How to Become a Notary in Florida or Renew Your Commission Online

To become a notary public in Florida you must meet a short list of state requirements, complete an application, and carry a $7,500 notary bond. There is no state exam. Here is what the state requires:

• Age: 18 or older.
• Residency: You must be a legal Florida resident. There is no minimum length of residency, but you must stay a legal resident for your full four-year term.
• Language: You must be able to read, write, and understand English.
• Education: First-time applicants must complete a 3-hour notary education course within one year before applying. Renewing notaries do not.
• Bond: A $7,500 notary bond for the four-year term.
• State filing fee: $39.
• Seal: An inked rubber stamp notary seal.
• Chapter 117: The application asks you to confirm that you have read Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes, the law that governs notaries public.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Florida?

The state itself charges a $39 filing fee. On top of that, every notary needs a $7,500 bond and a notary stamp, and first-time applicants need the 3-hour education course.

The Florida Notary Online package is $89 for both new and renewing notaries, and it bundles all of those pieces:

• The $39 State of Florida filing fee
• Your $7,500 notary bond for the full four-year term
• Your self-inking notary stamp
• The online Florida notary application
• Your official notary commission certificate
• The 3-hour notary education course for first-time notaries

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and can be added during your application. The bond protects the public; E&O insurance protects you.

How to Become a Florida Notary: Step by Step

1. Confirm you meet the requirements. You are 18 or older, a legal Florida resident, and able to read, write, and understand English.
2. Complete the online application. Our online notary application takes just a few minutes. It fills in the State of Florida application and your bond form for you.
3. Pay for your package. Checkout is the last step of the application. Your filing fee, bond, and stamp are all included.
4. Take the 3-hour course (first-time notaries only). You will receive access to the online notary education course. Finish it and print your certificate of completion.
5. Print, sign, and mail your documents to us. Mail your signed application and bond, plus your course certificate if you are a first-time notary. We review everything and file it with the state for you.

Once the state issues your commission, we order your notary stamp and send it to you along with your commission certificate.

The 3-Hour Florida Notary Education Course

Florida law requires first-time applicants to complete at least three hours of instruction covering the duties of a notary public, including electronic notarization, within one year before applying. The course is online and self-paced, and it is included with your package. You do not need to retake it when you renew.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary in Florida?

The online application takes a few minutes. After we receive your signed documents by mail, most customers receive their notary commission certificate and stamp within two to three weeks.

Renewing Your Florida Notary Commission

A Florida notary commission lasts four years and does not renew automatically. Renewing follows the same steps as a new commission, with one difference: there is no education course. The $89 renewal package includes the state filing fee, a new four-year $7,500 bond, and a new stamp. Start your renewal application.

Want to Notarize Online?

Florida notaries can also register as Remote Online Notaries (RON) and notarize documents over live video. Learn how to become a Florida Remote Online Notary, or see our Florida notary FAQs for more answers.