How to Become a Notary in Florida (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps
Florida has more active notaries than any other state — over 300,000 — making it one of the most active notary markets in the country. The process to become a Florida notary requires an education course, a background check, a surety bond, and a state application. Most applicants can complete the process in 4 to 8 weeks for around $200 to $350 total. This guide covers every step for 2026.
Florida Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Must be a legal resident of Florida |
| Education | Mandatory 3-hour notary education course (new applicants) |
| Exam | No state exam required |
| Background check | Yes — electronic fingerprint submission |
| Bond | $7,500 surety bond |
| Stamp | Ink stamp required (rectangular). Must include commission number, expiration, and bonding agency |
| Journal | Not required by law (strongly recommended) |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Total cost | $200 to $350 (all fees combined) |
| Timeline | 4 to 8 weeks |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Florida Notary
Step 1: Complete the 3-Hour Education Course
Florida requires all first-time notary applicants to complete a 3-hour education course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The course covers Florida notary law, proper identification procedures, notarial acts, and common errors.
Course options:
- Online self-paced courses (most popular — complete in one sitting)
- In-person seminars
You will receive a course completion certificate that must be submitted with your application. The certificate is valid for one year.
Cost: $20 to $50
Note: Renewal applicants who have held a commission within the past year are exempt from the education requirement.
Step 2: Purchase a $7,500 Surety Bond
Florida requires all notaries to carry a $7,500 surety bond. The bond must be purchased from a surety company licensed in Florida and must be in effect before you can receive your commission.
Cost: $30 to $50 for a 4-year term
Where to buy: National Notary Association, Notary.net, or any Florida-licensed surety company. Many offer packages that bundle the bond with a stamp and journal. See our notary bond requirements by state for more details.
Step 3: Submit Your Application to the Governor’s Office
Florida notary commissions are granted by the Governor. Submit your application through the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations:
Application includes:
- Completed notary public application form
- Education course completion certificate
- $25 application fee
- Signed oath of office (notarized by a current Florida notary)
- $7,500 surety bond
You can submit online through the Florida Department of State website or by mail.
Application fee: $25
Step 4: Complete a Background Check
Florida requires an electronic fingerprint submission for all notary applicants. You must visit an approved LiveScan provider and have your fingerprints taken electronically.
Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions within the past 10 years and certain misdemeanors may disqualify you. The Department of State reviews each application individually.
Cost: $40 to $60 (fingerprinting fee)
Step 5: Receive Your Commission and Purchase Supplies
After the Governor’s office approves your application, you will receive your notary commission certificate. Before you can begin notarizing, you need:
Stamp requirements (Florida-specific):
- Ink stamp only (embossers not accepted as the primary seal)
- Rectangular format
- Must include: your name, “Notary Public — State of Florida,” commission number, commission expiration date, and bonding agency name
- See our stamp and seal requirements guide for details
Journal: Florida does not legally require a journal for in-person notarizations, but the National Notary Association strongly recommends keeping one. A journal protects you if a notarization is ever challenged. See journal requirements by state.
Cost: $15 to $30 (stamp) + $10 to $20 (journal, optional)
Total Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Education course (3 hours) | $20-50 |
| Surety bond (4-year term) | $30-50 |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Background check / fingerprinting | $40-60 |
| Stamp | $15-30 |
| Journal (optional) | $10-20 |
| Total | $140-235 |
Many vendors offer Florida notary packages that bundle the course, bond, stamp, and journal for $100 to $175.
How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Education course | 3 hours (online, same day) |
| Purchase bond | Same day (online) |
| Submit application | 1 day |
| Background check processing | 1-3 weeks |
| Governor’s office processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Receive stamp | 3-7 days |
| Total | 4-8 weeks |
Florida Notary Fees
Florida allows notaries to charge up to $10 per notarial act. Travel fees for mobile notary services are not regulated by the state.
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $10 per signature |
| Jurat | $10 per signature |
| Oath or affirmation | $10 |
| Certified copy attestation | $10 |
| Mobile notary travel fee | No state cap (typically $25-75) |
Earning Potential in Florida
Florida is one of the best states for notary income due to the high volume of real estate transactions, the large retiree population (frequent estate planning documents), and the state’s high notary demand. Mobile notaries in Florida typically earn $1,000 to $4,000 per month, and loan signing agents can earn $3,000 to $8,000 per month. See our notary income guide for detailed breakdowns.
Florida vs Other Major States
| Requirement | Florida | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 3-hour course | 6-hour course | Not required |
| Exam | Not required | Written exam | Not required |
| Background check | Yes (fingerprints) | Yes (Live Scan) | Not required |
| Bond amount | $7,500 | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Max fee per act | $10 | $15 | $6 |
| Commission term | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Total cost | $140-235 | $360-580 | $86-136 |
| Journal required | No | Yes | Yes |
See our guides for California and Texas for full details.
Remote Online Notarization in Florida
Florida authorized remote online notarization (RON) in 2020. Florida RON notaries must:
- Hold an active Florida notary commission
- Register as an online notary with the Department of State
- Use a DBPR-approved RON technology platform
- Maintain an electronic journal of all RON sessions
- Store audio-video recordings for at least 10 years
See our RON laws by state guide for more details on Florida’s RON requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Florida?
Total cost ranges from $140 to $235, including the education course, bond, application fee, background check, and stamp. Bundle packages from vendors like the NNA reduce this to $100 to $175.
Do I need to take an exam to become a Florida notary?
No. Florida does not require a notary exam. You must complete a 3-hour education course, but there is no written test.
Can I become a Florida notary if I have a criminal record?
Possibly. Felony convictions within the past 10 years are generally disqualifying, but the Department of State reviews each application individually. Older convictions or misdemeanors may not prevent approval.
How long is a Florida notary commission?
Four years. Renewal requires a new application, updated bond, and the $25 fee. First-time renewal applicants who held a commission within the past year do not need to retake the education course.
Is a notary journal required in Florida?
No — Florida does not legally require a journal for traditional in-person notarizations. However, electronic journals ARE required for remote online notarization (RON). Regardless, keeping a journal is strongly recommended for all notarizations as it protects you legally.
Already a Florida notary? List yourself on FindNotary.io to connect with clients. Or explore notary fees, bond requirements, and signing agent careers.