Florida Notary Laws
Florida Statutes Chapter 117 set forth the specific laws relating to being appointed and serving as a notary public in the state of Florida. The Florida Secretary of State is the governmental official charged with the task of overseeing and monitoring notaries public in the state. A notary public in Florida is appointed for a four-year term, which can be renewed.
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Basic Requirements
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Florida law requires a person be at least 18 years of age, be able to read and write English and be a legal resident of the state to be appointed a notary public in the Sunshine State. The combined fee for being certified as a notary public in Florida is $39 as of early 2010, which is paid at the time of application.
Bond
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The Florida notary public law requires an applicant to post a bond in advance of being approved as a notary public. The bond is $7,500. There are specific bonding companies that provide these types of notary public bonds. The secretary of state's office maintains lists of bond companies that provide notary public bonds.
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Administer Oaths
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The notary public laws of the state of Florida permit a notary public to administer oaths of different types. For example, a notary public can administer an oath associated with a sworn statement or with a deposition (oral questioning taken under oath).
Fees
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Notary laws in force in Florida do permit a notary public to charge a fee for her services. The law sets forth a maximum that a notary public charges for her services. A notary public can charge a maximum of $10 for one notarial act.
Notary Stamp
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In order to perform his duties, a notary public is required by Florida law to obtain a stamp to be used each time he notarizes a document. The stamp must contain the name of the notary public, the date his commission expires and his commission number. Additionally, the stamp must contain the title "Notary Public-State of Florida."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit stamp and pad image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
