For Notaries · Florida
How to Become a Notary in Florida
To become a notary in Florida, you must be at least 18, a legal Florida resident, and able to read and write English. Complete a state-approved three-hour education course, obtain a $7,500 surety bond, and file your application with a $39 state fee through an approved bonding agency. Florida commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Florida is one of the easier states to get commissioned in: there's no state exam, and remote online notarization has been fully operative since 2020. Notaries are appointed by the Governor and administered by the Florida Department of State, but you actually apply through a state-approved bonding agency (a "notary processor") that electronically transmits your paperwork. Before you're commissioned you'll complete a three-hour education course, post a $7,500 surety bond, and pay a $39 state fee for a four-year term. Below is the full process, plus how to add an online notary registration so you can earn from remote signings.
Florida Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | You must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Florida, and able to read, write, and understand the English language. There is no minimum residency period. If you have been convicted of a felony, your civil rights must have been restored before you can be commissioned, and you must disclose any criminal history on your application. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | A $7,500 surety bond is required, payable to anyone harmed by a breach of your official notary duties. It must be obtained from a surety company authorized in Florida and maintained for the entire four-year commission term. The bond protects the public, not you, so many notaries also add optional errors-and-omissions (E&O) insurance for their own protection. |
| State filing fee | $39 state fee — a $25 application fee, a $10 commission fee, and a $4 surcharge. |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Notary education | Required — a state-approved three-hour education course for first-time applicants. |
| Exam | Not required (Florida has no proctored state notary exam). |
A first-time Florida applicant must submit proof of at least 3 hours of instruction completed within 1 year prior to applying, send a $39 fee to the Department of State, and maintain Florida legal residency throughout the four-year term of the commission. — Florida Department of State — Notary Commissions
How to Become a Notary in Florida: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Florida, and able to read, write, and understand English. If you've had a felony conviction, your civil rights must be restored first.
- 2
Complete the three-hour education course
Florida requires first-time applicants to complete a state-approved three-hour notary education course. The Department of State offers a free online program, or you can use an approved provider.
- 3
Obtain a $7,500 surety bond
Purchase a $7,500 notary surety bond from a surety company authorized in Florida. In practice, the approved bonding agency (notary processor) handling your application bundles the bond, seal, and supplies together.
- 4
Submit your application and $39 state fee
File your notary application through a state-approved notary processor that electronically transmits it to the Department of State. The state fee totals $39 (a $25 application fee, $10 commission fee, and $4 surcharge), plus your oath of office and bond.
- 5
Receive your commission and start notarizing
The Governor appoints you and the Department of State issues a four-year commission. Order your official notary seal and record book (journal), then you're ready to notarize documents throughout Florida.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Florida
Florida has operative remote online notarization: an online notary public can notarize for signers who appear over live audio-video technology instead of in person. You must already hold an active Florida notary commission, register with the Department of State, contract with a state-compliant RON technology provider, and meet added requirements — a $25,000 surety bond, a $25,000 E&O policy, and an additional online notary training course.
Online / remote notary application fee: $10 state registration fee
Florida's RON law (Chapter 2019-71) took effect January 1, 2020, so online notary registration is available now.
Walk through the Florida remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Florida
Florida allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Florida commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Florida? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Florida?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State fee | $39 ($25 application + $10 commission + $4 surcharge) |
| $7,500 surety bond | Premium set by your bonding agency |
| Three-hour education course | Free through the Department of State, or paid via an approved provider |
| Seal & record book (journal) | Varies by supplier |
| Online notary registration (optional) | $10 state fee (plus a $25,000 bond, $25,000 E&O policy, and RON training) |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Florida Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Florida notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Florida notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby South Atlantic guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Florida Department of State — Notary Commissions (eligibility, $39 fee, 4-year term, 3-hour course)
- Florida Department of State — Notary Commissions & Certifications
- Florida Department of State — Remote Online Notary Public (RON)
- American Society of Notaries — Florida State Information
This guide summarizes public requirements from Florida's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.