How to become a notary in Florida
Eligibility, a 3-hour course, a $7,500 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Florida Department of State, Notary Commissions & Certifications Section (appointments made by the Governor).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Legal resident of Florida, maintained for the whole 4-year term. A permanent resident alien may apply but must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with the application. No option for non-residents who only work in Florida; Must be able to read, write and understand English. The application asks about felony convictions; an applicant with a felony must state its nature and show restoration of civil rights. Application must include an affidavit of good character from a non-relative who has known the applicant for at least 1 year.
- Take the required notary course — 3 hours — First-time applicants must complete at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom notary education (including electronic notarization) within 1 year before applying, from a provider registered with the Executive Office of the Governor (s. 668.50(11)(b), F.S.). Not required for renewals.
- Buy a $7,500 surety bond — $7,500 surety bond for the full 4-year term, payable to anyone harmed by the notary's breach of duty, issued by a surety company authorized in Florida and filed with the Department of State together with the application and oath (s. 117.01(7), F.S.). Applications are normally submitted through a bonding agency.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprints or separate background check; the sworn application must disclose felony convictions and any revoked or suspended professional licenses.
- Apply to the Florida Department of State, Notary Commissions & Certifications Section (appointments made by the Governor) — Pay the $39 state fee. Other fees: The $39 state fee = $25 application fee + $10 commission fee + $4 surcharge (s. 117.01(2), F.S.); waived for wartime veterans with a 50%+ disability rating. Bonding agency charges (bond premium, processing) and the seal are extra and set by the vendor.
- Take the oath and file it — The oath of office is signed and filed with the application and bond (it includes swearing that you have read Chapter 117). No county filing step.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: rubber stamp seal in black ink with the words "Notary Public-State of Florida", the notary's name, commission expiration date and commission number. An embosser may be used in addition but never instead of the stamp. Journal: Recommended for paper notarizations; required (electronic journal) for online notarizations.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Florida's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Florida notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Florida Department of State, Notary Commissions & Certifications Section (appointments made by the Governor) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Legal resident of Florida, maintained for the whole 4-year term. A permanent resident alien may apply but must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with the application. No option for non-residents who only work in Florida. |
| Course | Required — 3 hours First-time applicants must complete at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom notary education (including electronic notarization) within 1 year before applying, from a provider registered with the Executive Office of the Governor (s. 668.50(11)(b), F.S.). Not required for renewals. |
| Exam | Not required No state exam. |
| State fee | $39 |
| Other fees | The $39 state fee = $25 application fee + $10 commission fee + $4 surcharge (s. 117.01(2), F.S.); waived for wartime veterans with a 50%+ disability rating. Bonding agency charges (bond premium, processing) and the seal are extra and set by the vendor. |
| Surety bond | $7,500 $7,500 surety bond for the full 4-year term, payable to anyone harmed by the notary's breach of duty, issued by a surety company authorized in Florida and filed with the Department of State together with the application and oath (s. 117.01(7), F.S.). Applications are normally submitted through a bonding agency. |
| E&O insurance | Optional (online notaries must carry $25,000 E&O) |
| Background check | No fingerprints or separate background check; the sworn application must disclose felony convictions and any revoked or suspended professional licenses. |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | The oath of office is signed and filed with the application and bond (it includes swearing that you have read Chapter 117). No county filing step. |
| Seal | Required: rubber stamp seal in black ink with the words "Notary Public-State of Florida", the notary's name, commission expiration date and commission number. An embosser may be used in addition but never instead of the stamp. |
| Journal | Recommended for paper notarizations; required (electronic journal) for online notarizations |
| Max fee per notarization | $10 per notarial act; up to $25 per online notarial act; marriage ceremonies capped at the clerk of court's fee; no fee for witnessing a vote-by-mail ballot |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Register with the Department of State as an online notary: hold a current commission, complete a classroom or online RON course, pay the $10 registration fee, name your RON service provider(s), and carry a $25,000 bond plus $25,000 errors & omissions insurance (ss. 117.225, 117.275, F.S.). |
| Renewal | No automatic reappointment: a renewing notary must complete the full application process again (application, new bond, oath, $39 fee); the 3-hour course is only required for first-time applicants. |
Florida notaries may solemnize marriages. 2025 law (ch. 2025-82) added a civil cause of action against anyone violating the foreign-language advertising and "notario publico" rules. The dos.fl.gov site blocks automated access, so values come from the Florida Statutes.
Sources: Florida Statutes s. 117.01 (appointment, fees, bond, oath) · Florida Statutes Chapter 117 (Notaries Public, incl. online notarization) · Florida Statutes s. 668.50(11)(b) (3-hour education requirement) · Florida Department of State - Notaries. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Florida notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Florida licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Florida insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Florida?
The state fee is $39, plus The $39 state fee = $25 application fee + $10 commission fee + $4 surcharge (s. 117.01(2), F.S.); waived for wartime veterans with a 50%+ disability rating. Bonding agency charges (bond premium, processing) and the seal are extra and set by the vendor.. Add the premium for the $7,500 bond, the course, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Florida?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Florida?
Florida requires a 3-hour course, a $7,500 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Florida?
$10 per notarial act; up to $25 per online notarial act; marriage ceremonies capped at the clerk of court's fee; no fee for witnessing a vote-by-mail ballot.
Can I be an online notary in Florida?
Yes. Register with the Department of State as an online notary: hold a current commission, complete a classroom or online RON course, pay the $10 registration fee, name your RON service provider(s), and carry a $25,000 bond plus $25,000 errors & omissions insurance (ss. 117.225, 117.275, F.S.).