Florida Notary Public Requirements Overview
If you want to become a notary in Florida, here is the key fact: Florida does NOT require a notary exam. However, unlike some no-exam states, Florida does require you to complete a mandatory 3-hour education course from an approved provider before you can apply.
Florida has approximately 350,000 active notaries, one of the highest totals in the nation, reflecting the state's massive population and thriving real estate, legal, and financial services industries. Your notary commission is issued through the Executive Office of the Governor, and each application must be personally approved by the Governor.
Florida Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | 3-hour approved course |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Legal Florida resident |
| Citizenship | US citizens and permanent residents eligible |
| Surety Bond | $7,500 |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Maximum Fee per Act | $10 |
| Governing Authority | Executive Office of the Governor |
Why Become a Florida Notary?
- No exam required -- Only a 3-hour education course needed
- Massive market -- Over 22 million residents, third-largest state
- Non-citizen eligibility -- One of few states allowing permanent residents to become notaries
- Real estate hub -- Enormous mortgage and closing market creates signing agent opportunities
- RON authorized -- Florida was one of the early adopters of Remote Online Notarization
- Year-round demand -- Tourism, retirement, and business transactions drive constant need
- Governor-approved commission -- Professional credential approved at the highest state level
Eligibility Requirements
To become a notary public in Florida, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Basic Qualifications
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old
- Residency: Must be a legal resident of the State of Florida
- Citizenship: US citizens and permanent legal residents are eligible (Florida is one of the few states that extends eligibility to non-citizens with permanent resident status)
- Criminal History: Must not have any disqualifying criminal history -- felony convictions or certain misdemeanors may disqualify you unless civil rights have been restored
- Education: Must complete a 3-hour notary education course from a state-approved provider
Education Course Details
The mandatory 3-hour education course covers:
- Florida notary law and statutes
- Types of notarial acts (acknowledgments, oaths, jurats)
- Proper identification of signers
- Record-keeping best practices
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Liability and penalties for misconduct
Course providers include the National Notary Association, local community colleges, and various online education platforms approved by the State of Florida. Courses typically cost $20--$95.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete the 3-Hour Education Course
Enroll in and complete an approved 3-hour notary education course. You will receive a certificate of completion or course completion number that you must include on your application.
Step 2: Obtain a $7,500 Surety Bond
Secure a $7,500 surety bond from a licensed bonding company or insurance agency. This bond protects the public from financial losses caused by notary errors or misconduct.
Bond cost: Typically $30--$75 for the 4-year commission term, depending on your credit history.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Submit your notary commission application to the Florida Department of State, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section. You can apply:
- Online through the Florida Department of State website
- By mail using the official application form
The application requires:
- Full legal name and any former names
- Florida residential address
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Education course completion information
- Bonding company information
- Statement of eligibility
- Background disclosure
Step 4: Pay the $25 Application Fee
The application fee is $25, payable to the Florida Department of State.
Step 5: Gubernatorial Approval
Unlike most states where the Secretary of State issues the commission, Florida notary commissions must be approved by the Governor. The Executive Office of the Governor reviews and approves each application. This process typically takes 4--8 weeks.
Step 6: Receive Your Commission
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate from the Governor's office. Your commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance.
Step 7: Obtain Your Notary Seal and Supplies
Before performing any notarial acts, purchase a notary seal/stamp that meets Florida's requirements. You may also want to purchase a notary journal (recommended but not required by law).
Florida Notary Seal Requirements
Florida law specifies the elements that must appear on your official notary seal:
| Seal Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Notary Name | Your full legal name as commissioned |
| Title | "Notary Public - State of Florida" |
| Commission Number | Your unique commission number |
| Commission Expiration | Your commission expiration date |
| Format | Rubber stamp (ink stamp) required |
The seal impression must be photographically reproducible -- meaning it should produce a clear, dark ink impression that can be photocopied or scanned.
Florida Notary Fee Schedule
Florida allows notaries to charge up to the following maximum fees:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $10 per signature |
| Jurat (sworn statement) | $10 per signature |
| Oath or affirmation | $10 |
| Attesting to a photocopy | $10 |
| Certifying contents of a safe deposit box | $10 |
| Any other notarial act | $10 |
Note: Florida's $10 maximum fee is moderate compared to other states. Notary signing agents who handle mortgage closings typically earn $75--$200 per signing appointment, which is separate from the per-act notary fee.
