Essential Documents a Mobile Notary in Florida Can Legally Notarize

September 9, 2023

Navigating the intricate world of notarizations can be overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with property transfers, legal contracts, or financial agreements. This is where a Mobile Notary comes in handy, especially for people who have trouble traveling or managing tight schedules.

The convenience is even further expanded by the option of using an online notary service. This guide aims to shed light on the essential documents that can be legally notarized by a Notary in Florida, ensuring you have accurate information to successfully navigate through various legal, personal, and business tasks.

Types of Notaries in Florida

Florida is home to several types of notaries, each serving specific needs. These include the traditional Notary Public and the specialized Civil Law Notary. However, what sets A Notary On The Go Florida apart is their ability to bring notarial services directly to your doorstep.

Some even offer online notary services, where documents can be notarized through a secure video call, adding another layer of convenience to the process.

mobile notary a notary on the go FloridaRegulations and Guidelines for A Mobile Notary in Florida

In Florida, the notarial acts of Mobile Notaries are governed by specific regulations, most prominently detailed in Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes.

This comprehensive set of laws provides clear directives on everything from the qualifications to become a notary to the fees that can be charged.

It’s essential to be aware of these guidelines, especially if you opt for online notary services, which have their own set of regulations.

Essential Documents That Can Be Notarized

Real Estate Documents

  • Deeds: Notarizing the deed is a crucial step in making any property transaction legally binding.
  • Mortgage Documents: From loan applications to closing agreements, many mortgage-related documents require notarization.
  • Closing Documents: To finalize a property purchase or sale, several documents must be notarized.

Financial Documents

  • Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs: To ensure that the person you’re entrusting with your finances has legal authorization, the Power of Attorney document must be notarized.
  • Loan Agreements: These documents set out the conditions of a financial loan between parties, and a notary ensures the identities of those involved.
  • Promissory Notes: A notarized promissory note adds a level of legitimacy, making it enforceable in court if necessary.

Personal Documents

  • Affidavits: When you need to make a sworn statement for legal or official reasons, an affidavit has to be notarized to confirm its authenticity.
  • Living Wills: Outlining your medical wishes ahead of time is crucial, and notarizing this document ensures that healthcare professionals will honor these wishes.
  • Trusts: When establishing a trust, notarization confirms that the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries are who they claim to be.

Legal Documents

  • Court Documents: Documents like subpoenas and summonses often require notarization to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.
  • Divorce Papers: Many jurisdictions require divorce papers to be notarized for them to be legally binding.
  • Child Custody Agreements: A notarized agreement adds an extra layer of protection for all parties involved, especially the children.

Business Documents

  • Articles of Incorporation: Founding a corporation is a significant legal step, and notarizing these articles ensures their legitimacy.
  • Business Contracts: To avoid future disputes, business contracts are often notarized.
  • Employee Verification Forms: Ensuring that an employee is legally eligible to work in the U.S. often requires notarized verification.

Miscellaneous Documents

  • Vehicle Transfers: Transferring vehicle ownership is made more secure through notarization.
  • Consent Forms for Minors to Travel: When a minor is traveling without both parents, a notarized consent form is often necessary.
  • Academic Transcripts: Some institutions require notarized transcripts for them to be considered official.

Limitations and Restrictions

While Mobile Notaries offer an extensive range of services, there are limitations. For example, they are not authorized to notarize federally regulated documents or documents for which they might have a conflict of interest.

Always verify if the type of document you have can be notarized, especially when using an online notary service, as the limitations may differ.

Verification and Identification

Florida requires notaries to confirm the identity of the individual whose signature is being notarized. Common forms of identification include a state-issued driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Some online notary services may use digital forms of identification or additional security measures.

Fees and Charges

Florida law sets maximum fees for notarization services. Mobile Notaries can charge additional fees for travel, while online notaries have their own set of fee structures.

Transparency is key, so always inquire about all possible charges before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I find a certified Mobile Notary in Florida?: Government websites often list certified notaries, and specialized notary directories are another reliable source.
  • How do I schedule an appointment?: Scheduling is made convenient through phone, email, or online booking systems. Online notaries may offer a streamlined digital booking process.
Conclusion

Whether you choose a traditional Mobile Notary or an online notary, understanding what documents can be legally notarized in Florida is crucial for validating a wide array of transactions and agreements.

Compliance with state laws and guidelines ensures a smooth, legitimate, and hassle-free notarization process.

Resources

Florida Notary Law – Chapter 117
National Notary Association

For more information or to schedule a notary appointment, please contact A Notary On The Go Florida.