Florida Notaries must use new certificate wording starting January 1, 2020

Starting January 1, 2020, Florida Notaries must use new certificate wording for acknowledgments and jurats that indicates if the signer appeared in person or by audiovisual communication for the notarization.

The new certificate wording requirement is part of a new Florida law signed last June, which authorizes qualified and registered Notaries to perform remote online notarizations (RON) using audiovisual technology to communicate with a signer in a different location.

Under this new law, a certificate of acknowledgment or jurat must specify whether the signer appeared physically before the Notary or by using audio-video technology.

Where to get new Florida Notary certificates

Florida Notaries have several options for where to get compliant certificates:

The Florida Secretary of State’s office may have updated samples of notarial certificates on its website in 2020. (Note: The current samples do not reflect the new requirements.)
You can create your own certificate templates with the correct wording.
You can obtain certificates from an organization such as the National Notary Association.

The NNA has updated Florida certificates available. NNA Members may download the new certificates for free as a member benefit by logging in to their accounts on the NNA website. Members and non-members can purchase compliant certificates in pad form.

Any current Florida Notary who wishes to use the new certificate wording before January 1 may choose to do so. However, Florida Notaries must check the “physical appearance” box in the new certificate. After January 1, only registered Notaries performing RONs may select the “online notarization” box when completing a certificate. Remember that if you do not use certificate wording compliant with the new law starting January 1, your notarizations will run the risk of rejection.

Readers can check the Notary Bulletin for additional updates and articles about the new Florida Notary law as they become available.

Notary Essentials: Ensure your certificate language is compliant

A Notary certificate in 4 simple parts

Additional Resources:

Florida Notary Primer

54 Comments

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Cindy Ann Murray

14 Nov 2019

Will follow.

Amanda Reeves

How does a Florida notary become register for RON?

National Notary Association

Hello. Starting January 1, 2020, in order to qualify to perform remote notarizations a Florida Notary must: a) hold a current Notary commission (b) certify that he or she has completed a classroom or online course covering the duties, obligations and technology requirements for serving as an online Notary; (c) pay the registration fee; (d) submit a signed and sworn registration as an online Notary to the Department of State; (e) Identify the RON service provider for audio-video communication technology, identity proofing and credential analysis the applicant intends to use and confirming that these technologies satisfy the requirements of the new law and rules adopted by the Department of State; and (f) provide evidence satisfactory to the Department of State that the applicant obtained a $25,000 bond as an online Notary and a minimum $25,000 errors and omissions policy on such terms as are specified by the Department of State by rule. For additional information on the new law, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/news/law-updates/fl-house-bill-409

Ralph G Edwards

Why do Governments always make things difficult? is it necessary to introduce this, RON? Isn't there Notaries in every state, cities, counties, neighborhoods? In homes, offices? Why create more opportunities for the scammers?

Cathy

I agree. More ways to go after a notary. I'm sure I will sign up for it to keep my business going forward, although there is alot of room to take advantage of notaries, which in turn we can lose our license/way of income. Alot of scammers out there ready to take advantage. Wonder what the punishment for the notary is if something goes wrong.

Francelot saintil

16 Nov 2019

Why everything changed

Francelot

Tell me why everything difficult now.

pobox.zoock@gmail.com

22 Nov 2019

Article says... "NNA Members may download the new certificates for free as a member benefit by logging in to their accounts on the NNA website." Where do I go after I log into my account ??? New to the site. Thanks...

Hello. After you log in to your account, click on "Notary Certificate Forms" under "Member Quick Links" on the right-hand side of the page. When the Certificate Forms page appears, select "Florida" from the drop-down menu of states. You should then be able to download the appropriate certificates of your choice.

Sheryl Caldwell

31 Dec 2019

IMO, We should use these in all states...as NSA's our certificates cross all states! Will it violate any laws if I use this certificate in my packages or GNW...I'm in Texas?

02 Jan 2020

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Connie Castorino

04 Jan 2020

For new Florida requirement Can I use my old stamp and write in the new information or do I need to order a completely new stamp?

08 Jan 2020

Hello. To ensure compliance with the new law, we recommend Florida Notaries use printed certificates with the new required information included rather than attempting to handwrite the information in yourself.

Cmoore

07 Jan 2020

What if you do not have the new certificate? Can you hand write the verbiage ‘ by means of physical presence ‘ ?

Hello. To ensure compliance with the new law, we recommend using printed certificates with the new required information rather than attempting to handwrite the information in yourself.

sherijo@gmail.com

As of 1/7/2020 the Florida Secretary of State has not updated their sample notary forms with the new language. It doesn't appear that NNA has updated their Florida free form downloads either (for members).

Hello. The updated Florida certificate wording is available to NNA members by logging into the "My NNA" section of our site here and selecting "Florida" from the drop-down menu: https://www.nationalnotary.org/my-nna/member-benefits/downloadable-notary-certificate-forms

Helen Lutke

Are State of Florida notaries "required" to be Remote Online Notary Public, or can we maintain our in person notarizations?

Hello. Applying to perform remote online notarizations is optional. Florida Notaries may continue to perform traditional notarizations only if they wish to.

Bonnie J Poynter

So if you are never going to do remote closings, do you need all of this? I only ever notarize in my office in front of the customer.

Hello. Yes, all Florida Notaries are required to use the new certificate wording. If you do not perform remote notarizations, you would check the new "physical appearance" box to indicate the signer was physically present before you for the notarization.

Beverly Jennings

On the new form "Florida Short Form Individual Acknowledgement" who is suppose to sign in the "Optional Box" that states "Signer(s) Other Than Named Above". Is it just a witness who is at the signing of the document other than myself?

Hello. The "Optional Box" section on NNA certificates is simply provided to include additional information not required by law in the Notary certificate. The section you are referring to gives Notaries the option to note if there are additional signatures on the document in addition to the person whose signature is being notarized.

Barbara Beck

21 Jan 2020

I only notarize in office. Clients must be present to sign. Do I need anything else?

22 Jan 2020

Hello. Please remember that you will still need to follow all other state law requirements for identifying signers and completing your notarizations.

Donna Kochicas

If a document package only has one notarial spot and it is in the middle of a presentation is it ok to print and have signed your own separate acknowledgment form that shows that that particular package was performed in person?

Trish Hernandez

12 Feb 2020

So we can just use a jurat stamp on the document with the new verbiage instead of using a paper certificate, correct?

Hello. Any Notary certificate wording used must comply with the new statute, regardless of format.

IRMA A. WHITE

21 Feb 2020

if a Waranty deed which will be recorded in the State of Florida, was notarized by a Notary Public on1/6/2020 from other State (Alabama for example) and such Deed did not include the new notary acknowledgment, is this deed acceptable for recording?

24 Feb 2020

Hello. You would need to contact the recording office to ask if they would have any issues with accepting this document for recording.

Robin Pivirotto

I found an article on the Wolters Kluwer website that notes the NNA's 11/13/19 bulletin regarding the new law and says that the article indicates "notarial certificates must expressly include the phrase ""by means of physical presence"" even if the remote online notarization option is not available". I am being told that our document vendor will only be including this phrase on their Florida notarial certificates and will not include the check box for the online notarization. Will my documents get reject for recording if that checkbox for online notarization is not on the certificate at all? Thank you.

Hello. FS 117.05 (4)(c) states that a Florida acknowledgment or jurat certificate must indicate "Whether the signer personally appeared before the notary public at the time of the notarization by physical presence or by means of audio-video communication technology as authorized under part II of this chapter."

Sheena

10 Apr 2020

As a notary may I do fingerprinting? For example for a CCW?

13 Apr 2020

linda

20 May 2020

Do the principal signatures need to be original or can they electronically sign the document?

Hello. The new certificate wording is required for both physical and remote online notarizations in Florida.

Angela Slagle

13 Jun 2020

For an acklowdgement in Florida there has to be 9 elements. In the notary signing agents loan documents source book from NNA on page 53 it has a notarization of compliance agreements. The acknowledgement has 8 out 9 elements. Would you add signer appeared/produced Identification on acknowledgement? Would you cross out California on the laws of perjury? Should I attach a new Florida acknowledgement with all 9 elements? Thank you

15 Jun 2020

Brian Simmons

For out of state folks who aren't up to date on these requirements, is there a Florida Statute or "official" document I can point them to in order to demonstrate?

17 Jun 2020

Chapter 2019-71, Laws of Florida: http://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2019-071.pdf

Marsha Norman

19 Jun 2020

A lot of notaries are not using the new language requirement and many counties are not rejecting these documents for recording. If the document does not have a notary block that complies with the statute, is the document invalid?

26 Jun 2020

Hello. We can't comment on the validity of a specific document, but can tell you that all Florida Notaries are now required by state law to use the new certificate language described in the article.

Zory Agosto

22 Jun 2020

Does this apply to documents notarized in other states?

Hello. This article is covering a requirement specifically for Florida Notaries.

Dianne McNeal

23 Sep 2020

I purchased a pad of the new wording. I am only notarizing in-person. When I fill out this form with the new wording, what is the best way to include it with the document I'm notarizing?

30 Sep 2020

Hello. If you need to complete and attach separate Notary certificate wording, it should be stapled to the signature page of the notarized document.

Don Crespy

20 Nov 2020

can I get a new example of what the florida notary block needs to look like in florida

Hello. If you are a NNA member, you may download the new certificates for free as a member benefit by logging in to your account on the NNA website.

candacejones900@gmail.com

04 Oct 2022

1) Does Florida State Law require that a Notary obtain a "digital certificate" for Remote Online Notarization (RON)? If so, please site the statue. 2) Does Florida State Law require that a Notary become a "NNA member" before using a RON service provided platform? If so, please site the statue. Website: Https://www.ShimpInternational.com Email: ShimpInternational@protonmail.com

06 Oct 2022

Hello. You are not required to be a NNA member to perform remote notarizations in Florida. For information on Florida's requirements, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/remote-online-notary/how-to-become-a-remote-online-notary/florida

Holly

12 Jul 2023

Should I be using the 2022 to 2023 Florida Individual acknowledgement signature instead of the 2019. Since the signature was in 20222 the Florida Laws have changed and the certificate is different. i might have goofed.

Hello. You should be using the most current certificate wording prescribed by Florida state law.

Donna Dieppa

21 Sep 2023

Had a POA WENT TO CHASE BANK THEY REJECTED IT BECAUSE IT DIDNT SAY PERSONALLY APPEARED BEFORE ME. I had it redone they approved it I used it and now 2 weeks later they say they are canceling the approval because now it must say in physical presence. WTH...

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Where to get new Florida Notary certificates

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