Florida Notary

There are over 400,000 notaries in the state of Florida. The Florida Department of State is responsible for approving or rejecting Florida notary applications. The Florida notary application process is simple and straight forward. To qualify for a Florida notary commission, you must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Be a legal resident of the state of Florida
3. Have no criminal convictions or felonies
4. Be able to read, write, and understand the English language

Steps to become a notary in Florida:

1. Take the Florida notary education course. All first time Florida notary applicants must take a three-hour Florida notary course within one year prior to submitting their Florida notary applications. The Department of State’s Notary Education Program offers a free Florida notary course, which can be taken online, free of charge, at https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/index.html.

2. Purchase a Florida notary bond.  Contact a  Florida notary bonding agency that is approved to sell bonds in the state of Florida. It is also recommended that you find a  “one-stop-shopping” company like the American Association of Notaries that can handle issuing the Florida notary bond, submit your Florida notary application to the Governor’s Office, and manufacture your Florida notary stamp. You make one payment to the company for the Florida notary bond, the Florida notary application fee, and the Florida notary stamp. The Florida notary application fee is fixed by law  at $39. The Florida notary bond premium and the Florida notary stamp are priced differently depending on the company.
3. Complete the application. Most Florida notary agencies have an online application system with a wizard that guides you step by step through the application process. Florida notary applications with incomplete information or missing signatures will be returned to the Florida bonding agency that handled your application.  If you have been convicted of a felony, had adjudication withheld, or are on probation, you must submit the following documents:

• A written statement regarding the nature and circumstances of the charges.
• A copy of the Judgment and Sentencing Order.
• If convicted, a copy of the Certification of Restoration of Civil Rights (or pardon). The name of this document may vary depending on the state where the conviction occurred.

        4. Submit the Florida notary application. The Florida Department of State requires all Florida notary  applications to be submitted with original signatures. Faxed or copied applications will be rejected. Florida notary applications can only be submitted through a bonding agency approved by the State. 

      5. Receive your Florida notary commission certificate.  The process to approve your Florida notary application is around two weeks.  The Department of State will mail your notary commission certificate to your bonding agency, which will in turn mail you your Florida notary stamp.

The American Association of  Notaries can help you become a Florida Notary. Click here to start the Florida notary application process.