Florida Notary Academy
Excellence in Notarial Education since 2010
For nearly 15 years, Florida Notary Academy has been a trusted leader in notary education, providing Florida's notaries public with the most up-to-date training available. As one of less than 30 notary education providers approved by the Executive Office of the Governor (many of which are no longer in business), we are committed to delivering accurate and reliable instruction in notarial practice. Our online course is only $29 and satisfies the mandatory education requirement for first-time applicants for a Florida notary commission. Unlike many other providers, whose materials remain outdated for years or even decades, we ensure our curriculum is always current with Florida law. The current version of our curriculum was published June 26, 2024. Choose FNA for education that keeps you informed and compliant with the law.
How do I become a Florida Notary?
Complete the three-hour Florida notary education program required by Florida law. The course offered by Florida Notary Academy satisfies this requirement. At the conclusion of the course you can print your Certificate of Completion. Go to our Online Classes page to sign up today!
Select a bonding agency. Florida bonding agencies are "one-stop shops" that provide your bond, application, seal, and other supplies. Use our Bonding Agency Comparison Chart or refer to the State's official list of bonding agencies. Once you have selected an agency, go to their website to obtain the application form. The application form, together with your Certificate of Completion from Florida Notary Academy, gets submitted directly to the bonding agency.
The bonding agency processes your application with the state. In about 6 weeks, your bonding agency will send you your commission certificate, seal, and any other supplies you ordered from the agency.
What about becoming a Loan Signing Agent?
A loan signing agent (notary signing agent) is a notary who specializes in real estate closings. Signing agents usually seek out additional training or certification, which is not offered by Florida Notary Academy. There are many organizations that offer training to become a loan signing agent, including Notary.net ($45), 123Notary ($67+), Notary of America ($99), National Notary Association ($189+), Loan Signing System ($197+), and Notary2Pro ($300).
If you are interested in general information about becoming a signing agent, the Notary Rotary message board is a great resource. There are also several Facebook groups specifically for signing agents.
What about becoming a Remote Online Notary?
Existing Florida notaries may apply to be registered as an "online notary public," which permits them to take acknowledgments and administer oaths using audio-video communication technology (webcam) rather than physical appearance. Only notaries who separately apply to be registered as an "online notary public" may perform notarial acts remotely. The technological requirements are advanced; Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and the like cannot be used. To become an "online notary public", one must complete a separate application, obtain a separate $25,000 bond and insurance policy, and complete a separate course (which is not offered by Florida Notary Academy). Visit the Department of State's Remote Online Notary Public website for more information.
Florida Notary Academy remains opposed to the practice of remote online notarization, and has never waivered in that stance.
What is a Notary Public?
A Florida notary public is a constitutionally-recognized independent officer of the state, appointed by the Governor of Florida for a term of four years. As public officers, they are subject to the same Code of Ethics as other state officers, and their acts are subject to review by the Commission on Ethics. Notaries are required to post a bond, which protects the public from the notary's negligence - but notaries and their employers have virtually unlimited liability. The duties of Florida notaries include taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and solemnizing marriage, among other duties.