How to become a notary in Florida: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Florida Legislature's own published requirements and the state statute.
To become a notary public in Florida: Who can apply: At least 18 and a legal resident of Florida (a permanent resident alien files a recorded Declaration of Domicile); able to read, write and understand English. Training: First-time applicants: at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction, including electronic notarization, within 1 year before applying. Bond: A $7,500 bond from a surety company authorized in Florida, approved and filed with the Department of State. Commission term: Four years. Notaries are appointed by the Governor, on an application form prescribed by the Florida Department of State.
Notary requirements in Florida
| Requirement | Florida |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18 and a legal resident of Florida (a permanent resident alien files a recorded Declaration of Domicile); able to read, write and understand English. |
| Training | First-time applicants: at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction, including electronic notarization, within 1 year before applying. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Florida Department of State. |
| Bond | A $7,500 bond from a surety company authorized in Florida, approved and filed with the Department of State. |
| Commission term | Four years. |
| State fee | A $25 application fee, plus the $10 commission fee and a $4 surcharge. |
| Background check | The application asks whether you have been convicted of a felony (and, if so, about restoration of civil rights) and needs an affidavit of good character from an unrelated person who has known you for at least a year. |
| Oath and filing | The oath and bond go with the application; in the oath you swear that you have read chapter 117 and know a notary's duties. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Florida
- Complete at least 3 hours of qualifying instruction within the year before you apply.
- Get a $7,500 bond from a surety company authorized in Florida.
- Sign and swear to the application, on the Department of State's form, and send it with the oath, bond and fees.
- Once the Governor appoints you, your commission runs four years.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Florida Legislature's own published material and the state statute (source named below), read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- The 2026 Florida Statutes, Chapter 117 (Notaries Public), Florida Legislature, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- The 2026 Florida Statutes, Section 668.50 (education requirement for notary applicants), Florida Legislature, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.