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

When you hire a notary, you are trusting them with critical documents and personal information. Florida law and the insurance market give you two layers of protection: the notary bond and Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

The $7,500 surety bond

Florida Statute 117.01(7) requires every notary public to file a $7,500 surety bond before being commissioned. The bond is not insurance for the notary — it is protection for YOU, the public. If a notary's misconduct causes you financial harm, you can make a claim against the bond.

Errors and Omissions insurance

E&O is separate, optional insurance that protects the notary from honest mistakes and the public from larger losses than $7,500 would cover. Reputable mobile notaries carry significant E&O coverage — ask before you hire.

Why this matters when you choose a notary

Anyone can call themselves a 'mobile notary,' but only a properly commissioned, bonded, and insured Florida notary public can perform valid notarial acts. Always confirm a notary's commission number, expiration date, and insurance coverage — especially for high-stakes signings like estate documents and real estate.

What I carry

I maintain the required $7,500 Florida surety bond plus additional E&O coverage, and I am happy to share my commission information with any client who asks.