Do you need a business license to be a notary in Florida?

Asked by: Isaac Mann  |  Last update: May 31, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (15 votes)

Businesses in this category do not require a state-issued business license. However, attorneys must be admitted to the Florida Bar to practice in this state. Notaries public and issuers of apostilles must apply for certification with the Department of State.

What are the requirements to become a Florida notary?

Applicants must meet the basic requirements to become a notary public:
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be a legal resident of Florida. Note: Permanent resident aliens may apply.
  • You must be able to read, write and understand the English language.

What business category is a notary in?

NAICS Code 541120 - Offices of Notaries sits in the 2-digit Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector.

How much can I charge as a mobile notary in Florida?

Florida's cap is $10 per signature, with travel fees determined by the notary.

What are the new Florida notary rules?

Florida has new notary laws that went into effect January 1, 2020. Remote notarization is now permitted. A notary will no longer have to physically (in person) witness the person sign the instrument requiring notarization, but instead notarization can be done through a video feed and record.

Does Florida Require a Business License?

18 related questions found

What is the most a notary can charge in Florida?

Yes. The state of Florida allows you to charge a maximum fee of $10.00 per notary act. You may charge $30.00 to perform a marriage ceremony in Florida. If you charge a higher fee than prescribed by law, the Governor may suspend your commission.

What disqualifies you from being a notary in Florida?

For example, Florida disqualifies any Notary commission applicants who have been convicted of a felony unless the applicant has had his or her civil rights restored. Florida Notaries may also have their commissions suspended for fraud, unauthorized practice of law or other types of misconduct (FS 117.01).

How much do notaries make per signing in Florida?

Loan signing agents typically make between $75 and $200 per “loan signing job.” Another benefit of being an LSA is that you can often have steady work supplied to you by a relator or mortgage company.

How do mobile notaries get paid?

Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.

Can I notarize for a family member in Florida?

No. By law, you cannot notarize for a parent, spouse, or child. Because a Florida Notary Public should be an impartial witness, we recommend you do not notarize for any family member.

What type of notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.

Do you need an LLC as a notary?

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) for your notary public business can provide several benefits. Most importantly, an LLC structure offers limited liability to its owners, which can protect their personal assets from lawsuits and creditors.

Is being a notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

Are notaries in demand in Florida?

Online notary jobs in Florida offer lucrative earning opportunities by tapping into a booming digital market. With the increased demand for remote services, notaries can set competitive fees for each notarization, potentially increasing their income through volume.

How much is a $7500 notary bond in Florida?

How much does a Florida notary bond cost? A $7,500, 4-year notary bond in the state of Florida costs $28 through Budget Notary Services.

Is it hard to get business as a notary?

It's not instant and it's not easy. Few Notaries find high-paying and rewarding work when first starting out. A crucial part of getting business is finding and introducing yourself to potential customers. While every Notary's community is different, here are some good places to get started.

What should I name my notary business?

Consider using a name that indicates your service area, which has worked for California Notary Karen S. Flores. “My business West Coast Notary Pro has defined and branded me as a Notary professional,” says Flores.

How much do most notaries charge?

Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.

Can you be a part-time notary?

Whether you decide to become a full-time or part-time Notary, being a Notary allows you to make additional income you wouldn't have otherwise. While notarization fees are set by state governments, fees for extra services are up to the Notary.

What is the average notary fee in Florida?

The State of Florida allows notaries to charge $10.00 for each signature they notarize. In addition to this, however, there are frequently other charges that cause the fee incur to be higher.

How much do remote notaries make in Florida?

How much does an Online Notary make in Florida? As of Jan 19, 2025, the average annual pay for an Online Notary in Florida is $48,407 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.27 an hour. This is the equivalent of $930/week or $4,033/month.

Is there a demand for notary signing agents?

With the rise of remote work and digital transactions, the demand for skilled notary loan signing agents has never been higher.

What is the hardest state to become a notary?

New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission.

How long does it take to get notary approved in Florida?

The State takes 2-3 business days to approve your application. Upon approval, they mail out your commission certificate to your bonding agency. Just like we hand deliver your application, we pick up your commission certificates from the Secretary of State's office directly the day they are issued.

How far back does a notary background check go?

The background check covers 10 years of federal, state, and county records. In some states, the screening only goes back to the last seven years. Records are reported based on the last action taken on a case, such as the end of a probationary period or jail sentence, and not the date of the infraction or crime.