How to Become a Notary Public in Florida

by Laurick Ingram, CEO Virtual Notary Network

(This information was reprinted from the State of Florida’s Public Website)

Go to “How to Become a Notary.” There you can Take the notary education course. A first time applicant for a notary commission must submit proof that the applicant has, within one year prior to the application, completed at least three hours of interactive or classroom instruction. The Department of State’s Notary Education Program satisfies this requirement, and can be taken online, free of charge, at http://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/index.html. A list of others can be found at approved education providers.
If you are renewing your notary commission, you may proceed directly to the next step.

For additional information, please refer to the Governor’s Reference Manual (pdf) for Notaries.

Specifications and Procedures for Registration to Provide Notary Education

Executive Office of the Governor

Notary Section

Introduction

The Electronic Commerce bill enacted by the Florida Legislature, SB 1334, requires that: “a first-time applicant for a notary commission must submit proof that the applicant has, within one year prior to the application, completed at least three hours of interactive or classroom instruction, including electronic notarization, and covering the duties of the notary public. Courses satisfying this section may be offered by any public or private sector person or entity registered with the Executive Office of the Governor and must include a core curriculum approved by that office.”

Requirements for Registration

Companies wishing to provide notary education must be registered to do business in Florida with the Department of State, Division of Corporations and be in good standing with that agency.

The curriculum must meet the requirements provided by the Executive Office of the Governor. The Certificate of Completion must include a sworn statement signed by the notary applicant and instructor that they have completed three hours of classroom or interactive training.

The course materials must be submitted to the Executive Office of the Governor along with an audio or video recording of the course being conducted.

Your curriculum is subject to review on a yearly basis. If no changes have been made to your curriculum you must submit an affidavit to this effect. However, if you would like to make any changes to your curriculum you are required to submit a new curriculum outline and a new audio or videotape, which will be subject to approval by this office. This documentation is due to the Executive Office of the Governor before the anniversary of your previous approval.

Please submit your curriculum materials to the Executive Office of the Governor for approval. You can mail the materials to:

                           Executive Office of the Governor

                           Notary Section

                           209 The Capitol

                           Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Once your company is registered with the Executive Office of the Governor we will post your company’s name and telephone number on our website for the public to access.

The Governor’s Office Notary Section reserves the right to attend any classes offered by your company unannounced; in order to ensure compliance with the Notary Education Statute and the curriculum approved by the Executive Office of the Governor.

Curriculum Requirements

1. Resources Available to Florida Notaries
   1. Laws
   1. Education Materials
   1. Governor’s Notary Section
   1. Department of State
   1. Internet

1. Office of Notary Public
   1. Notary Public as Public Officer
   1. Qualifications and Requirements for Appointment
   1. Appointment and Commission
   1. Application Process
   1. Renewal
   1. Change of Address
   1. Resignation
   1. Jurisdiction
   1. Surety Bond
   1. Notary Seal
   1. Notary Fees
   1. Authentication of Notarized Documents by Secretary of State

1. Duties of a Notary Public
   1. Taking Acknowledgements
   1. Administering Oaths
   1. Attesting to Photocopies
   1. Solemnizing Marriage
   1. Verifying a VIN
   1. Certifying the Contents of a Safe-Deposit Box
   1. Prohibited Acts

1. Notaries in Special Positions
   1. Government Employees
   1. Law Enforcement Officers
   1. Military Officers

• Performing Notarial Acts
  • Presence Requirement
  • How to Notarize (Step by Step)
  • Notarial Certificates
  • Identification
  • Notarizing in Special Circumstances
• Liability and Record Keeping
  • Notary and Employer Liability
  • Use of a Journal
  • Governor’s Office Complaint Process

• Special Topics
  • Notarizing Wills
  • Refusing to Notarize
  • Unauthorized Practice of Law
  • Advertising your Notary Services
  • Notarizing and Acting as a Witness

• Electronic Notarization

IX.      Certificate of Completion

Approved Education Providers in Florida: