How to Become a Notary Public in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
By: Marifel Figueroa-Hernandez
Becoming a Notary Public in Florida is a great way to expand your career opportunities, start a side hustle, or launch a full-time business. Whether you’re looking to work independently, become a Remote Online Notary (RON), or offer mobile notary services, the process is straightforward and affordable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to become a Florida Notary Public, including requirements, costs, and next steps. [With Clickable Links!]
📌 Step 1: Meet the State Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet Florida’s eligibility criteria:
✔️ Be at least 18 years old
✔️ Be a legal resident of Florida
✔️ Have no felony convictions (unless civil rights have been restored)
Why does Florida require these conditions?
The state wants to ensure notaries are trustworthy, reliable, and legally capable of verifying important documents. Notaries act as official state witnesses, which means they must be impartial and follow strict laws to prevent fraud.
For official Florida notary qualifications, visit the Florida Department of State:
🔗 Florida Notary Public FAQs
📌 Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Notary Course
Florida requires new notaries to complete a 3-hour notary education course. This course helps you understand notary laws, responsibilities, and best practices.
💡 Where to Take the Course:
📌 Florida Notary Education Course (Free) – Provided by the Florida Department of State. (I took the free course)
📌 National Notary Association (NNA) – Offers additional training and membership benefits.
📌 CynaNotary – Bundles the course with application processing and supplies. (I personally used them to submit my application, get my $7,500 bond, and do my RON certification.)
Once you complete the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which is required for your application.
📌 Step 3: Obtain a $7,500 Notary Bond
Florida requires all notaries to carry a $7,500 surety bond to protect the public in case of notary errors or misconduct. This bond does NOT protect the notary—it protects the public. You can purchase your notary bond through the NNA or it comes included in your application from CynaNotary.
What Does a Notary Bond Cover?
✔️ Financial protection for the public – If you make an error, the bond compensates the affected party.
✔️ Required for notary commission approval – Without a bond, you cannot legally notarize documents.
Where to Get Your Notary Bond
✔️ CynaNotary – Includes bonding & application processing ($98).
✔️ National Notary Association (NNA) – Provides bonding & optional insurance.
✔️ Notary Rotary – A reliable provider for notary bonds & supplies.
📌 Step 4: Submit Your Notary Application
Once you have completed your training and obtained your bond, it’s time to submit your notary application to the Florida Department of State. You can mail your application to Cyna Notary and they will take care of the rest for you, and you will recieve emails along the way.
What You Need for the Application:
✔️ Completed Notary Application Form
✔️ Certificate of Course Completion
✔️ $7,500 Notary Bond Certificate
✔️ $39 State Filing Fee
📌 Where to Submit Your Application
✔️ Sunbiz.org – The official Florida Business Portal.
✔️ CynaNotary – Includes application processing & supplies.
✔️ NNA Florida Notary Application – A step-by-step application process.
📌 Processing Time: Applications are usually approved within 1-3 weeks. Once approved, you will receive your Notary Commission Certificate, making you an official Florida Notary! 🎉
📌 Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
As a commissioned Florida Notary, you’ll need essential tools to start notarizing documents:
✔️ Official Notary Stamp & Seal – Must include your name, commission number, and expiration date.
✔️ Notary Journal – Required for Remote Online Notarization (RON) and recommended for all services.
✔️ Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance – Protects YOU from financial liability due to mistakes.
💡 Where to Buy Notary Supplies:
✔️ CynaNotary – Includes seal & bonding package.
✔️ Amazon – Affordable notary journals & accessories. (Linked is my “Notary Essentials” list, these are most of the items I have in my notary bag. You can also go to Amazon.com and search “Notary Supplies” and see all kinds of things you can have.)
✔️ National Notary Association (NNA) – Offers stamps, journals, and insurance.
📌 Step 6: Start Notarizing!
Congratulations! 🎉 You’re now officially a Florida Notary Public and can start offering notarization services.
💼 How to Get Started & Grow Your Notary Business:
📜 Offer General Notary Services – Work with individuals needing document notarization.
🏡 Apply to become a Loan Signing Agent – Assist real estate professionals with closings.
💻 Apply for your Remote Online Notary (RON) Certification – Offer virtual notarization services.
💍 Become ordained and perform Wedding Officiations – Florida notaries are authorized to officiate weddings!
🔗 Want to become a RON? Learn more about the process here: Florida Remote Online Notary Guide
💡 Final Thoughts
Becoming a Notary Public in Florida is an affordable and straightforward process that can open up new income opportunities. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or build a full-time business, the demand for notary services is growing.
📌 Need help getting started? Contact Stellar Nova Notary Services, LLC today!
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