WELCOME TO
Florida Notary Academy
For over 12 years, we have provided superior education to Florida's notaries public through our dedication to providing the most up-to-date information. We are one of only 21 notary education providers approved by the Executive Office of the Governor (8 of which are no longer in business). Our online course is only $29 and satisfies the education requirement for first-time applicants for a Florida notary commission. In addition, our course is totally up to date with current Florida law, while other providers haven't updated their curriculum in years (sometimes decades).
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 Florida notaries.
What about becoming a Remote Online Notary?
Effective January 1, 2020, existing Florida notaries may apply to be registered as an "online notary public", which allows 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.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is an officer of the state, appointed by the Governor for a term of 4 years. Their duties include taking acknowledgments of execution, administering oaths, solemnizing marriages, and attesting to copies. 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.