Becoming a Notary Public in Florida
In the state of Florida, notaries are appointed by the governor's office. The minimum age requirement is 18, and the applicant must have established legal residency in Florida, such as by registering to vote and obtaining a Florida driver's license. Once a notary commission has been granted, for it to remain in effect, the notary must maintain a legal residence in Florida through the commission's full four-year term.
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Instructions
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Complete the required three-hour education course if you are applying to be a notary for the first time. There is no charge for the course, and a list of Florida-approved providers can be found online. On completion of the course, you will receive a certificate.
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Download and complete the forms in the Florida notary application packet, available through the My Florida website. You will need someone who has known you at least a year to legally attest to your good character. Alternatively, you can receive the application packet from an approved bonding agency. You must be bonded to be a notary public. A list of approved bonding agencies can be found online.
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Check several bonding agencies to see what services they offer and what fees they charge. The state application fee is fixed, as of 2010, at $39. However, you will find competitive prices for the bond premium and seal that you will also need.
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Make a copy of your completed application for your records. Take the original application to the bonding company. If you are a first-time notary, take the certificate you received at the end of Florida's required three-hour class.
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The bonding agency will handle everything, including the submission of the application and mailing your notary commission certificate to you. Your seal will typically follow a few days later.
The entire process, from submission of your application to receipt of your certificate, takes two to three weeks.
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