Florida Notary Bond— Two Paths: $7,500 Standard or $25,000 RON
The Florida notary bond is a $7,500 surety bond required by §117.01, and 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.
Never pay until bonded — no obligation
- Who requires it: Florida Department of State (Florida Statutes §117.01(7)(a)).
- Amount: $7,500 for a standard notary, or $25,000 for a remote online notary (§117.225), for a 4-year commission term.
- Typical cost (estimate): about $30–$50 for the $7,500 standard bond and $50–$100 for the $25,000 RON bond, for the full 4-year term. The surety sets the final price.
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
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 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 calculator for a quick estimate, or see our surety bond cost guide for the full picture.
Many notary bonds don’t require a credit check. Instant quotes available, and many notary bonds are issued 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.
Watch: Florida Notary Bond — $7,500 / $25,000 RON
Florida has two different notary bond amounts — $7,500 for traditional notaries and $25,000 for remote online notarization (RON). RON also requires $25,000 in mandatory E&O insurance. Here's how both tracks work.
Key moments in this video
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, prior to executing the duties of the office and throughout the term of office, give bond, payable to any individual harmed as a result of a breach of duty by the notary public acting in his or her official capacity, in the amount of $7,500, conditioned for the due discharge of the office…"Florida Department of State • Florida Statutes §117.01(7)(a)
Get Your Florida Notary Bond Quote in Minutes
Standard or RON — instant quote, many notary bonds don’t require a credit check, same-day submission.
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 notary bond cost by state 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.
Prior commissions: The requirement applies to first-time applicants (§668.50(11)(b)). If you held a Florida commission before, confirm with the Department of State whether it applies to you.
Course must be completed within 1 year prior to application.
Oath & Timeline
Your signed oath of office and your notary bond accompany your application, and the bond is approved and filed with the Department of State (§117.01(2), (7)(a)).
Changes to your address, phone number, or criminal record must be reported in writing to the Department of State within 60 days (§117.01(2)).
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 courseFirst-time applicants (§668.50(11)(b))
- 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?
Florida requires the 3-hour course for first-time applicants, completed within 1 year before applying (Fla. Stat. §668.50(11)(b)). If you previously held a Florida commission, confirm with the Department of State whether your application is treated as a first-time application.
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(3)(b), your seal must not be surrendered to an employer when your employment ends, even if the employer paid for the seal or the commission.
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 agency like BuySuretyBonds.com for an instant quote. 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. Many notary bonds don’t require a credit check. Total commissioning costs include the bond premium plus $39 in state fees ($25 application fee, $10 commission fee, and a $4 surcharge). See our notary bond cost comparison at /notary-bonds/cost/.
Who needs a Florida notary bond?
Florida notaries public. It is required by the Florida Department of State (Florida Statutes §117.01(7)(a)). The bond amount is $7,500 for a standard notary, or $25,000 for a remote online notary (§117.225), for a 4-year commission term.
What happens after I apply?
A licensed agent submits your application the same day it arrives; most quotes come back within one business day. The carrier decides approval and the final premium, and you pay only when your bond is issued.
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
Estimate Your Florida Notary Bond Premium
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Other Florida Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Florida
Nearby States
Notary bonds in neighboring states
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
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