Commission Certificate

The body of a notarial act certificate usually includes information such as the date and signer’s name, but other items may be required as well. Regardless, the notary must write their name, title “Notary Public,” and commission expiration date in the spaces provided on the certificate, as this helps verify that they are the notary on record with the state.

It is also a good idea for Notaries to purchase Errors and Omission insurance to protect themselves against any mistakes they make while performing notarial acts. The state does not require it, but it can provide a valuable layer of protection for a very low cost.

To become a notary Florida, you must be at least 18 years old and be a legal state resident with a clean background check (no felony convictions unless civil rights have been restored). You must take an approved education course, obtain a $7,500 surety bond from an approved agency, and submit an application for appointment.

Education Requirements

Florida law requires notaries to take a three-hour education course that covers the laws of the state and best practices for notarizing. The National Notary Association offers a convenient online education course that meets this requirement.

All notary applicants must also obtain a $7,500 surety bond to protect signers harmed by the notary’s negligence or misconduct. A surety bond is like insurance coverage that pays a claimant directly rather than the notary’s private pocket.

Applicants should contact a licensed notary public bonding agency to obtain a surety bond. Most of these companies provide “one-stop-shopping.” They supply the required education course, pay the state fee, and write the notary public bond. They can also provide supplies such as a notary stamp. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the state. Non-citizens can apply but must submit a recorded Declaration of Domicile and have their civil rights restored. Felony convictions will prevent a person from becoming a notary unless the offender is granted restoration of their civil rights by the Florida Board of Executive Clemency.

Surety Bond

To obtain a notary public commission in Florida, you must secure a $7,500 surety bond. This insurance protects the “obligee,” anyone harmed by a principal’s failure to meet their obligations. The principal pays a premium to purchase the bond, and if they do not meet their obligations, the obligee may file a claim with the bonding company for financial compensation.

Next, you must submit your completed application through an approved bonding agency to the state. The application includes:

• Your personal information.
• An affidavit of character from someone who has known you for over a year (no family members).
• Proof of residency in Florida.

The Governor’s Office will review your application and commission you as a notary public if approved. Your bonding agency will then provide your official notary seal and supplies. 

Application for Appointment

The state of Florida requires notaries to complete an application for an appointment. This includes the applicant’s name, home and work address and phone number, race, social security number, and date of birth. Applicants must also have a non-relative who has known them for at least one year complete an Affidavit of Character and sign the application.

The applicant must also certify that they have completed a state-approved notary education course satisfactorily. The educational course must be three hours long and include electronic notarizations. In addition, the applicant must provide a record of their civil rights being restored if they have been convicted of a felony.

The notary must then purchase a four-year $7,500 surety bond through an approved bonding agency. The surety company will also send the notary a commission certificate, notary seal, and other supplies. Upon receipt, the notary must ensure that all the information on the commission certificate and seal is correct.