Must include: Your name, "Notary Public-State of Florida," commission expiration date, and commission number
• Cost: $15-$40

Notary Journal (Recommended):

• Not legally required for in-person notarizations
• Required for Remote Online Notarization
• Highly recommended for record-keeping
• Cost: $15-$30

Florida Notary Fees

Important Guidelines:

• Fees are calculated on a per certificate/per seal basis
• You may charge less than the maximum or waive fees entirely
• Overcharging can result in commission suspension by the Governor
• Travel fees are not regulated but must be disclosed in advance

Florida-Specific Requirements

Seal/Stamp Requirements

Your Florida notary stamp must include:

• Your name exactly as commissioned
• The words "Notary Public-State of Florida"
• Your commission expiration date
• Your commission number

Format: Rubber stamp is most common; must be legible and photographically reproducible

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your official stamp impression
• Your signature
• The date of the notarial act
• Proper notarial wording for the act type

Notarial Acts You Can Perform

As a Florida notary, you may:

• Administer oaths and affirmations
• Take acknowledgments
• Attest copies (tangible or electronic records)
• Solemnize marriages ($30 fee - same as county clerk)
• Certify the contents of a safe deposit box (with specific procedures)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Florida

Florida authorized RON effective January 1, 2020 through HB 409. Florida's RON statute is one of the clearest in the country.

Becoming a Florida Remote Online Notary

To perform RON in Florida:

1. Be an active Florida notary public in good standing
2. Complete a 2-hour approved RON course
3. Pass the RON exam (70% or higher to pass; unlimited attempts)
4. Obtain a $25,000 surety bond (covers both traditional and RON)
5. Obtain $25,000 minimum Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
6. Submit RON registration application with $10 fee
7. Select a Florida-compliant RON technology provider

RON Application Submission

Mail to: Florida Department of State Division of Corporations P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314

Include:

• Completed RON registration application
• $10 fee (check payable to Florida Department of State)
• Copy of your notary public appointment
• Proof of bond and E&O insurance
• Evidence of completing RON course

RON Technology Requirements

• Must use a Florida law-compliant RON service provider
• Requirements found in Chapter 117, Florida Statutes and Chapter 1N-7.001, Florida Administrative Code
• The notary chooses the technology provider (not the client or employer)
• Must support identity verification (ID + KBA)
• Must record audio-visual session

RON Fees

• $25.00 maximum per remote online notarial act
• Higher than in-person fees to account for technology costs

RON Location Requirements

• Notary must be physically located in Florida when performing RON
• Signer can be anywhere - in Florida, other states, or internationally

RON Identity Verification

When performing RON, you must verify identity through:

• Remote presentation of government-issued ID (photo and signature)
• Credential analysis of the ID
• Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or other approved identity proofing method

Total Cost to Become a Florida Notary

For RON (additional):

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Florida Commission

Florida notary commissions are valid for 4 years.

Renewal Process:

• Begin renewal before your commission expires
• Complete a new education course if required
• Obtain a new $7,500 surety bond
• Submit reappointment application with $39 fee
• File new oath of office with county clerk

Important: Purchase a new stamp with your updated expiration date and commission number.

Special Considerations

Felony Convictions

If you've been convicted of a felony:

• Your civil rights must be fully restored before applying
• Include documentation of rights restoration with your application

Marriage Officiant

As a Florida notary, you can solemnize marriages:

• Charge up to $30 (same as county clerk)
• Follow Florida marriage laws
• No additional certification needed

Start Your Florida Notary Career Today

Florida offers an excellent opportunity to become a notary public with no exam requirement. The free state education course, 4-year commission term, and robust RON program make Florida one of the best states to build a notary business.

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