Florida Notary BondTwo Paths: $7,500 Standard or $25,000 RON
Florida runs two notary programs with dramatically different bond requirements. Standard notaries need a $7,500 surety bond per §117.01. Remote Online Notaries need a $25,000 bond plus $25,000 E&O insurance per §117.225. Updated for 2025 legislative changes. New to surety bonds? See what is a surety bond and all state notary bonds.
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Standard vs. Remote Online Notary — Side by Side
This is the most important decision when applying for a Florida notary commission. Your bond amount, insurance requirements, fee limits, and record-keeping obligations all depend on which path you choose. For a broader look at what a surety bond is and how it works, see our guide. Use our notary bond cost calculator to estimate your premium, or see our surety bond cost guide for context.
Florida Notary: Standard vs. RON Requirements
| Requirement | Standard Notary | Remote Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Surety bond | $7,500 (§117.01) | $25,000 (§117.225) |
| E&O insurance | Optional (recommended) | $25,000 minimum (mandatory) |
| Education | 3-hour course | 3-hour course + RON course |
| Max fee per act | $10 (§117.05) | $25 (§117.275) |
| Commission term | 4 years | Expires with underlying commission |
| Recording required | No | Yes — entire A/V session |
| Recording retention | N/A | 10 years minimum |
| Registration fee | $39 total | $39 + $10 RON registration |
| Technology vendor | Not required | SOS-approved vendor required |
| KBA identity check | Not required | Min 5 questions, 80% correct |
Sources: Florida Statutes §117.01, §117.05, §117.225, §117.265, §117.275
The Reimbursement Trap Most Notaries Miss
Your notary bond protects the public, not you. If a client suffers a loss due to your error, negligence, or misconduct, the surety company pays the claim — up to $7,500 (or $25,000 for RON). But then the surety comes after you for full reimbursement, including defense costs.
This is why E&O insurance matters even when it's technically optional for standard notaries. The bond is a guarantee to the public. E&O is your personal safety net. Learn the full difference in our bond vs. insurance guide. Also compare bond vs. cash deposit options.
How a Bond Claim Works
- 1. Client suffers financial loss from your notarial error
- 2. Client files a claim against your surety bond
- 3. Surety company investigates the claim
- 4. If valid, surety pays the client (up to bond amount)
- 5. Surety demands full reimbursement from YOU
Florida Notary Bond Premium by Credit
Based on a $7,500 bond amount
- Excellent (720+)Rate: 1-2%$20-35
- Good (660-719)Rate: 2-3%$35-55
- Fair (600-659)Rate: 3-5%$55-95
- Below Average (500-599)Rate: 5-10%$95-190
- Poor (below 500)Rate: 10-15%$190-285
Premium covers the full 4-year commission. RON bonds ($25,000) cost 2-3x these amounts.
How Much Does a Florida Notary Bond Cost?
The $7,500 standard notary bond typically costs $20–$55 for the full 4-year commission term — most applicants with decent credit pay around $28–$35 total. RON bonds ($25,000) run roughly 2–3x that amount. The bond premium is set by the surety company based on your credit profile, not regulated by Florida law. Use our notary bond cost calculator for a quick estimate, or see our surety bond cost guide for the full picture.
No credit check required for most applicants. Instant approval available — download your certificate the same day. Visit our main site for all surety bond options to compare bond types. See notary bond costs by state and learn how to get a surety bond.
New Civil Cause of Action (§117.051)
Section 117.051, created by ch. 2025-82, establishes a private right of action for violations of §117.05 advertising restrictions. This primarily targets unauthorized use of terms like “notario público” that could mislead consumers into believing a notary can provide legal services.
Violators now face both criminal penalties and civil lawsuits from injured parties. This is especially significant in Florida's large Hispanic communities where the “notario” title has historically caused confusion.
Employer Liability (§117.05)
Florida law holds employers liable for notary misconduct that occurs within the scope of employment. If you employ notaries — in a title company, law firm, bank, or any business — you share liability for their notarial errors.
If You're an Employer:
- Verify each notary's bond is active
- Encourage E&O coverage
- Train staff on proper notarization procedures
- The notary's seal belongs to them, not you — you cannot seize it
Official Florida Requirements
"A notary public shall give bond in the amount of $7,500 with a surety company authorized to transact business in this state, conditioned for the due discharge of the duties of the office."Florida Department of State • Florida Statutes §117.01(7)(a)
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Standard or RON — instant approval, no credit check, download your certificate immediately.
Get Your Bond NowApplication Fees & Education
Compare Florida's $39 total state fees with neighboring states: Texas (~$91 total), Georgia, Alabama ($50K, highest in the nation). See our notary bond cost guide for a full comparison. Check surety bond requirements for all bond types.
State Fees: $39 Total
Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability are exempt from the $10 commission fee.
