| A Florida Notary Public completes a thorough | | | | a document, how to advertise a notary practice, |
| application process before earning a commission. An | | | | proper situations for acting as a witness and how to |
| interested candidate for first time appointment or | | | | avoid actions or statements that might be considered |
| reappointment as a notary public begins by | | | | practicing law without a license |
| completing an application. The application can be | | | | After issue, the commission is sent to the bonding |
| downloaded from the Florida Department of State, | | | | company. The bonding company then forwards the |
| Notary Commissions and Certifications web site. This | | | | commission and notary seal to the notary who can |
| application is in Adobe Acrobat Reader. | | | | begin working as a Florida Notary. |
| Another way to get the notary application form is | | | | The process from application to receiving commission |
| from a bonding company. An up to date list of | | | | usually takes about 2-3 weeks unless the application |
| bonding companies approved by Florida can be found | | | | needs special handling. To assist the Florida Notary in |
| on the state web site. An applicant who aspires to | | | | performing duties of the office, the state web site |
| be a Florida Notary must show evidence of a bond. | | | | has samples of frequently used documents, including |
| Bonding companies not only offer the required bond | | | | Oath or Affirmation, Acknowledgement and Certified |
| but many are full service providers of notary supplies | | | | Copy. These samples show the proper wording as |
| and training. | | | | well as the format necessary for each type of |
| A Florida Notary applicant is required to show proof | | | | notarization. A Florida Notary can also reference the |
| of training. Since July 2000, notary applicants and | | | | correct procedure for Document Authentication also |
| those who are reapplying must complete a minimum | | | | known as Apostilles, which documents may be |
| of three hours training. Local colleges and universities, | | | | authenticated and the maximum fee that can be |
| adult education programs, bonding agencies, notary | | | | charged. |
| professional associations and for- profit education | | | | The statutes that govern duties and conduct of a |
| programs offer training to meet the Florida education | | | | Florida Notary is found at the Governor's web site. |
| requirements. Along with basic notary procedures, | | | | Florida notaries are under the direct responsibility of |
| understanding legal terminology, identification | | | | the governor's office. To further assist the Florida |
| procedures, recording transactions and administering | | | | Notary, a Governor's Reference Manual is available |
| oaths, a Florida Notary must be trained in electronic | | | | for download. |
| notarization processes. A list of approved training | | | | For the Florida Notary who plans to officiate at a |
| providers is also available on the state web site. | | | | wedding, a complete guide of how to conduct a |
| A Florida Notary applicant is also trained to work in | | | | marriage ceremony can be downloaded - This guide |
| "special positions" such as law enforcement, military | | | | includes a marriage ceremony in both English and |
| and government. Also an important aspect of training | | | | Spanish. |
| is in how to notarize wills, when to refuse to notarize | | | | |