How to Become a Notary in Florida
Learn about Florida notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Florida law.
Florida requires notary applicants to complete a mandatory 3-hour education course from a state-approved provider (Fla. Stat. § 117.01). Additionally, notaries performing online notarizations must complete a separate course on electronic and online notarization. Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not replace the state-mandated education course or examination.
Florida Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Florida.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Florida requires notaries performing online notarizations to maintain an electronic journal of all online notarial acts (Fla. Stat. § 117.265). For traditional in-person notarizations, maintaining a j...
Fees & Seals
Florida notaries may charge up to $10.00 per notarial act for in-person notarizations (Fla. Stat. § 117.05(12)). For online notarizations, the fee cap is $25.00 per act. An additional $10.00 travel fe...
Key Topics Covered for Florida
Master these essential areas of Florida notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Florida Statute § 117.05(4), a notary taking an acknowledgment must determine that the signer personally appeared (physically or via online notarization), was properly identi...
Journals & Records
Florida requires notaries performing online notarizations to maintain an electronic journal of all online notarial acts (Fla. Stat. § 117.265). For traditional in-person notarizati...
Identity Verification
For in-person notarizations, Florida Statute § 117.05(5) requires the notary to identify the signer through: (1) personal knowledge; (2) a current identification document with phot...
RON Specifics
Florida was one of the first states to enact comprehensive RON legislation (Fla. Stat. § 117.201 et seq.), effective January 1, 2020. Notaries must register as Online Notaries with...
Prohibited Acts
Florida notaries must not: notarize their own signature (Fla. Stat. § 117.05(1)); notarize without the signer's presence (except online notarization); act when the notary is a part...
Fees & Seals
Florida notaries may charge up to $10.00 per notarial act for in-person notarizations (Fla. Stat. § 117.05(12)). For online notarizations, the fee cap is $25.00 per act. An additio...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Florida
Mistakes that Florida notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to complete the mandatory 3-hour education course before applying for a notary commission.
Performing online notarizations without completing the separate online notarization education course and registering as an Online Notary.
Not retaining audio-visual recordings of online notarization sessions for the full 10-year period.
Charging more than the statutory fee caps ($10.00 in-person, $25.00 online).
Using the title 'Notario Publico' or implying attorney status when not a licensed attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Florida.
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