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Unlike many states that require written examinations, Florida takes an education-first approach to notary training. First-time notary applicants and those whose commissions expired more than 10 years ago must complete a mandatory 3-hour education course approved by the Executive Office of the Governor.

Who Must Complete the Course

The 3-hour education requirement applies to first-time Florida notary applicants and anyone whose previous Florida notary commission expired more than 10 years ago. If you held a Florida notary commission within the past 10 years and are renewing, you are exempt from this education requirement. This exemption recognizes that recently commissioned notaries already possess current knowledge of Florida notary laws and procedures.

Course Format and Content

Florida's notary education course may be completed online or in a live classroom setting, providing flexibility for busy professionals. The course must include at least three hours of instruction covering the duties and responsibilities of Florida notaries public. Critically, the curriculum must include electronic notarization, reflecting Florida's embrace of modern notarial technology through the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (URPERA).

The course covers Florida notary statutes (Chapter 117, Florida Statutes), proper notarization procedures, recordkeeping requirements, prohibited practices, and ethical considerations. Unlike examination-based states, Florida's course does not conclude with a test. Instead, students must complete all course materials to receive their certificate of completion.

Timing and Certificate Validity

The education course must be completed within one year prior to submitting your notary application to the Florida Department of State. This one-year validity window ensures that applicants have current knowledge when they receive their commission. You must submit your signed certificate of completion along with your notary application, bond, and filing fee.

Course providers registered with the Executive Office of the Governor offer various scheduling options, with many online courses allowing immediate access and self-paced completion. The three-hour requirement is strictly enforced, though many courses provide additional supplementary materials beyond the minimum time requirement.

Why Florida Chose Education Over Examination

Florida's decision to mandate education rather than examination reflects a philosophical approach to notary competency. While states like California require both education and a proctored exam, Florida determined that comprehensive instruction covering all essential topics provides adequate preparation for notarial duties. The three-hour minimum ensures sufficient time to cover Florida's notary statutes, procedures, and electronic notarization without the stress and potential barrier of examination failure that might discourage qualified applicants.

Florida has embraced modern notarial technology through the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act (URPERA) and specific legislation authorizing Remote Online Notarization (RON). Florida notaries who wish to perform remote online notarizations can expand their practice beyond geographic boundaries while maintaining strict security standards.

Enhanced Bond Requirements for RON

Traditional Florida notaries require a $7,500 surety bond, but Remote Online Notaries face enhanced bonding requirements reflecting the additional risks of remote transactions. RON notaries must either purchase a $25,000 surety bond or increase their existing notary bond limit to $25,000. This higher bond amount provides greater protection to the public when notarizations occur through audio-visual technology rather than in-person.

Technology and Security Standards

Florida's RON legislation requires audio-visual communication technology that allows direct interaction between the notary and the remotely located individual. The technology must meet specific security standards including credential analysis, identity proofing, and tamper-evident electronic seals. All RON sessions must be recorded and retained for at least 10 years, providing an audit trail that exceeds traditional in-person notarization recordkeeping.

RON notaries must register with the Florida Department of State and maintain approval from an authorized RON technology provider. This registration process ensures that Florida RON notaries understand both traditional notarial duties and the unique requirements of remote electronic notarization.