Florida Notary Public Requirements
Florida is one of the few states where notaries are commissioned through the Governor’s office rather than the Secretary of State.
- Quick facts
- Who commissions Florida notaries
- Steps to get commissioned
- Remote Online Notary (RON)
- FAQ
Quick facts
| Regulator | Executive Office of the Governor, State of Florida |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Residency | Legal resident of Florida |
| Language requirement | Must be able to read, write, and understand English |
| Education course | Required, through an authorized course provider |
| Bond (traditional notary) | $7,500 |
| Bond (Remote Online Notary) | $25,000 |
| Bond premium | Roughly $40 for the full 4-year term |
| Application/filing fee | $39 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
Who commissions Florida notaries
This trips up a lot of applicants moving from another state: Florida notaries aren’t commissioned by the Secretary of State’s office (which handles corporate filings instead) — they’re commissioned by the Executive Office of the Governor. Applications are typically submitted through an approved bonding agency, which packages your bond, education certificate, and application together rather than you filing directly with a state office.
Steps to get commissioned
- Confirm eligibility — 18+, a Florida resident, and able to read/write/understand English. If you have a felony conviction, your civil rights must be restored first.
- Complete an approved notary education course.
- Purchase your $7,500 surety bond ($25,000 if you intend to become a Remote Online Notary) from an authorized insurance company.
- Submit your application through a bonding agency, along with the $39 filing fee, your education certificate, and bond documentation.
- Receive your 4-year commission once the Governor’s office approves your application.
Remote Online Notary (RON)
Florida allows Remote Online Notarization, letting a commissioned notary notarize documents for signers appearing via live video rather than in person. RON requires the higher $25,000 bond (versus $7,500 for traditional notary work) plus additional technology and registration requirements beyond the standard commission — treat it as an add-on qualification on top of your base commission, not a replacement for it.
Why does Florida use the Governor’s office instead of the Secretary of State?
It’s simply how Florida structured its notary statute — the Executive Office of the Governor has held this responsibility historically, while the Secretary of State’s Division of Corporations handles business filings. Both are legitimate state offices; it’s just a different division of labor than most states use.
Is the $7,500 bond enough, or should I get more coverage?
The $7,500 bond is Florida’s legal minimum and protects the public, not you personally. Many Florida notaries separately purchase errors & omissions (E&O) insurance — an optional product — for their own personal protection against claims arising from honest mistakes.
Can I renew online, or does it require the bonding-agency process again?
Renewal generally follows the same bonding-agency submission process as a first-time application — you’ll need a current bond and, depending on how much time has passed, may need to retake the education course. Confirm current renewal specifics with your bonding agency or the Governor’s office directly.