Florida notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries
Florida Statute 117.05 caps what a notary public can charge for most services. A notary can charge up to $10 per signature for the first signature on a document, and up to $5 for each additional signature on the same document. If a notary travels to you, they can charge a travel fee, but the statute does not set a maximum for that — it depends on distance and the notary's own rate.
These are the maximum amounts allowed. Many notaries charge less, and some charge nothing for regular notarizations if they work at a bank or are notarizing for a family member. The key point is that no notary in Florida can legally charge more than the amounts set in statute, regardless of how urgent the job is or how complex the document appears.
Certain services fall outside the standard fee structure. Notaries can charge separately for making certified copies of documents, administering oaths, and witnessing signatures. These services have their own fee caps under Florida law.
Key Takeaways
- Florida law caps notary fees at $10 for the first signature and $5 for each additional signature on the same document.
- Travel fees are not capped by statute, so a notary who comes to your home or business can set their own rate for mileage and time.
- Banks, credit unions, and employers often provide notary services free to customers or employees, so check there before paying a private notary.
- Certified copies, oath administration, and witness services have separate fee limits under Florida law.
- A notary cannot charge more than the statutory maximum even if the document is urgent or time-sensitive.
Where to find a notary without paying travel fees
The cheapest option is often a notary you can visit in person, because you avoid travel charges. Banks and credit unions in Florida frequently offer notary services free to account holders. Call your bank's branch and ask whether a notary is available — many keep one on staff during business hours, and you do not need an appointment for a straightforward notarization.
UPS Store locations throughout Florida employ notaries and charge the statutory maximum ($10 for the first signature). FedEx Office also offers notary services at similar rates. Both are open on weekends and evenings in many locations, which makes them useful if your bank is closed when you need the notarization.
Some employers and professional organizations provide notary services to members at no cost. If you belong to a union, professional association, or large employer, ask your HR or membership department whether they have a notary on staff. Law offices sometimes notarize documents for clients at no extra charge beyond their service fee.
Travel fees and mobile notaries
If you need a notary to come to your home, hospital, or business, you will pay a travel fee on top of the $10 per signature charge. Florida law does not cap travel fees, so the cost depends on the notary's location and how far they have to drive. A notary 5 miles away might charge $25 to $50 for travel; one 20 miles away might charge $75 to $150 or more.
Mobile notaries advertise online and through apps like Notarize and Signingday. When you request a quote, ask specifically what the travel fee is and whether it includes the statutory signature fee or is added on top. Some notaries quote a flat rate that covers both; others charge travel separately from the per-signature amount.
If you are in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, ask the facility whether they have a notary on staff or a preferred vendor. Many facilities have relationships with mobile notaries and may have negotiated rates or may provide the service at no charge to residents.
Certified copies and other notary services
A certified copy is a photocopy of a document that a notary has reviewed and stamped to confirm it matches the original. Florida notaries can charge up to $5 per page for certified copies, separate from any signature fees. If the document has notarized signatures on it, you may pay both the signature fee and the certified copy fee.
Administering an oath or affirmation — having someone swear under penalty of perjury that a statement is true — costs up to $10 per person under Florida law. Witnessing a signature (where the notary watches someone sign but does not notarize it) also costs up to $10. These are separate from standard notarization fees, so if a document requires both a notarized signature and a witnessed signature, you could owe multiple fees.
Ask the notary upfront what services the document requires and what the total cost will be. Many notaries provide a written quote before you commit, especially for mobile services or complex documents with multiple signatures and certified copies.
What documents typically need notarization in Florida
Powers of attorney, affidavits, and real estate documents almost always require notarization in Florida. Loan documents, mortgage refinances, and title transfers require notarized signatures. Wills do not legally require notarization in Florida, but many people have them notarized anyway to make them easier to probate later.
Immigration documents, adoption papers, and documents for use outside the United States often require notarization. If you are unsure whether a document needs notarization, check with the organization requesting it — they will tell you what they require.
Some documents require not just a notary but a certified notary or a notary with specific credentials. For example, real estate closing documents may require a notary who is bonded and insured. Ask the lender or title company what type of notary they need before you hire one.
How to verify a notary is legitimate
Florida notaries are commissioned by the Florida Department of State. You can search the state's notary database online at the Department of State website to confirm a notary's commission is current and active. The search shows the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date.
A legitimate notary will have a notary seal and journal. The seal is an official stamp that appears on notarized documents; the journal is a record book where the notary documents each notarization they perform. If a notary cannot show you a seal or refuses to keep a record of the notarization, they are not operating legally.
Ask for the notary's commission number and verify it before paying. If you are using a mobile notary service, check whether they are bonded and insured — this protects you if something goes wrong with the notarization. The Department of State website lists whether a notary is bonded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge more than $10 per signature in Florida?
No. Florida law sets $10 as the maximum for the first signature and $5 for each additional signature on the same document. A notary who charges more is breaking the law. Travel fees are the only exception — those are not capped by statute.
Do I have to pay if a notary makes a mistake?
You should not pay for a notarization that is done incorrectly. If a notary makes an error — missing a date, wrong seal impression, or incomplete information — ask them to correct it at no charge. If they refuse or the error is serious, contact the Florida Department of State to file a complaint.
What if I need a notarization after hours or on a weekend?
UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open evenings and weekends in many Florida cities and can notarize documents at the statutory rate. Mobile notaries also work evenings and weekends, though they will charge a travel fee on top of the signature fee. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Is a notarization done online legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida allows remote notarization through audio-visual technology, and the fee is the same as in-person notarization — up to $10 per signature. Services like Notarize and Signingday connect you with Florida notaries who can notarize documents online. You will still pay the statutory fee plus any technology or service fees the platform charges.
What happens if I lose a notarized document?
You can ask the notary to provide a certified copy of the notarization from their journal. The notary can charge up to $5 per page for a certified copy. Keep the original notarized document in a safe place — a safe deposit box or fireproof safe at home — because replacing it can be difficult and costly.