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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and the Executive Office of the Governor Notary Section using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Florida commissions traditional notaries through bonding agencies that file with the Department of State; the Governor appoints the notary. Remote online notarization is a separate online notary public registration with the Division of Corporations after you already hold an active notary (or qualifying civil-law notary or commissioner of deeds) commission.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Department of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and the Executive Office of the Governor Notary Section’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Florida notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Bonding Agency, Then Division of Corporations
The State does not give out traditional applications. Use an approved bonding agency for the traditional commission, then register separately as an online notary with the Division of Corporations.
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Read the official notary pages Open Governor’s Notary page for traditional commissioning and Remote Online Notary Public (RON) for online notary registration. |
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Complete first-time education if you are new Use the Department of State Notary Education Program or another provider listed from the Governor’s page, then contact a bonding agency. |
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If you already hold a Florida commission, confirm it is active Only an active notary (or qualifying civil-law notary or commissioner of deeds) may register as an online notary. Check status as Remote Online Notary Public (RON) instructs. |
Part 1: Traditional Florida Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Florida notary public commission. You cannot register as an online notary until this is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Governor’s Notary page. Applications are submitted through a bonding agency, not by downloading a blank form from the Governor. |
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Complete traditional notary education First-time applicants: at least three hours. The Department of State Notary Education Program is free. The Governor’s page also links other approved education providers. |
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Obtain a $7,500 surety bond Fla. Stat. § 117.01 requires a $7,500 bond, filed with the Department of State, throughout the term. Buy it through an approved bonding agency. The agency typically also collects the state fees. |
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Submit the traditional application Complete the application the bonding agency provides. The Governor’s page lists state fees of $39 (fixed by law; bond premium and seal are extra). The agency forwards the packet to the State. |
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Receive your commission If approved, the bonding agency sends the commission certificate and seal. Confirm the information before you notarize. The term is four years. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Complete this only after your traditional commission is active. Contract with technology vendors first, complete RON education, then mail the registration to the Division of Corporations. Your online registration expires on the same day as the underlying commission.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Review Remote Online Notary Public (RON), Chapter 2019-71, Fla. Stat. ch. 117, and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 1N-7. |
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Complete online notary education Complete a RON education course and keep the certificate. Use RON education providers listed on the Division of Corporations page. Attach the certificate to the registration. |
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Start the online commission application Complete the Application Registration for Online Notary Public and the Online Notary Public information form. Mail them to the Division of Corporations addresses on Remote Online Notary Public (RON). The application will not be processed without the information form. |
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Sign with a digital certificate Use the technology you contracted for before applying. Fla. Stat. § 117.225 also requires a $25,000 online-notary bond (this satisfies the $7,500 traditional bond) and $25,000 errors-and-omissions coverage. |
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Upload your electronic seal Florida’s current RON registration is a mailed packet, not an SOS portal upload. Include bond, E&O, commission copy, and education certificate as the application and statute require. |
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Pay and submit The Division of Corporations lists an initial fee of $10 payable by check to the Florida Department of State. Mail or courier as Remote Online Notary Public (RON) instructs. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not let the traditional commission lapse. Online notary registration is not a substitute for remaining an appointed Florida notary public.
Fees Listed by Florida
Traditional state fees are from Governor’s Notary page. The $10 RON registration is from Remote Online Notary Public (RON). Bond and insurance amounts for online notaries are from Fla. Stat. § 117.225. Confirm them on those sources before you pay. Bond premiums and E&O are paid to the insurer.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Free Department of State course, or a listed provider (first-time applicants only) |
| RON education | Paid to a listed education provider (amount not listed as a DOS course fee) |
| Traditional state fees | $39 (Governor’s Notary page; fixed by law) |
| Online notary registration | $10 (check to the Florida Department of State) |
| Surety bond | $7,500 traditional (§ 117.01); $25,000 online notary (§ 117.225, satisfies the $7,500 requirement) plus $25,000 E&O |
Official Florida Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Governor’s Notary page | flgov.com/eog/info/notary |
| Remote Online Notary Public | dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/other-services/notaries/remote-online-notary-public |
| Notary Education Program | notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education |
| Division of Corporations Notary Section | (850) 245-6975 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You must already be an active Florida notary public (or a qualifying civil-law notary or commissioner of deeds).
Q: Does Florida approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The Department of State does not recommend or endorse third-party vendors. Technology must meet Chapter 117 and Chapter 1N-7. You must name the RON service provider on Form DS-DOC-50.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Remote Online Notary Public (RON) and Governor’s Notary page.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