3-Hour Education Course
All first-time Florida notary applicants must complete at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction covering notary duties and electronic notarization.
10-year exemption: If you held a Florida notary commission within the past 10 years, you're exempt. Out-of-state commissions don't count.
Course must be completed within 1 year prior to application.
Oath & Timeline
After receiving your commission, take the oath of office before a circuit court clerk in your county of residence.
60-day deadline: You must take the oath within 60 days of your commission date. Miss it and you'll need to reapply.
Address changes must be reported to the Department of State within 60 days.
Notarial Fee Schedule
| Act | Max Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard notarial act | $10 |
| Remote online notarial act | $25 |
| Marriage ceremony | Court clerk rate |
| Vote-by-mail witnessing | Free |
Source: §117.05 (standard), §117.275 (RON), §117.045 (marriage). Travel fees for mobile notary services are not regulated by statute.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Legal Florida residentMust maintain throughout commission
- Read, write, and understand English
- Complete 3-hour education courseExempt if FL commission within 10 years
- Character affidavit from unrelated person1+ year acquaintance required
- No undisclosed felony convictionsMust submit court judgment if applicable
- Permanent resident aliens welcomeFile recorded Declaration of Domicile
Florida professionals who also need a Florida contractor license bond or Florida auto dealer bond can apply for both through our system. See all surety bond types. Compare neighboring states: Georgia notary bond, Alabama notary bond, South Carolina notary bond. Not sure what you need? Learn how to get a surety bond. Browse the surety bond glossary for key terms.
Florida Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the $7,500 and $25,000 Florida notary bond?
Standard Florida notaries who perform in-person notarizations need a $7,500 bond per Florida Statutes §117.01. Remote Online Notaries (RON) who notarize via audio-video need a $25,000 bond per §117.225, plus $25,000 in errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. The higher amounts reflect the increased risk of remote transactions.
Do I need E&O insurance as a Florida notary?
For standard notaries, E&O is not required but strongly recommended. Your $7,500 surety bond protects the public — not you. If a claim is paid, you must reimburse the surety. E&O insurance covers your personal liability. For RON notaries, $25,000 E&O is mandatory per §117.225(7). See our guide on the difference between bonds and insurance at /bond-vs-insurance/.
I held a Florida commission years ago. Do I need the education course again?
If your last Florida notary commission was active within the past 10 years, you are exempt from the 3-hour education requirement. Out-of-state commissions do not qualify for this exemption — only prior Florida commissions count.
Can non-citizens become Florida notaries?
Yes. Permanent resident aliens who are legal Florida residents may apply. You must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with your application per §117.01(1). You must maintain Florida residency throughout your commission term.
What happens if my employer fires me — do they keep my notary seal?
No. Under §117.05, the notary seal is legally your personal property. An employer cannot seize, retain, or withhold your seal upon termination. Unauthorized possession of another person's notary seal is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida.
What is the new 2025 Florida notary advertising law?
Section 117.051, created by ch. 2025-82, establishes a private civil cause of action for violations of §117.05 advertising restrictions. This primarily targets unauthorized use of "notario público" or similar terms that could mislead Spanish-speaking consumers into believing a notary can provide legal services. Violators now face both criminal penalties and civil lawsuits.
How do I get a notary bond in Florida?
Purchase your bond online through a licensed surety provider like BuySuretyBonds.com for instant approval. Standard notaries need a $7,500 bond per Florida Statutes §117.01; RON notaries need a $25,000 bond per §117.225 plus $25,000 in E&O insurance. You pay nothing until your bond is issued. After purchasing, include your bond with your application to the Governor through the Department of State.
How much does a Florida notary bond cost?
The $7,500 standard Florida notary bond typically costs $30-50 for the full 4-year commission term. The $25,000 RON bond costs $50-100. These are one-time premiums, not annual fees. No credit check is required for most applicants. Total commissioning costs include the bond premium plus a $39 application fee and $10 commission fee. See our notary bond cost comparison at /notary-bonds/cost/.
More resources: notary bond requirements by state • surety bond learning center • what is a surety bond? • auto dealer bonds • Texas notary bond ($10K) • types of surety bonds • 2025–2026 state bond law changes • freight broker bonds
Official Florida Sources
Explore more: all state notary bonds • notary bond requirements by state • notary bond costs by state • surety bond glossary • learning center • types of surety bonds • 2025–2026 state bond law changes • contractor license bonds
Florida Statutes §117.01
Bond amount, fees, eligibility, oath
Florida Statutes §117.05
Fee schedule, seal, employer liability
Florida Chapter 117 (Full)
RON provisions §117.225-§117.275
FL Dept of State — Notaries
Applications, education, forms
RON Registration
Remote online notary sign-up
U.S. Treasury Surety Bonds
Certified surety companies list
Other Florida Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Florida
Protect Your Florida Notary Commission
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