From the signing table

Articles

Practical, plain-English guides to Florida notary work — loan signings, e-notarization, jurats, acknowledgments, estate documents, weddings, and the laws behind it all. New posts twice a week.

Notary Basics

Back-to-School: Notarizing Your Florida Affidavit of Residency in Palm Beach County

The importance of notarized 'Affidavits of Residency' for school enrollment in Florida’s top-rated districts.

May 23, 2026
Florida Law

Notary-Certified Copies: What We Can (and Cannot) Copy-Certify in Florida

What Florida snowbirds and residents need to know about 'Certified Copies' of non-recordable documents.

May 18, 2026
Notary Basics

Landlord Staples: Notarizing Eviction Affidavits and Lease Notices in Jacksonville landscapes

Assisting Florida landlords with the notarization of 'Three-Day Notices' and eviction affidavits for court compliance.

May 16, 2026
Weddings

Tying the Knot in Sarasota: How a Florida Notary Can Perform Your Wedding Ceremony

How mobile notaries facilitate the solemnization of marriage in Florida without a traditional religious ceremony.

May 14, 2026
Florida Law

Changing Your Name in Florida: The Notarized Documents You’ll Need First

Step-by-step for Florida residents seeking a name change after marriage or divorce and the required notarized petitions.

May 10, 2026
Notary Basics

The Jurat Dilemma: Why Your Florida Notary Can’t Pick Your Certificate Type

Understanding the difference between an Acknowledgement and a Jurat, and why a Florida notary cannot choose for you.

May 8, 2026
Loan Signings

Miami Real Estate Investing: Speeding Up Wholesales with Mobile Notarization

How real estate investors in Miami use mobile notaries to close wholesale deals and lien releases quickly.

May 7, 2026
Notary Basics

Spring Break Prep: Does Your Child Need a Notarized Travel Consent Form?

A guide for parents in Orlando needing notarized travel consent forms for minors traveling abroad.

April 29, 2026
Florida Law

Navigating Divorce Paperwork: Notary Steps for St. Petersburg Residents

The critical role of a notary in Florida’s streamlined 'Simplified Dissolution of Marriage' process.

April 25, 2026
Florida Law

Red Flags and Refusal: How I Protect Florida Seniors from Document Coercion

What Florida notaries look for to prevent elder financial abuse and coercion during sensitive document signings.

April 24, 2026
E-Notarization

RON vs. In-Person: Why Your Complex Real Estate Closing Needs a Human Touch

The pros and cons of using a Remote Online Notary (RON) versus a traditional 20-year veteran mobile notary in Florida.

April 21, 2026
Notary Basics

The Small Business Owner’s Notary Checklist: From Leases to Partnership Agreements

Essential documents every Florida small business owner needs notarized during the first year of operation.

April 14, 2026
Pricing

Understanding Florida Notary Fees: Statutes vs. Travel Surcharges

Detailed breakdown of the costs associated with mobile notary travel fees vs. the state-mandated $10 per act fee in Florida.

April 13, 2026
Estate Documents

Bedside Notarizations: A Guide for Families in Tampa Hospitals and Hospices

How to handle the unique notary requirements for Florida healthcare surrogates and living wills in a hospital or hospice setting.

April 10, 2026
Notary Basics

Smooth Sailing: Navigating Boat Title Transfers and Bills of Sale in Fort Lauderdale

A checklist for Florida boat owners on correctly notarizing a Bill of Sale and Title Transfer for a smooth FWC registration.

April 6, 2026
Florida Law

No ID? No Problem: How Florida’s Credible Witness Rule Works for Seniors

What happens when a signer's ID is expired or they lack traditional identification in the state of Florida? Exploring credible witness rules.

April 3, 2026
Mobile Service

Jacksonville Family Law: Streamlining Custody Affidavits with Mobile Notary Services

How family law attorneys in Jacksonville utilize mobile notaries for quick turnaround on emergency child custody affidavits.

March 28, 2026
Apostilles

Beyond the Apostille: Authenticating Florida Documents for Non-Hague Countries

Step-by-step instructions for Florida residents needing an apostille for documents being sent to unconventional or non-Hague countries.

March 24, 2026
Florida Law

Self-Proving Affidavits: How to Ensure Your Florida Will is Legally Binding

Understanding the specific Florida statutes regarding the notarization of a Last Will and Testament and the role of credible witnesses.

March 23, 2026
Mobile Service

The Remote Employee’s Guide to I-9 Verification in Tampa and Orlando

A guide for HR managers and remote employees on completing the Section 2 I-9 form using a Florida notary as an authorized representative.

