Thinking about becoming a notary in Florida? Smart move. This isn't some fancy career shift, but it's a solid side gig that puts cash in your pocket. I got my stamp five years back when working at a real estate office – best $200-ish I ever spent. Let's skip the fluff and break down exactly how to become a notary in Florida without the headaches I had when I started.
Who Even Qualifies to Be a Florida Notary?
Florida doesn't mess around with requirements. You gotta tick these boxes:
- Be breathing and at least 18 years old
- Live in Florida full-time (tourists and snowbirds need not apply)
- Read and write English – no exceptions
- Have a clean-ish record (more on felonies later)
That residency part? They mean business. When I applied, my buddy got rejected because he split time between Tampa and Atlanta. Prove residency with a Florida driver's license or state ID. Student IDs won't cut it.
Felony Dealbreakers
Had a felony conviction? Automatic disqualification unless you've had your civil rights restored. Misdemeanors get reviewed case-by-case. My cousin had a DUI from college – took six extra weeks for approval. Annoying but worth it.
The Nuts and Bolts: Florida Notary Requirements Explained
Here's where most people get tripped up. Becoming a notary public in Florida isn't just filling forms. There's coursework and a bond situation that confused me for weeks.
Mandatory Course You Can't Skip
Florida forces you through a 3-hour approved education course. Costs between $35-$50. I did mine online at 11 PM while eating cold pizza. Passed fine.
| Course Provider | Format | Price Range | What I Thought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notary2Pro | Online self-paced | $39 | Dry but got the job done |
| FL Notary Association | Live webinar | $45 | More interactive, better for slow readers |
| Local community colleges | In-person | $35-$50 | Waste of gas unless you love classrooms |
After the course, you get a completion certificate. Print three copies – one for state, one for your files, one because you'll lose the first two.
The $7,500 Bond Headache
This confused me most. You need a $7,500 surety bond from an insurance company. Costs $50-$100 every four years. No, it's not insurance for YOU – it protects clients if you screw up.
I used SuretyBonds.com and paid $86. Took ten minutes online. Still think it's a racket, but what can you do?
Florida Notary Application: Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Finally, the actual process for how to become a notary in Florida:
- Create an account on the Florida Department of State's online portal
- Upload your course certificate PDF
- Enter bond info (company name, bond number, effective date)
- Pay the $39 state fee (non-refundable, obviously)
- Wait 2-3 weeks for approval email
My application got flagged because my bond date was off by one day. Triple-check dates!
Oath of Office Ritual
After approval, you'll take an oath before any Florida notary or court clerk. Costs $10-$25. I did mine at UPS Store. Felt weird being sworn in next to someone shipping Amazon returns.
Breaking Down Every Dollar It Costs
Let's talk real numbers – because nobody warned me about the nickel-and-diming:
| Expense | Mandatory? | Cost Range | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Course | YES | $35-$50 | State-approved providers |
| State Application Fee | YES | $39 | Florida Dept of State |
| Surety Bond | YES | $50-$100 | Insurance agencies |
| Notary Stamp | YES | $15-$30 | Online vendors |
| Journal | NO (but essential) | $12-$25 | Office supply stores |
| E&O Insurance | NO (but smart) | $30-$60/year | Notary associations |
Real Talk: My total startup cost was $217. You'll make it back after 20-30 notarizations. Avoid cheap stamps – my $8 eBay special smeared ink on a mortgage doc. Not fun.
Must-Buy Gear Beyond the Stamp
Florida requires an official seal. Get an embosser or ink stamp with:
- Your name exactly as commissioned
- "Notary Public - State of Florida"
- Your commission number
- Expiration date (optional but recommended)
Top stamp vendors Floridians actually use:
- Notary.net (fast shipping)
- Office Depot in-store (overpriced but instant)
- American Association of Notaries (bulk discounts)
- Notary Rotary (best for laser stamps)
- Staples (online orders only)
Journals aren't mandatory in Florida, but I wouldn't work without one. Saw a notary get sued last year – her journal saved her from a forged signature claim. Get one with sewn binding, not glue.
Getting Paid: Florida's Fee Rules
State law caps what you can charge. Break these rules and kiss your commission goodbye:
- Acknowledgements: $10 max
- Oaths/Affirmations: $10 max
- Jurat: $10 max
- Copy certification: $10 max (only if you're an attorney!)
Travel fees? Totally fine if agreed upfront. I charge $25 travel + $10 per stamp for mobile jobs. Made $140 last Saturday driving to retirement homes.
Renewal Hassles Nobody Talks About
Commissions last four years. Renewals are worse than the initial application because:
- You retake the damn 3-hour course (yes, really)
- New bond purchase required
- Same $39 fee
- Processing takes 4+ weeks near expiration
Set phone reminders 120 days before expiration. I missed mine by 12 days once and had to restart the whole process. Learned that $200 lesson so you don't have to.
Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Commission
Florida suspends hundreds of notaries yearly for these slip-ups:
- Notarizing without signer present (HUGE no-no with remote work now)
- "Backdating" stamps (just don't)
- Notarizing for spouses or relatives
- Using expired commission dates on your seal
A notary in Miami got busted last year for charging $25 per stamp. State fined her $1,000 plus revocation.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Update
Since 2020, Florida allows RON. Requirements added:
- Extra 2-hour RON training course ($20-$30)
- Approved tech platform like Notarize or DocVerify
- Digital journaling tool
Worth it? I make 60% of my income from RON now. Setup costs around $300 but pays off fast.
Florida Notary FAQs: Real Questions from My Clients
"How long does becoming a notary in Florida actually take?"
4-6 weeks start to finish. Course takes a day, state processing drags. Expedited? Doesn't exist – government speed, remember?
"Can felons become notaries in Florida?"
Generally no. Unless civil rights restored AND 10+ years post-sentence. Even then, it's iffy. My advice? Don't waste the $39 fee if you've got a felony.
"What's the fastest way to become a notary in Florida?"
Online course → bond purchase → immediate application → pre-buy supplies. Still takes minimum 3 weeks. Anyone promising "instant commission" is lying.
"Do Florida notaries need E&O insurance?"
Legally? No. Smart? Absolutely. My policy costs $47/year through NNA. Covers up to $25k in screw-ups. Worth every penny when dealing with property deeds.
"Can I notarize for family?"
Technically yes if not financially involved. Practically? Don't do it. Saw a custody agreement invalidated because the notary was the aunt. Just pay someone else the $10.
Why This Beats Other State Processes
Compared to states like California or New York, Florida makes it easier because:
- No background check fingerprinting (unlike CA)
- No exams beyond the course quiz (looking at you, NY)
- Four-year terms instead of two (thank heavens)
Still not painless, but manageable. If I could change one thing? Kill the mandatory bond requirement. It protects clients more than notaries.
Final Reality Check
Learning how to become a notary in Florida is straightforward but tedious. Budget $200-$300 and six weeks. Is it worth it? For me, absolutely. I clear $800/month part-time doing mortgage closings.
But here's the raw truth: You won't get rich. Most make $15-$50/hour after expenses. The real value? Flexibility. I work beachside with my laptop between surf sessions.
Just avoid shady shortcuts. That commission paper looks cheap until you lose it over a $10 overcharge. Now go get stamped!
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