What can a notary public do in Florida?

Asked by: Irwin Kling  |  Last update: March 10, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

A Florida notary public is a public official who administers oaths and affirmations, takes acknowledgments, attests to copies of nonrecordable documents, solemnizes marriages, certifies the contents of safe deposit boxes, and verifies vehicle identification numbers.

What can a Florida notary not notarize?

(10) A notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if the document is incomplete or blank. However, an endorsement or assignment in blank of a negotiable or nonnegotiable note and the assignment in blank of any instrument given as security for such note is not deemed incomplete.

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 are the benefits of being a notary public in Florida?

Being a Florida public notary offers several benefits, including flexible work schedules and additional income potential through fees for notarial acts. Notaries enhance their professional value, particularly in real estate, law, and finance. Mobile notary services are in demand and are offering further opportunities.

What are the legal authority of a notary public in Florida?

Notaries in Florida operate under Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes. This law governs their duties, including document authentication, administering oaths, and attesting to photocopies. Notaries can't offer legal advice or notarize documents where they have a personal interest.

How To Become A Notary Public In Florida

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Can a Florida notary notarize their own signature?

(1) A person may not obtain or use a notary public commission in other than his or her legal name, and it is unlawful for a notary public to notarize his or her own signature.

How much does a notary public make in Florida?

How much does a Notary Public make in Florida? As of Jan 20, 2025, the average annual pay for a Notary Public 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.

How do you make money as a notary in Florida?

13 ways to make money as a notary public
  1. Mobile notary services.
  2. Specialize in real estate closings.
  3. Work with law firms.
  4. Partner with banks and financial institutions.
  5. Specialize in medical documents.
  6. Marriage ceremonies.
  7. Notarization for academic documents.
  8. Passport and visa documentation.

How much do notary publics make per signing?

While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act.

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).

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.

What 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. ​Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.

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 is a notary prohibited from?

Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.

Can a fl notary notarize for family?

Avoid Notarizing for Family Members

This is explicitly stated under Section 117.107(11) of the Florida statutes, which stipulates that a Florida notary public may not notarize a document if the person whose signature is to be notarized is the spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father of the notary public.

Can a notary do fingerprints?

Some states, however, require notaries to obtain the signer's fingerprint in addition to these items. California was one of the first states to pass a law requiring the notaries to obtain a fingerprint of the signer. The Sunshine State passes this law in 1996, and it remains in effect to this day.

How to become a mobile notary in Florida?

To become a mobile notary, you must meet the same requirements as a regular notary. In Florida, this means filling out an application and taking the required education. Once you have completed the educational requirements, you will need to get a bond and purchase a notary stamp. Create a business plan.

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.

What is the day in the life of a notary?

Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.

Can being a notary be a side hustle?

Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.

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.

What jobs can you get as a notary public?

Career Paths for Notaries
  • Job Opportunities for Notaries. Real estate agencies, law offices, banks or credit unions and lending institutions are common places that hire commissioned notaries. ...
  • Notary Signing Agent. ...
  • Escrow Assistant. ...
  • Legal Assistant. ...
  • Field Inspector. ...
  • Bookkeeper. ...
  • Remote Online 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 long does it take to become a notary in Florida?

It can take two to four weeks to become commissioned as a Notary Public depending on your availability and the time the Department of State needs to process your application.

Where are notaries needed the most?

Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions

As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.