What a notary actually does, what it costs, and how to get a document notarized online without leaving home.
A notarization is a fraud-deterrence step, not a legal blessing. A Florida notary public confirms who signed a document and that the signer did so willingly — the notary does not vouch for whether the document itself is a good idea or even legally correct. Understanding that boundary is the key to using notarization well, and to knowing when you still need a lawyer.
Since January 1, 2020, Florida has offered two ways to get a signature notarized: the traditional in-person route, and remote online notarization (RON), where you and the notary meet over secure two-way video. Both produce a notarization that is valid across the United States.
A notary may not charge more than $10 for any single in-person notarial act. Witnessing a vote-by-mail ballot must be done for free.
An online notary (or employer) may charge up to $25 per online notarial act. Separate platform/technology fees are not part of this cap.
Online signers are verified three ways: remote ID presentation, credential analysis of that ID, and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions.
The notary's electronic journal and the audio-video recording of each online session must be kept for at least 10 years.
A Florida online notary must also be physically located in Florida during the session, hold a $25,000 bond and $25,000 in errors-and-omissions insurance, complete state-approved RON training, and register with the Florida Department of State before performing online notarizations.
Both methods are legally equal in Florida. The right choice usually comes down to convenience, the type of document, and whether anyone you are signing with is out of state.
| In-person | Remote online (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Bank, UPS Store, shipping store, mobile notary, county clerk | Anywhere with a camera and internet; notary is in Florida |
| Fee cap (the act) | $10 per act | $25 per act, plus separate tech fee |
| Typical total | Often free at a bank; $25–$50 for a mobile notary visit | Commonly $25–$50 per session |
| ID check | Show a valid photo ID in person | ID scan + credential analysis + KBA questions |
| Record kept | Journal entry (recommended) | Journal + video recording, kept 10+ years |
| Best for | People who prefer face-to-face or have no ID that scans well | Out-of-state signers, after-hours needs, mobility limits |
Most Florida-capable platforms follow the same general flow. A single session usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Upload the unsigned PDF. Do not sign it first — the notary needs to witness the signature live.
You photograph your government ID, the software analyzes it, and you answer knowledge-based authentication questions drawn from public records.
You connect to a commissioned Florida online notary over two-way audio-video. The session is recorded from start to finish.
You apply your electronic signature while the notary watches. If your document requires witnesses, they can appear on the same call.
The notary attaches the electronic seal and certificate, then you download the completed, tamper-evident document.
These are well-known platforms that connect Florida consumers with commissioned online notaries. JusticeXpress Florida is not affiliated with any of them and does not receive payment for listing them — confirm current pricing, availability, and that the notary is Florida-commissioned before you start. For real-estate closings, your title company or lender often selects the platform for you.
Notarization is required or strongly advised for many of the documents we cover elsewhere on this site:
The single most common misunderstanding is treating the notary as someone who confirms a document is “legal” or correct. They do not. A Florida notary verifies identity and witnesses signing — nothing more. They cannot tell you which form to use, whether your power of attorney grants the right powers, or whether your deed will do what you intend.
Two practical consequences: first, never sign a document before you appear, because the notary has to witness the act. Second, a properly notarized document can still be the wrong document. Wills in particular have execution rules that go beyond notarization, and a flawed deed can be valid yet cause real problems. When the stakes are high, get the document reviewed before you have it notarized — a limited-scope (unbundled) attorney review is often far cheaper than fixing a mistake later.
Yes. Remote online notarization has been authorized in Florida since January 1, 2020 under Chapter 117, Part II. A document notarized by a properly commissioned Florida online notary is valid in Florida and, under the U.S. Constitution's Full Faith and Credit Clause, is recognized in other states as well.
No. The notary must be physically in Florida during the session, but you (the signer) and any witnesses can be located anywhere — another state or even another country. If you are outside Florida, the notary will confirm you want a Florida notarization under Florida law.
By statute, an in-person notarial act is capped at $10 and an online act at $25. Many banks notarize for free for account holders. Mobile notaries may add a separate, uncapped travel fee, and online platforms add a separate technology fee, so a real-world total often lands between $25 and $50. Always confirm the full price before you begin.
A device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, an unsigned copy of your document, and a current government-issued photo ID (such as a Florida driver license or passport). You will also answer a few identity-verification questions pulled from public records.
Yes, and sometimes they must. A notary cannot notarize a blank or incomplete document, cannot notarize if they cannot verify your identity, and cannot notarize if you appear to be signing unwillingly or do not seem to understand what you are signing. A notary also cannot notarize their own signature.
Florida allows online notarization broadly, but some documents have extra requirements layered on top — electronic and remotely witnessed wills, for example, follow special procedures, and certain estate documents involving vulnerable adults have added safeguards. If you are unsure whether RON is appropriate for a specific document, confirm with the platform or have the document reviewed first.
JusticeXpress Florida is a non-attorney legal document preparation service. This article provides general, published legal information about Florida notarization — it is not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutory fee caps and procedures can change; verify current rules with the Florida Department of State and the official Florida Statutes (Chapter 117). For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.