How to Become a Notary in Florida (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Florida notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Florida state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Florida — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Florida or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
Florida requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. The course is 3 hours. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Fees vary by provider, usually $20–$80.
Obtain your $7,500 surety bond
Florida requires a $7,500 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State
File your completed notary application with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State and pay the $39 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Florida notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Florida: $50.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Florida. Traditional notary fees in Florida: up to $10 per act (state-capped). Florida also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
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NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Florida. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Florida Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $39 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $7,500 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Required — 3 hours |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$50 |
| Filing office | Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $129–$269 |
Applications must go through an approved notary processor. 3-hour education course required for first-time applicants only. RON requires an additional $10 registration fee.
Source: Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State — Official Florida Notary Page ↗
What Can a Florida Notary Charge?
Florida caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $10 per notarial act in-person; $25 per RON act. Travel fees are not capped.
Source: Florida Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Florida Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Florida notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →