What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to administer oaths; to take acknowledgments of
deeds and other instruments; to attest to or certify photocopies of certain documents; and to perform other duties specified by law. A notary public
serves as an impartial witness to facilitate the workings of commerce and law by lending credibility to certain sensitive signed documents. When a
document is notarized, the public can be assured that its signer is not an impostor and any contracting parties can be assured that the document they
have signed - and no other - will have full force and effect.
The Florida State Statutes that govern and regulate the Notary Public are: Title X, Chapter 117 (Notary Public); Title XL, Chapter 695 (Record of
Conveyance of Real Estate); and, Title X, Chapter 118 (Florida International Notaries).
The Florida Notary Public is bonded for $7500. The Florida Notary Public uses an “inking seal” for paper documents (the “seal embosser” is not
required by law but may be needed for documents sent out of the country). Thumb-printing, although not required by law, is being used more and
more to help deter fraud.
Florida Notary Fees (maximum, by law)
The Notary Public has the option to charge or not to charge for their services, or any fees up to the maximum. Overcharging more than the legally
prescribed fees is reason for the Governor to suspend a Notary’s commission (Statues, Section 117.01 [4][I]).
The “travel fees” charged by a Notary are not specified by law. Such fees should be charged only if the Notary and signer agree beforehand on the
amount to be charged. The signer should understand that a travel fee is not stipulated in law and is a private arrangement separate from the notarial
fees described herein.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary with special expertise in notarizing loan document signing. He or she is hired as an independent contractor by
either a real estate lender, a closing agent (i.e., a title or escrow firm), or a signing service to ensure that loan documents are delivered to and signed
by a borrower, then notarized as necessary and returned for processing in a timely manner.
How to Become a Florida Notary Public
Learn what steps to take to become a Notary Public in Florida.
Notary Education Program
Take the interactive education program designed for first time applicants for a notary commission.
Sample Documents
These are sample notarial documents for an oath or affirmation, an acknowledgement in an individual capacity, and a certified copy.
Notary Forms
Download the application packet and Change of Name form.
10 Guiding Principles
I. The Notary shall, as a government officer and public servant, serve all of the public in an honest, fair and unbiased manner.
II. The Notary shall act as an impartial witness and not profit or gain from any document or transaction requiring a notarial act, apart from the fee
allowed by statute.
III. The Notary shall require the presence of each signer and oath-taker in order to carefully screen each for identity and willingness, and to observe
that each appears aware of the significance of the transaction requiring a notarial act.
IV. The Notary shall not execute a false or incomplete certificate, nor be involved with any document or transaction that the Notary believes is false,
deceptive or fraudulent.
V. The Notary shall give precedence to the rules of law over the dictates or expectations of any person or entity.
VI. The Notary shall act as a ministerial officer and not provide unauthorized advice or services.
VII. The Notary shall affix a seal on every notarized document and not allow this universally recognized symbol of office to be used by another or in
an endorsement or promotion.
VIII. The Notary shall record every notarial act in a bound journal or other secure recording device and safeguard it as an important public record.
IX. The Notary shall respect the privacy of each signer and not divulge or use personal or proprietary information disclosed during execution of a
notarial act for other than an official purpose.
X. The Notary shall seek instruction on notarization, and keep current on the laws, practices and requirements of the notarial office.
A notary public is a public officer appointed and commissioned by the Governor whose function is to administer oaths; to take acknowledgments of
deeds and other instruments; to attest to or certify photocopies of certain documents; and to perform other duties specified by law. A notary public
serves as an impartial witness to facilitate the workings of commerce and law by lending credibility to certain sensitive signed documents. When a
document is notarized, the public can be assured that its signer is not an impostor and any contracting parties can be assured that the document they
have signed - and no other - will have full force and effect.
The Florida State Statutes that govern and regulate the Notary Public are: Title X, Chapter 117 (Notary Public); Title XL, Chapter 695 (Record of
Conveyance of Real Estate); and, Title X, Chapter 118 (Florida International Notaries).
The Florida Notary Public is bonded for $7500. The Florida Notary Public uses an “inking seal” for paper documents (the “seal embosser” is not
required by law but may be needed for documents sent out of the country). Thumb-printing, although not required by law, is being used more and
more to help deter fraud.
Florida Notary Fees (maximum, by law)
The Notary Public has the option to charge or not to charge for their services, or any fees up to the maximum. Overcharging more than the legally
prescribed fees is reason for the Governor to suspend a Notary’s commission (Statues, Section 117.01 [4][I]).
The “travel fees” charged by a Notary are not specified by law. Such fees should be charged only if the Notary and signer agree beforehand on the
amount to be charged. The signer should understand that a travel fee is not stipulated in law and is a private arrangement separate from the notarial
fees described herein.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A Notary Signing Agent is a Notary with special expertise in notarizing loan document signing. He or she is hired as an independent contractor by
either a real estate lender, a closing agent (i.e., a title or escrow firm), or a signing service to ensure that loan documents are delivered to and signed
by a borrower, then notarized as necessary and returned for processing in a timely manner.
How to Become a Florida Notary Public
Learn what steps to take to become a Notary Public in Florida.
Notary Education Program
Take the interactive education program designed for first time applicants for a notary commission.
Sample Documents
These are sample notarial documents for an oath or affirmation, an acknowledgement in an individual capacity, and a certified copy.
Notary Forms
Download the application packet and Change of Name form.
10 Guiding Principles
I. The Notary shall, as a government officer and public servant, serve all of the public in an honest, fair and unbiased manner.
II. The Notary shall act as an impartial witness and not profit or gain from any document or transaction requiring a notarial act, apart from the fee
allowed by statute.
III. The Notary shall require the presence of each signer and oath-taker in order to carefully screen each for identity and willingness, and to observe
that each appears aware of the significance of the transaction requiring a notarial act.
IV. The Notary shall not execute a false or incomplete certificate, nor be involved with any document or transaction that the Notary believes is false,
deceptive or fraudulent.
V. The Notary shall give precedence to the rules of law over the dictates or expectations of any person or entity.
VI. The Notary shall act as a ministerial officer and not provide unauthorized advice or services.
VII. The Notary shall affix a seal on every notarized document and not allow this universally recognized symbol of office to be used by another or in
an endorsement or promotion.
VIII. The Notary shall record every notarial act in a bound journal or other secure recording device and safeguard it as an important public record.
IX. The Notary shall respect the privacy of each signer and not divulge or use personal or proprietary information disclosed during execution of a
notarial act for other than an official purpose.
X. The Notary shall seek instruction on notarization, and keep current on the laws, practices and requirements of the notarial office.
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