How to Become a Notary in the State of Florida

To become a Florida notary, you must complete a three hours notary course, complete a Florida notary application,  purchase a Florida notary bond, and meet the Florida State notary qualifications. Our information listed below will guide you step-by-step to become a Florida notary.

To become a Florida notary, a notary applicant must be:

1. 18 years of age or older,
2. A legal resident of the state of Florida,
3. A U.S. citizen or a permanent resident,
4. Able to read, write, and understand the English language,
5. Free of any felony conviction, or, if convicted of a felony, have had their civil rights restored,

If you meet the above qualifications you can apply to become a Florida notary by:

1. Taking the State's notary education course.
2. Purchasing a four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond from an approved bonding agency and paying the state filling fee.
3. Completing an application.
4. Mailing the application to your bonding agency with a copy of your signed certificate of completion for the three-hour course.

How can I start the Florida notary application process to become a Florida notary?

To become a Florida notary, please follow the instructions listed in the previous section on becoming a Florida notary. Click here for more information on how to become a Florida notary and read our Florida law section. More information can be found at the Florida Secretary of State's website.

How much does it cost to become a Florida notary?

To become a Florida notary, you must purchase a four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond and pay the state filling fee. The cost of the bond is only $40.00, and the state filling fee is $39.00. Both can be purchase at the American Association of Notaries' website https://www.floridanotaries.com/how-to-become-a-florida-notary/. You also need a Florida notary stamp (prices will vary based on the notary stamp you select). Please visit https://www.floridanotaries.com/notary-stamps for notary stamps and supplies.

How long does it take to become a Florida notary public?

If your notary application is completed correctly and all other requirements are met, it usually takes about two to three weeks for the Florida Secretary of State to approve the application and mail your notary public commission certificate to your bonding agency.

What is the length of a Florida notary commission?

A Florida notary term is four years. To verify when your term begins and ends, you'll have to look at the effective and expiration dates of your Florida notary public commission certificate that was issued to you when your application was approved. To continue performing notarial acts as a Florida notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your Florida notary commission.

Where do I purchase the four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond and pay the state filling fee?

The Florida notary bond can be purchased and the state filling fee can be paid online at https://www.floridanotaries.com/florida-notary-bond. The cost for the four-year, $7,500 Florida notary bond is $40.00, and the filling fee is $39.00. Once you provide us with the original application and a copy of your signed course completion certificate, we'll be able to submit the notary bond and state filling fee to the Florida Secretary of State.

Why do I need a Florida notary bond?

The state of Florida requires all notary applicants to purchase a Florida notary bond to protect the public from any errors and omissions the notary may commit.

Does the Florida notary bond protect me if I get sued?

No. To protect yourself as a Florida notary, you need to purchase a Florida errors and omissions policy (E&O). This policy will cover any unintentional errors or omissions made by the notary.

Do I need to purchase a Florida notary errors and omissions Policy (E&O)?

The Florida notary errors and omissions insurance policy (E&O) is optional but highly recommended. It is very affordable and covers you even if a claim is invalid. We offer E&O policies at https://www.floridanotaries.com/notary-insurance.

Do I need to purchase a Florida notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Florida notary?

After becoming a Florida notary, to perform notarial acts in the state of Florida, you need at minimum a Florida notary stamp. A Florida notary record book, sometimes called a journal, is recommended by the Florida Secretary of State but is not required. A Florida notary stamp must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a notary rubber stamp.
2. Make an impression that is clear, legible, and capable of photographic reproduction.
3. Use black ink.
4. Include the notary public's name.
5. Include the notary's commission expiration date.
6. Include the notary's commission number.
7. Include the words "Notary Public-State of Florida".

How do I order a Florida notary stamp and record book?

Please go to https://www.floridanotaries.com/notary-stamps to order your Florida notary supplies. All our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

How can I train to become a Florida notary?

The Florida Secretary of State has a notary education program on its website at https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/index.html. The Governor's Notary Public Reference Manual is available for download at https://www.flgov.com/notary.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Florida notary.