This guide walks you through the complete process of becoming a Florida notary public, from eligibility and training to commissioning and compliance. It also includes Florida fee limits (2026), ready-to-use jurat and acknowledgment certificate examples, and practical examples for notarizing common business documents. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist you can follow to get commissioned and start offering notary services professionally.
Steps to Become a Florida Notary
Meet eligibility requirements (18+, Florida resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
Complete the mandatory 3-hour Florida Notary Education Course (a free version is available from the Florida Department of State).
Purchase a $7,500 Florida notary surety bond.
Submit your application packet through a bonding agency (includes DS-DE 77, DS-DE 76, and your certificate of completion; $39 fee).
Wait for approval by the Governor.
Purchase your official Florida notary seal (must contain required information; a reproducible black-ink rubber stamp is required).
Maintain compliance (notify the state within 60 days of address or legal name changes).
Florida Notary Fee Schedule (2026)
Service
Maximum Fee
Acknowledgment (per signature)
$10
Jurat (per signature)
$10
Oath or affirmation (without signature)
$10
Attesting to a photocopy
$10
Verifying a VIN
$10
Certifying safe-deposit box contents
$10
Solemnizing a marriage
$30
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
$25
Mobile travel fees
No statutory limit (must be reasonable and disclosed)
Notarial Certificate Examples
Florida Jurat Certificate
State of Florida
County of ________
Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this ___ day of __________, 20__, by __________________________, who is personally known to me or produced __________________________ as identification.
Notary Public – State of Florida
Signature: ____________________
Name (printed): _______________
Commission No.: ______________
Expires: ______________________
Florida Acknowledgment Certificate
State of Florida
County of ________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online notarization, this ___ day of __________, 20__, by __________________________.
Who is personally known to me ☐ or produced ______________________ as identification.
______________________________
Notary Public – State of Florida
My Commission Expires: _________
Notarizing Documents for Businesses
Corporate Resolution: Signer is “John Smith, Authorized Officer for ABC Holdings, LLC” — notary verifies identity of the individual and uses an acknowledgment certificate.
Contract or Vendor Agreement: Signer is “Maria Lopez, CEO, SunGate Logistics, Inc.” — signer acknowledges signing on behalf of the corporation; notary completes an acknowledgment.
Employer Authorization Letter: HR Director signing for the employer — often requires a jurat if the document includes sworn statements.
Business formation documents, partnership agreements, licensing documents — use a corporate acknowledgment certificate with the signer’s title and company name.
Sample Notary Invoice
INVOICE
Business Name: Florida Mobile Notary Services
Date: __________
Client: ___________________________
Notarial Services
• 3 Acknowledgments (3 × $10) ................ $30
• 1 Jurat ................................................. $10
• 1 Oath/Affirmation .................................. $10
• Attesting to photocopy ........................... $10
Non-Notarial / Permitted Fees
• Mobile travel fee (20 miles round-trip) ..... $25
• Printing/scanning (if applicable) ............... $10
Total Due: ........................................... $95
Payment Due Upon Completion
Additional Permitted Fees
Travel/Mobile fees: Reasonable amount, must be disclosed and itemized separately.
After-hours or emergency service fees.
Document printing, scanning, or courier services.
Wait time fees.
RON platform fees (commonly added for remote notarizations).
Note: All additional fees must be fully disclosed in advance and listed separately from notarial act fees.
Important Reminders
Signer must appear in person (or via approved RON).
Verify signer’s identity with acceptable ID.
Ensure the document is complete before notarizing.
Never choose certificate type for the signer (unauthorized legal advice).
Complete a full notarial certificate for every act.
No fee allowed for vote-by-mail ballots.
Notary must be physically in Florida at the time of notarization.
Click this link for the Secretary of State Website for Florida
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