Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Florida
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before applying to become a notary public in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be a legal resident of Florida
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Be able to read, write, and understand English
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Not have any felony convictions (unless your civil rights have been restored)
Complete a State-Approved Notary Education Course
Florida requires all new notary applicants to complete a three-hour notary education course. This course can be taken online or in person from an approved provider.
Link to Approved Education Courses:
[Florida Notary Education Providers] (https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/index.html)
Obtain a $7,500 Surety Bond
Florida law requires notaries to obtain a $7,500 surety bond. This bond can be obtained from a bonding company or a notary association.
Link to Bonding Companies:
[List of Florida Notary Bonding Companies] (https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/bonding/index.html)
Complete the Notary Public Application
Fill out the Florida Notary Public Application form. You will need to provide personal information, proof of completion of the education course, and information about your surety bond.
Link to Application Form:
[Florida Notary Public Application] (https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/pdf/forms/notapp.pdf)
Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees
Submit the completed application along with the required fee to a bonding agency or directly to the Florida Department of State. The total fee includes the application fee, the bond premium, and possibly additional fees for notary stamps and supplies.
Address for Submission:
Florida Department of State
Division of Corporations
Notary Commissions and Certifications Section
P.O. Box 6327
Tallahassee, FL 32314
Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate
Once your application is approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate. This certificate must be signed by you and a bonding agency representative.
Purchase Notary Supplies
You will need to purchase a notary seal and a notary journal to begin performing notarial acts. These supplies can be obtained from a notary association or an office supply store.
Begin Performing Notarial Acts
After you have received your commission and obtained your supplies, you can begin performing notarial acts in the state of Florida.
Helpful Links
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[Florida Department of State Notary Section] (https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/index.html)
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[Notary Public FAQs] (https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/faq.html)
By following these steps and using the provided links, you can successfully become a notary public in the state of Florida.