Florida is one of the most welcoming states for new notaries. The process is straightforward, the bond is low ($7,500), and applications are handled through state-approved bonding agents rather than directly with the state.
To be commissioned as a notary public in Florida, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Source: Florida Statutes Chapter 117. Full requirements at the Florida Department of State, Division of Notaries Public.
Florida is one of the cheaper states to get commissioned. Plan for $95–$200 total. The 3-hour education course is free from the state.
| Item | Cost | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-hour education course | $0–$30 | Yes | Free from the Florida Department of State. Paid alternatives available. |
| State filing fee | $39 | Yes | Paid through your bonding agent — Florida doesn't accept direct applications. |
| $7,500 surety bond | $35–$55 | Yes | Four-year term. Among the lowest bond amounts of any state. |
| Notary stamp/seal | $18–$29 | Yes | Must say "Notary Public, State of Florida." |
| Notary journal | $15–$30 | Recommended | Not legally required, but recommended for liability protection. |
| E&O insurance | $25–$60/yr | Optional | Strongly recommended given Florida's litigious environment. |
| Realistic total | $95–$200 | Lower end uses free state course and skips E&O. Most package deals from bonding agents run $80–$150 all-in. |
Florida applications go through state-approved bonding agents (not directly to the state). These three are the most established:
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Florida's process is unique — you apply through a state-approved bonding agent, not directly to the state. Start to finish, expect 2–4 weeks. The 3-hour education course is free from the state.
First-time applicants must complete a 3-hour notary education course approved by the Florida Department of State. The state offers the course for free online.
The free state course is the easiest path. The Florida Department of State Division of Notaries Public offers it on their website. Paid alternatives ($15–$30) are available from approved providers if you prefer a more interactive experience. You must complete the course within one year before submitting your application.
Florida is unusual — you cannot apply directly to the state. Your application must go through a state-approved bonding agent (notary processor) who packages your application, bond, and fees together.
Common bonding agents include SuretyBonds.com, Aaron Notary Appointment Services, NNA, and a handful of others. Choose one based on price, package contents, and reputation. The bonding agent will provide you with the application form (DS-DE 77) and bond form (DS-DE 76).
Compare bonding agents →Fill out Form DS-DE 77 (notary application) and DS-DE 76 (bond). The application includes personal info, residency confirmation, and conviction disclosure. Pay the $39 state filing fee through your bonding agent.
Your bonding agent will package everything together — the completed application, the signed $7,500 bond, the $39 state fee, and your education certificate — and submit the full packet to the Florida Department of State on your behalf. This is the only legitimate way to apply.
Florida notary commissions are formally appointed by the Governor. Your application is reviewed by the Department of State, then forwarded to the Governor's office for the official appointment. This typically takes 2–4 weeks.
If your application has issues (incomplete forms, conviction disclosures, residency questions), you'll receive a request for additional information. Otherwise, you'll receive your commission certificate by mail from your bonding agent, who receives it from the state.
Once your commission certificate arrives, you can order your official notary seal from any approved vendor. Your bonding agent typically includes the seal in their package.
Florida seals must clearly show your name, the words "Notary Public," and "State of Florida." They can be either an inked stamp or an embosser, and must reproduce clearly when photographed or scanned. Florida has no specific size requirements. Maximum fee per notarial act in Florida is $10.
Apply to Smoothquill →Florida notaries perform acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, copy certifications, and marriage ceremonies — Florida is one of only three states where notaries can officiate weddings (also Maine and South Carolina). This is a unique revenue line: officiant fees range from $75–$300 per ceremony. Florida also has a massive real estate market (especially in the major metros and retirement communities), making loan signing work plentiful for Florida Notary Signing Agents.
Florida's $10 per-act cap is modest, but the marriage ceremony niche ($75–$300 per wedding) and active real estate signing market (especially in retiree communities) make Florida one of the strongest states for full-time notary income. NSAs in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville regularly clear $5,000–$10,000/month.
Income estimates are based on the National Notary Association's annual notary income surveys, BLS data for legal services workers, and reported earnings from active notary marketplaces. Your actual income depends on market density, hours worked, and whether you certify as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for loan signing work.
Florida authorized Remote Online Notarization in 2020. Florida RON notaries must register separately, obtain a $25,000 RON-specific bond (in addition to the $7,500 traditional bond), and carry $25,000 in E&O insurance. The setup costs more upfront ($189–$339 typically for RON packages) but unlocks remote work statewide and beyond.
Florida commissions last 4 years. To renew, complete a new application packet through your bonding agent (no new education required for renewals), purchase a new $7,500 bond, and pay the $39 state fee. Renewals can be filed up to 6 months before expiration. The Governor must reappoint you for each new term.
Florida statute requires that notary applications be processed through a state-approved bonding agent. This protects the state from incomplete applications and ensures the bond is properly handled.
Yes. Florida is one of only three states (along with Maine and South Carolina) where notaries can solemnize marriages. This is a real revenue line — wedding officiant fees range from $75–$300 per ceremony, and many notaries build full-time businesses around it.
No. Renewals do not require new education. The 3-hour course is for first-time applicants only.
For traditional notarial acts, yes — Florida law requires $7,500 and it's been at that level for decades. However, RON notaries need an additional $25,000 RON bond plus E&O insurance. For traditional notaries, optional E&O ($25–$60/year) is strongly recommended given Florida's litigious environment.
You're already authorized once you're commissioned. No separate license needed. You'll perform the ceremony, sign the marriage license as the officiant, and return it to the county clerk within 10 days. Most Florida notary-officiants register with wedding venues and online platforms to find clients.
An NSA is a commissioned notary who specializes in real estate loan signings. Florida NSAs typically certify through the NNA and earn $75–$200 per closing. Florida's hot real estate market makes it one of the strongest NSA states in the country.
Florida doesn't have to be complicated. Buy the bond, complete the steps, and you're commissioned in 2–4 weeks.
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