Quick answer: to become a Florida notary public you must be at least 18, a legal resident of Florida, and able to read, write, and understand English. First-time applicants complete 3 hours of notary education, buy a $7,500 surety bond, and submit the state application through a bonding agency. State fees total $39, and the whole process typically costs around $100. Your commission lasts 4 years.
Who can become a notary in Florida
Florida notaries are appointed by the Governor under Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes. To qualify you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a legal resident of Florida (a permanent resident alien may apply with a recorded Declaration of Domicile). Residence must be maintained for the whole term.
- Be able to read, write, and understand English.
- Disclose any felony history on the application. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you if your civil rights have been restored, but it must be disclosed and is reviewed.
The 6 steps, in order
1. Complete the 3-hour education course (first-time applicants)
Since July 1, 2000, every first-time Florida notary applicant must complete 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction covering the duties of a notary public and electronic notarization. The Executive Office of the Governor oversees notary education and maintains a list of education providers. Renewing notaries do not have to repeat the course.
2. Get a $7,500 surety bond
Florida requires a $7,500 notary bond from an authorized surety company. The bond protects the public, not you. Bonding agencies sell these inexpensively, usually bundled with the application service and your notary seal.
3. Submit the application through a bonding agency
The signed and sworn application, with proof of education for first-time applicants, goes to the state through your bonding agency. State fees are $25 for the application, $10 for the commission, and a $4 education surcharge, $39 total, which the agency collects and forwards.
4. Wait for processing
The Department of State processes commission applications. Most applicants receive their commission within a few weeks, depending on volume and whether anything on the application needs review.
5. Receive your commission and seal
Your commission certificate arrives through your bonding agency along with your notary seal. Check that your name and commission dates are correct before you notarize anything.
6. Start notarizing, inside Florida only
A Florida notary may only act within the state's boundaries. Your commission is valid for 4 years, after which you can renew.
What it costs
- State application fee: $25
- Commission fee: $10
- Education surcharge: $4
- Surety bond, seal, and agency service: varies by agency
- Education course: varies by provider
All-in, most first-time applicants spend roughly $100 or less, education included.
Want to notarize online? RON is a separate registration
A remote online notary (RON) in Florida is an existing notary who additionally registers with the Department of State to notarize for people appearing by audio-video technology. RON has its own requirements: a separate course covering the duties, obligations, and technology requirements of online notarization, a larger bond, and errors and omissions insurance. You must hold a regular commission first, so the steps above come first either way.
Where Rybran fits in
Rybran offers a self-paced online course covering the Florida notary education curriculum: the duties of a notary public and electronic notarization, organized as interactive lessons with quizzes and a final exam. It is built to prepare first-time applicants for the responsibilities of the office. Browse the course catalog for availability, or read more common questions on our FAQ page.
Sources: Florida Statutes ch. 117 (flsenate.gov) and the Executive Office of the Governor notary education page (flgov.com). Requirements can change; verify current rules with the state before applying. This guide is general information, not legal advice.