To become a notary in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
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Meet the eligibility requirements: To become a notary in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Florida, and able to read, write, and understand the English language.
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Complete the Florida notary application: You must complete the Florida notary application and submit it along with the required fee. The application can be found on the Florida Department of State's Division of Corporations website.
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Obtain a surety bond: You must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $7,500 from a licensed surety bond company. This bond is designed to protect the public in case you make an error or act improperly as a notary.
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Complete the notary education course: You must complete a three-hour notary education course from a state-approved provider. This course covers the duties and responsibilities of a notary public, as well as the laws and regulations that govern notary services in Florida.
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Take and pass the notary exam: You must take and pass the Florida notary exam, which is administered by the state-approved providers of the notary education course. The exam covers the material covered in the course.
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Submit fingerprints for a background check: You must submit your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal background check.
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Receive your notary commission: If you meet all the requirements, you will receive your notary commission from the state of Florida. Your commission is valid for four years.
Once you become a notary in Florida, you can provide notary services such as verifying signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents. It's important to follow the laws and regulations that govern notary services in Florida to ensure that you are performing your duties lawfully and ethically.