What Does a Florida Notary Public Do?

If you’ve ever signed important documents—like real estate papers, loan agreements, or legal affidavits—you’ve probably encountered a Notary Public. In Florida, Notaries play a vital role in protecting the integrity of business, legal, and personal transactions. But what exactly does a Florida Notary Public do, and why are they so important?

The Role of a Florida Notary Public

A Notary Public in Florida is a state-appointed official authorized to serve as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. Their primary duty is to help deter fraud and ensure that everyone signing a document is who they claim to be and is doing so willingly.

Notaries are not attorneys (unless separately licensed as one), but they hold a trusted position in Florida’s legal and business landscape.

Common Duties of a Florida Notary

1. Acknowledgments

   • The signer declares to the Notary that they voluntarily signed a document.

   • Commonly used in real estate transactions and contracts.

2. Oaths and Affirmations

   • A Notary can administer oaths and affirmations, which are legally binding promises to tell the truth.

   • Frequently used in affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.

3. Jurats

   • In a jurat, the signer swears (or affirms) the truthfulness of the contents of a document in front of the Notary.

   • The Notary then verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses the signature.

4. Certified Copies

   • Florida Notaries can certify copies of certain non-public documents (such as diplomas, driver’s licenses, or passports), but not public records like birth or death certificates.

5. Loan Signings

   • Many Notaries in Florida specialize in handling loan and real estate closings, ensuring borrowers sign their documents properly and that paperwork is returned accurately to lenders or title companies.

Why Florida Notaries Are Important

• Fraud Prevention: By verifying identification and witnessing signatures, Notaries help prevent forgery and fraud.

• Trust and Confidence: A notarized document carries more weight in legal and business matters, giving parties confidence in its validity.

• Accessibility: With both traditional mobile notaries and Florida’s allowance for Remote Online Notarization (RON), notarization is more accessible than ever.

Florida’s Unique Advantage: Remote Online Notarization

Since 2020, Florida law has allowed Notaries to perform notarizations online using secure audio-video technology. This means clients can have documents notarized without leaving their home or office—an excellent option for busy professionals, seniors, or anyone needing quick, convenient service.

When to Call a Notary

You may need a Florida Notary Public when:

• Buying or selling a home

• Completing loan or refinance documents

• Creating a power of attorney or will

• Swearing to an affidavit

• Certifying a copy of an important document

Final Thoughts

A Florida Notary Public is more than just a stamp and a signature—they are a trusted safeguard for some of life’s most important moments. Whether it’s purchasing a home, protecting your family with legal documents, or verifying your identity for official use, Notaries ensure the process is accurate, legal, and secure.

At The Signature Squad Notary Services, we are proud to serve our Northeast Florida community with professionalism, convenience, and care—both in person and online.