Key Takeaways
- Florida allows online notary services and you can have your document commissioned over a secure video call from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
- You can find Florida notary services at banks, UPS Stores, law offices, courthouses, and libraries or by hiring an online or a mobile notary.
- In-person notary fees are capped at $10 per notarial act by Florida law and online notary appointments are capped at $25 per notarial act.
- You must bring valid, government issued photo identification (current or issued within the last 5 years) to your appointment.
- Do not sign your document before your appointment. Florida law requires you to sign in the presence of the notary public.
Need to know where to find a notary public in Florida? You have several choices, from visiting your bank to a fully online appointment you can complete in minutes. This guide explains your options, explains exactly what you need to bring to your appointment so there are no delays, and covers what you can expect at your appointment.
Working with a notary is quick and easy. You can book an online notary appointment and meet with a notary in less time than a coffee break — from anywhere with Wi-Fi.
Where to Find Florida Notary Services
You can find a notary quickly when you know where to look. Here are the most common places to find a notary in Florida.
Banks and Credit Unions
Many Florida banks offer notary services free of charge to account holders. Availability varies by branch, so call ahead before visiting. Appointments are required at some branches.
UPS Stores and Shipping Centers
Most UPS Store locations offer notary services; call ahead to ensure availability.
Law Offices
Many law offices offer standard notary services to the public.
Courthouses and Government Offices
Florida courthouses, municipal offices, and some government service locations have notaries available.
Libraries
Some library systems in Florida offer low or no cost notary services. Availability varies by location, so call your local branch to see if they offer services at that location.
Mobile Notaries
Mobile notaries are available to come directly to you if you can’t travel. This may seem convenient, but this service is more expensive than other options because travel fees are charged separately. These fees aren’t capped by Florida law and you must agree to the fee in advance.
Online Notaries
The fastest, most convenient way to have a document commissioned is by meeting with an online notary.
Florida was one of the first states to implement Remote Online Notarization (RON). Online notaries have been allowed since January 1, 2020 under Chapter 117, Part II, Florida Statutes.
You can meet with a notary public online and have your document commissioned in under 7 minutes. Simply book an online notary appointment to access trusted notary services from the comfort of your home or office! You can meet with a notary around your schedule, from any device, including your smartphone or tablet.
What to Expect During Your Notary Appointment
Here’s what you can expect during your appointment with a notary public:
- An authorized official will confirm your identity and that you’ve made your statements voluntarily.
- The official will ensure you understand what you are signing.
- You’ll swear or affirm that the contents of your document are true and complete.
- You will also sign the document, and the official will witness your signature.
- The official will sign the document and add their official notary seal.
Skip the trip. Book your online notary appointment and have a notary commission your document wherever you are.
“As a lawyer, I always tell clients that meeting with a notary online is the same legal process as meeting in person. The only difference is you can do it from your kitchen table.” – Robert Onley, Lawyer, CEO, and Founder of NotaryPro.
How Much Does a Notary Cost in Florida?
In-Person Notary Fees
Section 117.05(2)(a), Florida Statutes sets a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act. This fee applies to acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, and attested copies. If a notary charges more than the legal cap, their commission may be suspended.
Mobile Notary Fees
Mobile notary services cost $10 per notarial act plus a travel fee. Travel fees are not capped by Florida law and must be disclosed and agreed upon before the appointment. The cost of a typical mobile notary visit can range from $50-$150 or more depending on location, time of day, and urgency.
Online Notary Appointment Fees
Florida law caps the fee for online appointments at $25 per notarial act under Section 117.275, Florida Statutes. Any platform or technology fees required by the RON service provider will be listed separately on the invoice.
Ready to get started? Book your online notary appointment and meet with a qualified notary from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.
What You Need for Your Notary Appointment
Make sure you have the following items with you at your appointment:
Completed, Unsigned Document
Drafting a document is not enough to make it valid. It must be signed and commissioned by a notary. Do not sign your document ahead of time, however. Under Section 117.107(9), Florida Statutes, a notary cannot commission a signature that was not made in their presence. Signing in advance makes the notarization invalid.
Your document must otherwise be filled out completely. Notaries are prohibited from commissioning blank or incomplete documents.
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
According to Section 117.05(5), Florida Statutes and the Governor’s Reference Manual for Notaries Public, a notary must either personally know you or have satisfactory evidence of your identity before moving forward with commissioning your document. In most cases, that means reviewing your valid, government-issued photo ID.
To be considered valid, your ID must be current or issued within the last 5 years and must include a serial or identification number. Accepted forms of identification include:
- Florida driver’s licence or ID card
- U.S. passport
- Foreign passport stamped by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Driver’s licence or ID issued by another U.S. state, territory, Canada, or Mexico
- U.S. military ID card
- Veteran health identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Inmate identification card issued on or after January 1, 1991, by the Florida Department of Corrections for an inmate in custody
- Inmate identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, for an inmate in custody
- Sworn written statement from a sworn law enforcement officer confirming that an inmate’s ID was confiscated upon confinement and that the person named in the document is the person to be notarized
- ID card issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
For Online Appointments
If you are meeting a notary online, you will need a device with a camera and a microphone (such as a cell phone, laptop, or tablet), and a dependable internet connection. As part of your online appointment, you will need to complete a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) identity verification step, as required by Section 117.265, Florida Statutes. This is a standard process that only takes a few minutes to finish.
Have your ID and document ready? Book your online notary appointment now and have your document commissioned in under 7 minutes.
Complete Your Document with a Florida Notary
Ready to meet with a notary? Here’s what you need to do next:
- Prepare your document. Ensure it is complete and unsigned before your appointment.
- Gather your valid government-issued photo ID. It must be current or issued within the last 5 years.
- Choose your notary option. In-person, mobile, or online notary services are all valid in Florida.
- Book your online notary appointment for the fastest service. An online notary from NotaryPro can commission your document in under 7 minutes from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.
Start your document or meet with a notary online today.
