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

Florida Chapter 117 is the rulebook every notary in the state has to follow. It covers who can be a notary, what we can charge, what acts we can perform, what records we have to keep, and what happens when something goes wrong. Here is what matters most to the people who hire us.

Identification (§117.05)

Notaries must know the signer personally or identify them through a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Florida also allows identification by 'credible witness' — someone the notary knows who personally knows the signer — but most signings rely on ID.

Notarial certificate (§117.05)

Every notarial act must include a certificate stating the date, the type of act (acknowledgment, oath, jurat, etc.), the name of the signer, how identity was verified, and the notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration date. Missing any of these can void the act.

Fees (§117.05(2))

Florida caps notarial fees at up to $10 per in-person act and up to $25 for Remote Online Notarization. Travel fees are separate, must be disclosed up front, and cannot be disguised as notarial fees.

Marriage ceremonies (§117.045)

Notaries are authorized to solemnize marriage. The fee is also capped — currently up to $30 for a marriage ceremony.

Prohibited acts (§117.107)

We cannot notarize our own signature, notarize for a close family member when we have a financial interest, give legal advice unless licensed to do so, or knowingly notarize a false statement. Violations can result in suspension, removal from office, or criminal penalties.

Remote Online Notarization (Part II)

RON is governed by Part II of Chapter 117, which sets the rules for identity proofing, video recording, recordkeeping (10-year minimum), and platform standards.