Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$39
Issuing Authority
Governor of Florida
Journal
OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Florida distinctive
- Florida permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Florida does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Florida authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Florida is one of only a few states authorizing notaries to solemnize marriages
- Journal NOT required for traditional notaries but strongly recommended as best practice
- Journal MANDATORY for RON with 10-year retention
- RON requires separate registration, 2-hour course, $25K bond, $25K E&O insurance
- HB 915 (effective July 1, 2025): Prohibits immigration-related terms in advertising by non-attorney notaries
Regulatory Authority
Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
FL Stat Chapter 117
Notaries Public
Primary statutory authority for Florida notaries
FL Stat § 117.01
Appointment of notaries public; qualifications; application; commission; term; fees
Commission requirements, fees, qualifications, 4-year term
FL Stat § 117.05
Powers and duties of notaries public
Defines scope of authority, certificate requirements, identification methods, journal provisions
FL Stat § 117.045
Solemnization of matrimony
Authorization for notaries to perform marriage ceremonies, up to $30 fee
FL Stat § 117.201 et seq.
Online Notarizations
Remote online notarization authorization, requirements, registration
FL Stat § 117.245
Use of electronic journal by online notary public
Electronic journal requirements for RON, 10-year retention
FL Stat § 117.265
Standards for online notarization
RON platform requirements, identity proofing, credential analysis
FL Stat § 741.07
Who may solemnize matrimony
Authorization for notaries public to solemnize marriages
HB 915 (2025)
Notary Public Advertising Restrictions
Prohibits immigration-related terms in advertising by non-attorney notaries (effective July 1, 2025)
FL Stat § 117.05
HB 915 - Notary Fraud Remedies
Enhanced civil remedies for victims of notary fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Florida?
A Florida notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Florida?
Florida charges $39 as the application fee to the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Florida require a notary bond?
No. Florida does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Florida?
Journal requirements in Florida are: OptionalTraditionalMandatoryRON. Consult the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Florida?
Yes. Florida notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section.
Can Florida notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Florida authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Florida notaries use?
Florida notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Florida cap notary fees?
Yes. Florida sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fee per notarial act is $10 (FL Stat § 117.05), except marriage ceremonies up to $30 (FL Stat § 117.045)
Who regulates notaries in Florida?
Florida notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Can Florida notaries solemnize marriages?
Yes. Florida is one of a small number of states that authorize notaries public to solemnize marriages. The exact ceremony format and recordkeeping requirements are governed by both notary law and family law in the state — consult both before officiating.
Does Florida authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Florida authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Florida notaries perform?
Florida notaries are authorized to perform 12 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Florida?
Start your application through the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations - Notary Public Section.
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