Do you want a stronger resume? Do you want more job options and opportunities? Becoming a part of the Florida Notary Association can give you all of that—plus a feeling of satisfaction and power by being there for important occasions in Floridians’ lives.
What is a notary service? Can anyone become a notary public? Before you pursue this rewarding role, it’s important to get all the facts about it.
What Can a Notary Do in Florida?
The main role of a notary public is to screen signers of important documents, which means making sure they are who they say they are.
When people sign property deeds, wills, powers of attorney, and many other documents, it is the job of the notary to identify each person and to ensure their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation.
In Florida, notary services also include administering oaths of office, solemnizing marriage, and certifying copies of non-recordable documents.
What Is a Notary Service?
There are many services you could do as a notary! A notary is a person appointed by the state government to serve as an official and impartial third-party witness to the signing of important documents. By providing notarization on the document, the notary verifies the identity of the people who are signing and confirms that they are not committing an act of fraud.
Also, as part of a court hearing or a deposition, a notary is able to administer an oath. Oaths can also be administered as part of notarized affidavits and other sworn statements on paper.
Here’s another exciting service: notary publics are able to solemnize a marriage if the couple being married presents a valid marriage license. The notary can perform civil or religious ceremonies.
Finally, notaries are able to certify the contents of a safe-deposit box. It’s not common, but if a person who owns a safe-deposit box dies or has otherwise abandoned the safe-deposit box, the notary can be tasked to be present while a bank official and another witness open the box.
What Is Required to Become a Notary?
To become a notary public a person must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of Florida
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
- Receive restoration of civil rights if ever convicted of a felony
If you meet these, you could be qualified to continue your application to become a notary. Once you have an approved surety bond, you can take an approved education course online for free. Finally, you can fill out an application form and wait for approval.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Notary?
Becoming a notary helps protect consumers from fraud and identity theft, but there’s more to being a notary than just helping your community. Being a notary helps you:
- Make additional income. While a notary is a public official, they can charge clients for their services. You can charge certain allowed fees for each notarization, and you can charge additional fees for travel, supplies, and other expenses.
- Improve your resume. Almost every industry is in need of notaries, so becoming one will help you be more marketable when applying for a job. By hiring you, the company is not only getting your main skills but also getting the added bonus of having a notary public on staff.
- Have a flexible schedule. You have the flexibility to set your own schedule and hours when you work as a notary. Whether you want to make it your full time job or are just using it as an additional source of income, being a notary lets you work when it works for you.
Do I Need Insurance?
Yes, an important piece of Florida notary information is that you are required to have a $7,500 notary bond. This is like insurance that protects your customers. It’s strongly recommended that you also get errors and omissions insurance. This insurance protects you if you make any mistakes, covering all damages and legal costs, up to the policy limit.
Becoming a notary doesn’t have to be complicated, and the Florida Notary Association is here to help. We want your experience to be as smooth as possible. Our experienced and dedicated staff members are ready to assist you if you have any questions throughout your notary process. So, contact us to get all the support you need as you grow in this exciting role!
Additionally, once you become a notary you can always use The Dotted Line as a resource. They offer notary supply kits and accessories that you can use every day on the job!