Duties and Responsibilities of a Florida Notary Public
As a Florida Notary Public, I am authorized by the State of Florida to perform a range of official duties related to the notarization of legal documents.
Notaries play a vital role in verifying the authenticity, integrity, and voluntary execution of important legal and financial transactions. Below is a summary of the key responsibilities and authority of a Florida Notary Public:
✅ Acknowledgments
A notary can certify that a signer has:
- Personally appeared before the notary
- Verified their identity
- Signed the document willingly and without coercion
This ensures the signature is valid and was made voluntarily.
✅ Jurats
In a jurat, the signer:
- Swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true
- Signs the document in the presence of the notary
The notary administers the oath or affirmation and adds the proper notarial certification.
✅ Administering Oaths & Affirmations
Florida notaries are authorized to administer oaths or affirmations in legal matters, such as:
- Affidavits
- Depositions
- Sworn statements required by law
✅ Certifying Copies of Documents
Notaries may certify that a photocopy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction. The original must be presented for comparison.
✅ Witnessing Signatures
Florida notaries can act as official witnesses to document signings. This involves:
- Confirming the signer’s identity
- Observing the act of signing
- Providing impartial verification
✅ Electronic Notarizations
Florida law permits notaries to perform electronic notarizations, using:
- Secure digital signatures
- An official electronic seal
These notarizations follow strict security and identity verification guidelines.
I perform all notarial acts with impartiality, integrity, and full compliance with the ethical standards set by the State of Florida.
Last Revision: March 2025.