Florida Notary Public Bond

What Is the Florida Notary Public Bond?

Florida law (F.S. §117.01(7)) requires each notary applicant to file a $7,500 surety bond with the Department of State before the Governor's commission is issued. The bond runs for the same 4-year period as the notary commission and covers damages caused by:

• The notary's official misconduct
• Negligent performance of a notarial act
• Notarizing a signature without the signer present
• Improper identification of the signer

Florida is unique in that the notary is solely responsible for filing the bond through a bonding agency — the application, oath, bond, and commission fee are submitted as a package directly to the Department of State.

Who Needs This Bond in Florida?

• All Florida notaries public — new appointments and renewals
• Civil-law notaries require a separate higher bond ($25,000) and are governed under Chapter 118
• Online notaries — if you wish to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON), an additional $25,000 bond must be filed for that authority (separate from the basic $7,500 bond)

How Much Will the Bond Cost?

Florida notary bonds are issued at fixed rates with no credit check. Most applicants pay $30 to $40 total for the 4-year term:

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Complete the 3-hour notary education course required for first-time appointees.
2. Apply for your $7,500 bond — instant issuance, no credit check.
3. Submit application package (bond, application form, oath, $39 fee, $4 commission fee) to the Florida Department of State through your bonding agency.
4. Receive your commission by mail in 2–4 weeks; you may then begin notarizing.
5. (Optional) Apply for RON authority by filing the additional $25,000 bond and registering with an approved RON platform.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

Florida notary commissions run 4 years. You may renew within 6 months of your current expiration date. Renewal does not require retaking the education course (first-time appointees only). The state mails reminder notices, but it's the notary's responsibility to ensure renewal occurs before commission expiration to avoid a gap in authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate bond to perform online notarizations?

Yes. Florida's RON law (effective 2020) requires an additional $25,000 surety bond on top of your standard $7,500 bond if you wish to be a Florida Online Notary Public. The two bonds are separate filings.

Can I get my notary commission without using a bonding agency?

In practice no — the Florida Department of State requires applications to be submitted as a complete package, and the bond document originates from a licensed Florida insurance agent. Most notaries use a bonding agency that handles all paperwork.

What's the difference between the bond and E&O insurance?

The bond protects the public (the surety pays a claimant, then collects from you). E&O insurance protects you — it pays your defense costs and any settlement directly. Both are recommended; the bond is required, E&O is optional.

If I move to another state, what happens to my bond?

Your Florida commission terminates the moment you no longer maintain a Florida residence. The bond becomes inactive but the surety is not refunded. You'd need to apply for a new commission (and bond) in your new state.

Related: All Florida surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated