Earning a notary license can be a great accomplishment and lead to a new stream of revenue in your life. However, every state has different rules about who can become a notary and what the requirements to obtain a license are. In some states, you have to be a lawyer to be a notary, and in others, anyone can hold the title if they pass a test. If you’re wondering how to become a notary in Florida, then there are a few things you need to know.
Requirements
To be a Florida notary, you must be at least eighteen years old and a Florida resident. If you are a convicted felon, then you can’t be a notary until your civil rights have been restored. This means most adults in the state are eligible to become a notary public.
Education
There is a three-hour course required of all people hoping to become a notary. You can either take the class through the state or through a third-party company, but be sure their curriculum has been approved by the governor’s office or else it won’t count. The courses are taken at your own pace and can be done online, but must be completed within one year of applying to the notary commission. In Florida, there’s no mandatory test to become a notary; just the class satisfies the education requirement.
Bonds
The state of Florida requires all notaries to hold a $7,500 surety bond to protect the people they serve. This is similar to insurance, but instead of protecting the notary, it protects the clients.
Becoming a Florida notary is a fairly simple process. You just need to meet the application requirements, take the education course, and secure a surety bond to start practicing in your new profession and helping your community!
