Florida Notary Bond

The Florida Notary Bond is a mandatory surety bond required by the state to ensure notaries uphold legal and ethical standards while performing their duties. This bond serves as a financial protection for the public, covering losses caused by a notary’s errors, negligence, or misconduct.

Florida law requires all notaries public to obtain a $7,500 notary bond for a four-year term. This requirement helps maintain trust in notarized documents and holds notaries accountable for their actions.

If a notary makes a mistake, like not verifying a signer or notarizing a fake document, a claim can be filed for up to $7,500. If the claim is approved, the surety company pays, but the notary must repay the amount.

The notary bond protects the public but does not shield the notary from personal liability. To protect themselves, many Texas notaries opt for Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which provides extra coverage against legal claims.

The cost of a $7,500 Florida notary bond typically ranges from $35 to $55, depending on the provider (additional fees may apply). This bond, valid for a 4-year term and must be purchased from a state-approved surety company before submitting their notary commission application.

To become a notary in Florida, you'll need to consider the following additional costs:​

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Application Fee: $39, required for both new applicants and reappointments. ​
• Notary Training Course: A three-hour course is mandatory for new applicants. The Florida Department of State offers this course free of charge. 
• Notary Stamp: Prices range from $18 to $29, depending on the vendor. ​
• Notary Journal: While not required by Florida law, maintaining a journal is recommended. Costs range from $9.95 to $24.95. ​
• Optional Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Policies typically range from $30 to $100, providing added protection against potential mistakes.

Obtaining an Arizona notary bond is a simple process that involves three easy steps:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Apply for a bond online - Our online bond application is available 24/7. It usually takes just a few minutes to submit your information.
• Call Us (888)-592-6631 - Contact our bond specialists at (888)-592-6631 for assistance with your application and answers to any questions.

When applying, you will need:

• Bond name: California Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond amount: $7,500 (required by the state)
• Email and contact information

2. Get a Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an instant bond quote. Review it carefully to ensure accuracy. If you notice any errors or have questions, our team is happy to assist you.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you’re satisfied with the quote, you can easily pay your invoice and sign the documents online. After completing the purchase, you’ll receive the original bond l within a few minutes via email, ready to submit with your notary application.

To renew your Florida notary commission, you must obtain a new $7,500 surety bond from a state-approved surety or insurance provider. This bond is valid for your 4-year term and protects the public from potential errors or misconduct in your notarial duties.

Make sure to secure your new bond before submitting your renewal application to the Florida Department of State. If your commission expires, you may need to reapply as a new notary rather than renew your existing commission.

To ensure a smooth renewal process:

• Start early to avoid any gaps in your commission.
• Choose a reliable surety bond provider to obtain your bond quickly.
• Follow all state-mandated renewal requirements to stay compliant.

For the most up-to-date renewal procedures, check with the Florida Department of State’s official website.

To become a notary public in Florida, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old. 
• Be a legal resident of Florida. 
• Have no felony convictions (unless a pardon or rights restoration has been granted). 
• Complete a three-hour notary public education course approved by the Florida Department of State. This course must be taken within one year before applying.
• Obtain a $7,500 surety bond valid for four years.
• Submit a completed Notary Public Application to a state-approved bonding agency. The application must include proof of education, the surety bond, and a $39 state filing fee.
• Undergo a background check. Applicants must disclose any past criminal history as part of the application process.

Once approved, Florida notaries receive a commission valid for four years and must adhere to state laws and regulations when performing notarial acts.

Florida allows notaries to become Remote Online Notaries (RON) by completing an additional authorization process. To qualify, you must:

• Be an active commissioned notary in Florida: You must already hold a valid Florida notary public commission.
• Obtain a $25,000 Remote Online Notary Surety Bond: This bond ensures compliance with Florida state regulations and protects the public from potential misconduct.
• Purchase a $25,000 Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance policy: This coverage is required to protect notaries from financial liability due to errors or omissions in their notarial acts.
• Select and register with a state-approved RON technology provider: The provider must meet Florida’s security, identity verification, and record-keeping requirements.
• Complete an approved RON training course: Florida mandates that notaries complete training on remote notarization procedures through a state-approved provider.
• Submit a RON registration application to the Florida Department of State: Along with the application, you must pay a $10 registration fee.
• Use an approved electronic seal and digital certificate: These must comply with Florida's standards for secure online notarization.

Once approved, you can perform notarizations remotely using a state-compliant online platform. For the latest updates, check with the Florida Department of State.