Florida-Specific Rules You Must Know
Non-Citizen Eligibility
Florida is one of the few states in the nation that allows non-US citizens to become notaries public. If you are a permanent legal resident (green card holder) residing in Florida, you are eligible to apply. This reflects Florida's diverse population and international business environment.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Florida was one of the earliest states to authorize Remote Online Notarization, with legislation effective January 1, 2020. Florida RON notaries must:
- Register with the Department of State as an online notary
- Use an approved technology platform
- Verify signer identity through knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis
- Create and store an audio-video recording of each online notarization session
- Maintain electronic records in a secure repository
- Complete additional training for RON procedures
Journal Requirements
Florida does not legally require notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts. However, keeping a detailed journal is strongly recommended by the Florida Governor's office and legal professionals. A journal provides your best defense in any dispute or legal proceeding related to a notarization.
Notary Signing Agent Opportunities
Florida's massive real estate and mortgage market makes it one of the top states for notary signing agents. Signing agents handle loan closings and can earn significantly more than standard notary fees. To maximize your earning potential:
- Complete a loan signing agent certification course
- Get listed with signing services and title companies
- Build a professional reputation for accuracy and reliability
- Consider errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
Renewal Process
Your Florida notary commission expires after 4 years. To renew:
- Complete a new 3-hour education course -- Required for each renewal
- Obtain a new $7,500 surety bond
- Submit a new application to the Department of State
- Pay the $25 application fee
- Receive Governor's approval for your new commission
Important: Start the renewal process at least 60 days before your commission expires. The Governor's approval process takes 4--8 weeks, and a gap in your commission means you cannot perform notarial acts.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
Florida law imposes serious consequences for notary misconduct:
| Offense | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Performing acts after commission expires | Second-degree misdemeanor |
| Notarizing without signer present | Commission revocation, civil liability |
| Charging excessive fees | Commission revocation |
| Falsifying a notarial certificate | Third-degree felony |
| Unauthorized practice of law | Criminal prosecution |
| Failure to properly identify signer | Commission revocation, civil liability |
The Governor has the authority to suspend or revoke any notary commission for cause, including misconduct, fraud, or failure to comply with Florida statutes.
Cost Breakdown: Becoming a Florida Notary
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-hour education course | $20--$95 |
| Surety bond ($7,500) | $30--$75 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Notary seal/stamp | $15--$40 |
| Optional journal | $10--$30 |
| Optional E&O insurance | $25--$60/year |
| Total (minimum) | $90--$235 |
| Total (with extras) | $125--$325 |
Florida is an affordable state to become a notary, especially considering the massive market opportunity in the third-largest state.
Tips for New Florida Notaries
1. Take the Education Course Seriously
Even though Florida does not require an exam, the 3-hour education course is your primary training. Pay close attention to the material on proper identification, certificate wording, and prohibited acts.
2. Keep a Journal Even Though It Is Not Required
A journal is your best protection in any legal dispute. Record every notarial act including the date, time, document type, signer name, identification used, and fee charged.
3. Learn the Difference Between Notarial Acts
Understanding the differences between acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and copy certifications is critical. Performing the wrong type of act can invalidate an entire transaction.
4. Know Your Boundaries
As a Florida notary, you cannot:
- Give legal advice or prepare legal documents
- Notarize your own signature
- Notarize documents where you have a financial or beneficial interest
- Notarize a document if the signer is not present (unless performing RON)
- Refuse to notarize based on race, gender, nationality, or religion
- Use the title "notario" or "notario publico" to imply you are an attorney
5. Consider the Signing Agent Path
With Florida's enormous real estate market, becoming a certified notary signing agent can transform your notary commission from a modest side income into a substantial business. Many Florida signing agents earn $50,000--$100,000+ annually.
6. Get Errors and Omissions Insurance
While not required by Florida law, E&O insurance protects you personally if a mistake during a notarization leads to financial harm. Policies are affordable at $25--$60 per year and provide valuable peace of mind.
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