Florida Notary Laws

Understanding Florida Notary Laws

At Rola Notary, we are committed to providing professional, accurate, and legally compliant notary services throughout Florida. Whether you schedule a mobile notary appointment or use our Remote Online Notarization (RON) services, every notarization must comply with Florida law.

The information below is provided as a general guide to help you prepare for your appointment. It is not legal advice.

Personal Appearance Is Required

Florida law requires every signer to personally appear before the notary at the time the notarization is performed.

For mobile appointments, this means the signer must be physically present with the notary.

For Remote Online Notarization (RON), the signer must personally appear through a live, secure audio-video session using an approved online notarization platform.

We cannot notarize documents based on phone calls, emails, text messages, prerecorded videos, or someone signing on another person's behalf.

Valid Identification Is Required

Every signer must present an acceptable government-issued photo identification unless identity is established through another method permitted under Florida law.

Commonly accepted forms of identification include:

  • Florida Driver License

  • Driver License issued by another U.S. state or territory

  • Florida Identification Card

  • U.S. Passport or Passport Card

  • Foreign Passport (when permitted by Florida law)

  • U.S. Military Identification Card

  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

  • Veteran Health Identification Card

  • Other identification authorized under Florida law

Identification should be valid, contain a photograph and signature (when applicable), and reasonably identify the signer.

The Signer Must Be Willing and Aware

A Florida notary may only notarize a document if the signer:

  • Appears voluntarily

  • Understands what they are signing

  • Is mentally aware of the transaction

  • Is not being forced, pressured, or coerced

If there is reason to believe these conditions are not met, the notarization must be refused.

Documents Should Be Complete

Documents should be completed before your appointment.

Blank spaces may create legal issues or invalidate a document after notarization.

The only portions that should remain unsigned are the signature areas that must be signed in the presence of the notary.

The Notary Cannot Give Legal Advice

A Florida notary public is not an attorney and cannot:

  • Explain legal documents

  • Recommend which document you should use

  • Tell you whether you should sign

  • Prepare legal documents unless separately authorized

  • Offer legal advice or legal opinions

If you have questions about the legal effect of a document, you should consult a licensed attorney before scheduling your appointment.

Witness Requirements

Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization.

The customer is responsible for providing witnesses unless witness services have been requested and confirmed with Rola Notary before the appointment.

Additional witness fees may apply.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Florida permits Remote Online Notarization for many documents.

RON appointments require:

  • Identity verification

  • Credential analysis

  • Knowledge-based authentication (when required)

  • A secure live audio-video session

  • Electronic signatures

Some documents or transactions may not qualify for remote notarization under Florida law or based on the receiving agency's requirements.

Grounds for Refusing a Notarization

Florida law requires a notary to refuse service in certain situations, including but not limited to:

  • The signer does not personally appear.

  • Acceptable identification cannot be verified.

  • The signer appears unwilling or under duress.

  • The signer appears unable to understand the transaction.

  • The document is incomplete or contains improper notarization instructions.

  • The requested act is prohibited by Florida law.

Our Commitment

At Rola Notary, we are committed to protecting our clients while following all applicable Florida notary laws and ethical standards. Our goal is to provide convenient, professional, and reliable notary services while ensuring every notarization is performed correctly.

If you have questions about whether your document can be notarized, please contact us before scheduling your appointment. We're happy to explain our notarial process and help you determine the best service for your needs.

Disclaimer

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Florida notary laws may change over time. For legal guidance regarding your specific situation, please consult a licensed Florida attorney.

Frequently asked questions

What is a notary public?


A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to verify the identity of signers, witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, and help deter fraud during the signing of important documents.
What forms of identification do you accept?

Every signer must present a valid, government-issued photo ID.

Examples include:


  • Driver's License

  • State Identification Card

  • U.S. Passport

  • Foreign Passport (when legally acceptable)

  • Military ID

The ID must be current or otherwise acceptable under Florida law and contain a photograph and signature where applicable.
Do you prepare legal documents?