March 20, 2026
Estate Documents

Snowbird Essentials: Why Your Out-of-State POA Might Fail in Florida

Why Florida snowbirds need a state-specific Durable Power of Attorney before heading south for the winter.

March 17, 2026
Notary Basics

Notary Public Bonds, Errors and Omissions: Why It Matters to You

Every Florida notary is bonded. Most carry additional insurance. Here is what that protection actually means for the people we serve.

March 10, 2026
E-Notarization

Remote Online Notarization vs In-Person: Which Should You Choose?

Both are legal in Florida. Each has its sweet spot. Here is how to choose the right notarization for your document.

March 7, 2026
Weddings

Wedding Officiant FAQ: Florida Marriage License & Notary Ceremonies

Quick answers to the questions couples ask me most often when they are planning a Florida wedding with a notary officiant.

March 3, 2026
Estate Documents

Power of Attorney in Florida: How to Get It Notarized Right

Florida's power of attorney rules changed significantly in 2011. Here is how to make sure yours will actually be honored when you need it.

February 28, 2026
Notary Basics

How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment: A Checklist

Five minutes of preparation can turn an awkward appointment into a 10-minute signing. Use this checklist before your notary arrives.

February 24, 2026
Notary Basics

Common Mistakes That Can Void a Notarized Document

Even small errors can force you to redo a notarization. Here are the most common mistakes I see — and how to avoid them.

February 21, 2026
Notary Basics

Florida Statute 117: What It Means for You and Your Signing

Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes governs every notary public in the state. Here is a plain-English summary of the parts that affect you.

February 17, 2026
Mobile Service

Notarizing Documents at Hospitals and Care Facilities

When a loved one needs to sign critical paperwork from a hospital bed, there are extra steps to make sure everything is valid. Here is how it works.

February 14, 2026
Loan Signings

Reverse Mortgage Signings: What Seniors Need to Know

Reverse mortgages are heavily regulated and the signing reflects that. Here is what to expect, and what questions to bring to your loan officer.

February 10, 2026
Loan Signings

HELOC and Home Equity Loan Signings Explained

Home equity products have their own paperwork and their own quirks. Here is what borrowers should know before signing.

February 7, 2026
Loan Signings

Refinance Loan Signings: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

If you have never refinanced before, the stack of paperwork can feel overwhelming. Here is exactly what is in it and what to expect.

February 3, 2026
Mobile Service

Mobile Notary Services: Why Having a Notary Come to You Matters

From hospital bedsides to closing tables, here's why a mobile notary can make all the difference when timing and location matter.

January 31, 2026
Apostilles

Apostilles in Florida, Explained Simply

When you need an apostille, how the Florida Department of State handles them, and how a notary fits into the process.

January 27, 2026
Estate Documents

Estate Documents: Notarizing Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney

Estate planning documents have some of the strictest notarization rules in Florida. Here is what to know before your appointment.

January 24, 2026
Weddings

Notary Wedding Ceremonies in Florida: Your Complete Guide

Florida is one of only a handful of states where notaries can legally marry couples. Here is everything you need to know about planning a notary-officiated wedding.

January 20, 2026
E-Notarization

E-Notarization in Florida: How Remote Online Notarization Works

Florida was one of the first states to authorize Remote Online Notarization. Here is how an e-notarization actually works and when it makes sense.

January 17, 2026
Notary Basics

Jurat vs. Acknowledgment: What's the Difference?

These two notarial acts look similar but mean very different things. Here is how to tell them apart so your document is valid the first time.

January 13, 2026
Loan Signings

What to Expect at a Loan Signing Appointment in Florida

A walkthrough of a typical loan signing — what we will sign, how long it takes, and the questions a notary can (and cannot) answer.

January 10, 2026
Pricing

How Much Does a Florida Mobile Notary Cost? Fees Explained

Florida caps notary fees by statute, but mobile notaries can also charge a travel fee. Here is exactly how pricing works and what you should expect to pay.

January 6, 2026
Notary Basics

What Is a Florida Notary Public? A Plain-English Guide

A Florida notary public is a trusted public officer commissioned by the state. Here is exactly what we do — and what we are not allowed to do — explained in everyday language.

January 3, 2026
Notary Basics

A Fresh Start: Welcome to the New & Improved Sara The Notary Website!

After 20+ years as a Florida notary, I'm unveiling a revamped website with up-to-date resources and fresh content.

January 1, 2026

Have a signing you need handled?

Ready to get your documents notarized? Book Sara directly and she'll come to you anywhere in Florida.

Book Sara The Notary