A notary public in Florida is an impartial witness appointed by the state to verify the authenticity of a variety of legal documents, including contracts, deeds, and powers of attorney. The purpose of having a notary is to deter fraud and ensure transactions are carried out voluntarily and properly. As a notary, you are granted the power to verify a person’s identity, witness signatures, and administer oaths, among other responsibilities. As a notary public in Florida, you will serve an important function in the legal, business, financial, and real estate communities. If you’re interested in becoming a notary public in Florida, there are several steps to the process, including meeting certain qualifications, completing the mandatory education, applying to become a notary, obtaining a bond, submitting your application, and finally, getting your notary supplies.
Meet the Basic Qualifications
To become a notary in Florida, you need to meet several basic qualifications. These include being at least 18 years of age and being a legal resident of Florida. You also need to be able to read, write, and understand English proficiently, as you will often be dealing with complex legal documents. In terms of legal history, you must not have any felony convictions unless your civil rights have been restored by the state. If you can meet these qualifications, then you are eligible to begin the process of becoming a notary.
| Criteria | |
| Age | Minimum 18 years old |
| Residency | Legal resident of Florida |
| Language Proficiency | Able to read, write, and understand English |
| Criminal History | No felony convictions unless civil rights have been restored |
Complete the Mandatory Training Course
The state of Florida mandates that all potential notaries complete a specific training course. This course is designed to ensure that notaries fully understand their role, responsibilities, and the legal implications of their work. The course covers Florida notary laws, best practices, ethical considerations, and provides practical examples of notary tasks. While the course is comprehensive, it is also convenient – it is generally offered online and can be completed at your own pace.
Fill Out the Notary Public Application
Once you have completed the required training, the next step is to fill out a Notary Public Application. The Florida Department of State provides this application, which you can typically find online. It will require some detailed personal information, along with answers to questions about your past, especially in relation to criminal history and any disciplinary actions you may have faced. Remember to attach your Certificate of Completion from the notary training course to your application.
Purchase a Notary Bond
The state of Florida requires all notaries to have a notary bond worth $7,500. This bond protects the public by providing a financial guarantee against any errors or omissions you may make as a notary. The bond does not protect the notary and is not a replacement for professional liability insurance. You can purchase a notary bond from an authorized insurance or surety company. This is a critical step, as your application cannot proceed without it. The bond must be submitted with your application.
Submit the Application and Await Approval
After you’ve compiled all the necessary components – the completed application, the training certificate, and the bond – you’re ready to submit everything to the Florida Department of State. Keep in mind that the approval process might take a few weeks. Once approved, your Notary Commission Certificate, which allows you to legally operate as a notary public in Florida, will be mailed to you.
Purchase Your Notary Supplies
Once you’ve received your Notary Commission Certificate, the final step to becoming a notary in Florida is to get your notary supplies. These tools are essential for carrying out your duties. Typically, you will need a notary seal that meets Florida’s specifications, a record book to log your notarizations, and optionally, an inkless thumb printer for additional fraud prevention. After acquiring these supplies, you’ll be well-prepared to start your journey as a notary public in Florida.
Ongoing Responsibilities and Renewal
As a notary public, your responsibilities include verifying the identity of the signatories, ensuring they are aware of the contents of the documents, and are not under duress or coercion to sign. Every interaction must be recorded in your notary journal. The renewal process is simple but essential. The commission of a Florida notary public is for four years, so you must remember to renew your commission by completing a renewal form, undergoing the training again, and purchasing a new bond before your current commission expires.
Step-by-Step List to Become a Notary in Florida
- Check your Eligibility: Are you at least 18 years old, a legal Florida resident, proficient in English, and free from felony convictions?
- Complete the Mandatory Training Course: Find an approved notary education course and complete it.
- Fill Out the Notary Public Application: Ensure you fill out all sections of the application accurately and include your training certificate.
- Purchase a Notary Bond: Purchase a $7,500 bond from a licensed provider.
- Submit the Application: Send your completed application along with the bond to the Florida Department of State.
- Wait for Approval: Wait for the approval which may take a few weeks.
- Purchase Your Notary Supplies: Buy a notary seal and record book, and consider an inkless thumb printer.
- Begin Your Duties as a Notary: Start providing notary services, making sure to record every transaction in your record book.
- Renew Your Commission: Keep track of your four-year commission period and remember to renew before it expires.
Regular Responsibilities and Tasks of a Notary Public
Here’s a list of regular tasks and responsibilities you may have to perform as a notary public in Florida:
- Identify the Signatories: You must verify the identity of each person signing the document.
- Witness the Signing: You must personally witness the signatories sign the document.
- Ensure Signatories’ Willingness: You must ensure that signatories are not being forced or coerced into signing the document.
- Notarize the Document: You must use your notary seal to notarize the document.
- Record the Act: Every notarial act must be recorded in your notary journal.
Renewal of Notary Commission in Florida
Remember, your notary commission is valid for four years. After that, you will need to renew your commission to continue offering notary services. Here’s a quick checklist for the renewal process:
- Check Commission Expiry Date: Keep track of your commission expiry date.
- Complete Renewal Course: If required, complete a state-approved renewal course.
- Fill Out Renewal Form: Fill out the Notary Public Commission renewal form.
- Submit the Renewal Form: Submit the completed renewal form to the Florida Department of State.
- Wait for Approval: Wait for the approval of your renewal, which may take a few weeks.
Additional Resources and Information
Becoming a notary public is an important undertaking. As such, it’s crucial that you have access to the right resources and information to ensure your success. The Florida Department of State has a wealth of information on becoming a notary, including application forms, training resources, and additional eligibility requirements.
For detailed information on becoming a notary in Florida, visit the Florida Department of State’s Notary Commissions and Certifications Section. Here, you’ll find detailed instructions on the application process, training course providers, a list of required supplies, and more. This resource also provides valuable information about the renewal process, as well as helpful tips and best practices for carrying out your duties as a notary.
Remember, it’s essential to stay updated and informed about any changes in notary public regulations and procedures, as these can directly impact your role and responsibilities. Keep referring back to this trusted government resource to ensure you are performing your duties in accordance with state laws and regulations.