No.

Rola Notary notarizes documents provided by our clients. We do not prepare legal documents or provide legal advice.
Do all signers need to be present?

Yes.

Every person whose signature requires notarization must personally appear before the notary, either:


  • In person for Mobile Notary appointments, or

  • Through a live online video session for Remote Online Notarization.
Can you refuse to notarize a document?

Yes.

A notarization may be refused if:


  • Proper identification cannot be verified.

  • A signer appears unwilling or under pressure.

  • A signer does not appear mentally aware.

  • The document is incomplete where completion is required before notarization.

  • The notarization would violate Florida law.
Where do you travel?

We proudly serve Palm Beach County and surrounding areas, including homes, businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, coffee shops, libraries, and other agreed-upon public meeting locations.

Travel fees may apply depending on distance.
Can you meet at a hospital or nursing home?

Yes.

We frequently assist clients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice settings.

Please ensure the signer is alert, willing, and able to communicate.
Do you offer same-day appointments?

Yes, when available.

Emergency, after-hours, weekend, and same-day appointments may include additional service fees.
What is Remote Online Notarization?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows documents to be notarized electronically through a secure live audio/video session without meeting in person.
Is Remote Online Notarization legal?

Yes.

Florida law permits commissioned Remote Online Notaries to perform online notarizations using approved technology and identity verification procedures.
Can I use RON if I'm outside Florida?

Yes.

In many cases, you may be located outside Florida during the appointment, provided the notarization complies with Florida law and the document is eligible for remote notarization.
What do I need for a RON appointment?

You should have:


  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone

  • Reliable internet connection

  • Camera and microphone

  • Valid government-issued photo ID

  • Documents uploaded before your appointment
How long does a Remote Online Notary appointment take?

Most appointments take approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the number of documents, signers, and identity verification.
Can multiple people sign during one appointment?

Yes.

Additional signer fees may apply for each additional participant.
Can I notarize paper documents online?

No.

RON is designed for electronic documents that are signed electronically during the online session.
How much does notarization cost?

Pricing depends on the type of service requested.

Examples include:


  • General notarizations

  • Loan signings

  • Remote Online Notarization

  • Mobile travel fees

  • Additional signers

  • Additional signatures

Please visit our Pricing page or the individual service page for current rates.
What are additional signatures?

An additional signature fee applies when the same signer requires multiple notarized signatures during the same appointment.
What is an additional signer?

An additional signer is another individual participating in the appointment who also requires notarization.

Each additional signer requires identity verification and separate notarization.
Are travel fees included?

Travel fees apply only to Mobile Notary appointments and vary by travel distance.

Remote Online Notarization does not include travel fees.
Can I upload documents before my appointment?

Yes.

Please upload all required documents before your scheduled appointment to avoid delays.
Can I sign before the appointment?

No.

Unless specifically instructed otherwise, documents requiring notarization should be signed in the presence of the notary.
What happens if I am late?

Please contact us as soon as possible.

Late arrivals may require rescheduling depending on availability.
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept secure online payments through our booking system. Additional payment options may be available depending on the service.
What is your cancellation policy?

Please review our Terms of Service and Cancellation Policy before booking.

Refund eligibility depends on the timing of the cancellation and whether travel or other services have already been provided.
Do you handle real estate closings?

Yes.

We provide professional loan signing services for:


  • Home Purchases

  • Mortgage Refinances

  • HELOCs

  • Reverse Mortgages

  • Commercial Loans

  • Construction Loans

  • FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans

  • Seller Packages

  • Loan Modifications
When will I get my order?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
What is your cancellation policy?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Are you an attorney?

No.

We are certified Notary Signing Agents and Florida Notaries Public. We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or explain the legal effect of documents.
Still have questions?

We're here to help.

If you don't see your question answered above, please contact Rola Notary before booking. We'll be happy to assist you in choosing the right service and preparing for your appointment.