How Much Does It Cost To Become a Notary in Florida?

A Florida notary public is person of high integrity appointed by the Governor as a public servant to help deter fraud and to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. A document notarized by a Florida notary public will assure a receiving party that the signers’ identities have been verified and the document was signed on the date stated on the notarial certificate.

Becoming a notary in Florida is inexpensive. The notary application process is a little lengthy but straightforward. It costs less than $150 for a four-year Florida notary commission term. This includes the notary application fee, the four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond, a Florida notary stamp, a notary journal, the notary course fee, and shipping fees for your notary supplies.

Here is a breakdown of the costs to become a Florida notary:

1- Florida notary course

All new Florida notary applicants must take a three-hour Florida notary course within one year before applying to become a Florida notary. The Florida Governor’s Office has developed a notary course available to all Florida notaries free of charge. At the completion of the course, a Florida notary applicant can print a certificate of completion that must be included with the notary application. Click here to take the free Florida notary course.

2- Florida notary application fee

Florida notary applicants must include a $39 notary application fee with the notary application they submit to the bonding agency. This fee is set by Florida notary law. Florida notary applications submitted without the required application fee will be rejected and returned to the notary applicant by the bonding company.

3- Florida notary bond  

The cost of a four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond is $40. Florida notary law requires all notary bonds to be issued by an insurance or bonding company authorized to do business in Florida. Florida notary bonds protect the public from notary errors. If a Florida notary commits fraud or an error while performing a notarial act, the surety company pays for the claim resulting from the Florida notary’s negligent act. However, the surety company will later approach the notary for reimbursement of the amount paid.

4- Florida notary stamp  

The cost of a Florida notary stamp ranges from $18.00-$29.00, depending on the vendor. The American Association of notaries manufactures different types of notary stamps that comply with Florida notary laws and guarantees your notary stamp for the full duration of your notary commission. When you receive your Florida notary stamp, make sure the information on the Florida notary stamp matches the name on your notary commission certificate.

5- Florida notary record book

Florida notary law does not require notaries to record notarial acts in a notary record book (also called a notary journal).  However, the American Association of Notaries recommends that all Florida notaries document notarial acts that they perform in a notary journal. Florida notaries may be required to appear in court to prove that, at a particular time, a person who insists he or she did not sign the document did in fact appear before the notary. A properly maintained record book will enable the notary to prove that. Record books are inexpensive and range in price from $9.95- $24.95.

How long does it take to become a Florida notary?

It takes around two weeks for the Governor’s Office to approve your Florida notary application provided that no information or signatures on the Florida notary application are missing.  

The American Association of Notaries is a one-stop-shop for all your Florida notary needs. All our Florida notary stamps are manufactured in-house and made of the highest quality products. We only use A+ rated notary bonding companies for your protection.

If you are interested in becoming a notary in Florida, please click here to start the Florida notary application process.