To become a notary in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a legal resident of the State of Florida
- Be able to read, write, and understand the English language
- Not have been convicted of a felony
- Have completed a state-approved education course
Here are the steps to become a notary in Florida:
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Meet the eligibility requirements: You must meet the above requirements to be eligible for appointment as a notary public in Florida.
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Complete the education course: You must complete a state-approved education course, which is available through various providers. The course covers the duties and responsibilities of a notary public, Florida notary laws, and best practices for performing notarial acts.
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Complete the application: You must complete the Florida Department of State's Notary Public Application, which is available online. You will need to provide personal information and information about your education course completion.
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Obtain a surety bond: You must obtain a $7,500 surety bond, which is required to protect the public from any errors or omissions made by the notary public while performing notarial acts.
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Submit fingerprints: You must submit fingerprints as part of the application process. This can be done through a local law enforcement agency or a vendor approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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Pay the application fee: You must pay the application fee, which is currently $39.00.
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Take the oath of office: Once your application has been approved, you must take an oath of office before a notary public or another official authorized to administer oaths.
After completing these steps, you will receive your notary commission, which will be valid for four years. As a notary public in Florida, you will have the authority to administer oaths, certify documents, and perform other notarial acts.