Essential Facts Every Florida Notary Public Should Know

I have been a Florida notary public since 2008. For many years, I primarily used my commission to serve employers, family, and friends. At the time, it was more of a helpful resource in the workplace and for loved ones rather than a tool to generate personal income. However, after significant changes in my life, I began to see my notary commission as a real opportunity to earn additional income while continuing to provide valuable services to my community. Like many of you who may be considering expanding your notary services or starting a notary business, my first step was research. I wanted to fully understand the dos and don’ts outlined in the Governor’s Notary Reference Manual, the associated costs, and the legal responsibilities.

This blog post is the result of that research, a breakdown of key facts from the manual that I hope will help you on your journey. While I have aimed to make this guide practical and easy to follow, I still strongly encourage you to read the full Governor’s Notary Reference Manual for yourself. You’ll find a link at the bottom of this post.

Qualifications & Commission Basics

• You must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state of Florida.

• A $7,500 surety bond is required before performing duties.

• Your term lasts four years, and you must renew; there are no automatic reappointments.

• If convicted of a felony, your civil rights must be restored to qualify.

Your Official Seal

• A rubber stamp seal in black ink with:

  • “Notary Public – State of Florida”

  • Your name as commissioned

  • Commission number

  • Expiration date

• Your seal is your property. Never surrender it, even if your employer paid for it.

Duties of a Notary Public

Florida notaries are authorized to:

• Administer oaths or affirmations

• Take acknowledgments

• Solemnize marriages (with a valid Florida marriage license)

• Attest to photocopies of non-vital, non-public records

• Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs)

• Certify safe-deposit box contents

Identifying Signers

• Signer must appear in person or via approved online technology.

• Acceptable ID: FL driver’s license, U.S. or foreign passport (with USCIS stamp), military ID, etc.

• Credible witnesses can be used if ID is not available, under strict conditions.

Fees

• Up to $10 per notarial act

• Up to $30 for marriage ceremonies

• No fee allowed for absentee ballot witnessing

Prohibited Acts

• Never notarize for a spouse, parent, or child.

• Never notarize incomplete documents.

• Never notarize without the signer being present.

• Never provide legal advice unless you’re licensed to practice law.

• Never alter a document or certificate after it has been signed.

Electronic & Online Notarization

• Use secure, tamper-evident technology.

• Your electronic signature must be unique and under your control.

• Clearly indicate online notarization on the certificate.

Reporting & Resigning

• Notify the Department of State within 60 days of any change to your address, name, or criminal record.

• If you move out of Florida, you must resign your commission.

Bonus Tips

• Keep a notary journal (not required, but highly recommended).

• When solemnizing marriages, return the completed license to the Clerk of Court within 10 days.

Read the full Governor’s Notary Reference Manual here: Governor’s Notary Reference Manual

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Readers should consult a licensed attorney for legal guidance regarding their specific situation.