Florida was one of the first states in the country to pass a comprehensive remote online notarization law, and its framework remains one of the most developed in the U.S. If you live in Florida, own property here, or are dealing with Florida-governed documents from out of state, understanding how remote online notarization works under Florida law can save you significant time and frustration.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the Florida RON statute requires, how fees work, what documents you can notarize, and how to get started today.
What Is Remote Online Notarization in Florida?
Remote online notarization (RON) allows a Florida-commissioned notary public to notarize documents for signers who are not physically present in the same room. The notarization takes place via a two-way audio-video connection in real time, and both the identity verification and the notarial act are completed digitally through a state-approved platform.
Florida’s RON statute, codified under Florida Statutes Chapter 117, has been in effect since January 1, 2020. Since then, tens of thousands of Floridians and out-of-state signers dealing with Florida documents have used remote notary services to complete everything from real estate closings to estate planning documents without leaving home.
Who Can Use Florida Remote Online Notarization?
Florida’s RON law is notably broad in terms of who can use it. The signer does not need to be a Florida resident or even be located in Florida. As long as the notary is a Florida-commissioned notary using a Florida-approved RON platform, they can notarize documents for signers anywhere in the world.
This makes Florida RON especially useful for:
- Florida residents who are traveling or temporarily out of state
- Out-of-state buyers purchasing Florida real estate
- Family members in other states are managing Florida estate documents
- International clients with Florida-governed contracts
- Businesses with employees or customers outside Florida who need Florida documents notarized
Florida RON Legal Requirements
Under Florida Statutes § 117.265, a Florida notary performing a remote online notarization must comply with the following requirements:
Platform Approval
The notary must use a RON platform that has been approved by the Florida Department of State. Approved platforms must meet specific technical standards, including multi-factor identity verification, secure audio-video communication, and tamper-evident document sealing. Platforms also must maintain a recording of each RON session for a minimum of ten years.
Identity Verification
Florida law requires the notary to verify the signer’s identity using at least two of the following methods:
- Remote presentation of a government-issued photo ID
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) — a set of questions drawn from the signer’s credit or public records
- Identity proofing through a credential analysis process
This dual-method verification is more rigorous than what many in-person notarizations require, which is one reason Florida RON documents hold up well legally.
Electronic Seal and Signature
The notary applies an electronic notary seal and a digital certificate to the document. Florida requires that the electronic seal meet specific technical criteria and that it be unique to the notary and capable of independent verification.
Session Recording
Every Florida RON session must be recorded via audio and video. This recording becomes part of the notary’s records and can serve as evidence of proper execution if a document is ever challenged.
Which Documents Can Be Notarized Under Florida RON?
Florida’s RON law covers a wide range of document types. Common examples include:
- Real estate deeds, closing packages, and mortgage documents
- Powers of attorney
- Wills and living trusts (with state-specific requirements)
- Healthcare directives and medical powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Business contracts and corporate resolutions
- Loan agreements and refinance packages
- Financial and banking authorizations
One important note: while Florida law permits remote notarization of wills and trusts, estate planning documents should be prepared with the guidance of a Florida-licensed estate planning attorney. For loan and real estate documents, confirm with your lender or title company that they accept RON-notarized packages before proceeding. You can use our online notary service to complete the signing once your lender confirms acceptance.
How Much Does Florida Remote Online Notarization Cost?
Florida allows notaries to charge up to $25 per notarial act for an RON session. This reflects the additional technology infrastructure, platform costs, and compliance requirements involved. In practice, pricing varies by platform. Some platforms offer a flat per-document fee, while others charge per notarial act (seal).
When comparing platforms, look at the total cost of your specific transaction rather than just the headline rate. For straightforward single-document notarizations, notarizing loan documents and other standard forms is typically available at a predictable flat rate.
Does Florida Accept Out-of-State RON Notarizations?
Yes, with conditions. Under Florida’s RON statute, Florida will give effect to a remote online notarization performed by a notary in another state, as long as that notary’s home state has a substantially similar RON law. This means documents notarized remotely in Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and other RON-enacting states are generally recognized in Florida.
Florida RON and Real Estate Closings
Real estate is one of the most active use cases for Florida RON. Florida’s Sunshine State status means a large share of real estate transactions involve out-of-state or international buyers, making remote closings a practical necessity. According to the American Land Title Association, RON adoption accelerated sharply in Florida during and after 2020, with title companies increasingly building remote closing workflows as a standard offering.
For buyers, sellers, and agents, this means a Florida real estate closing can be completed without all parties traveling to a title office. Buyers in other states can sign remotely. Sellers who have already relocated can execute their documents from wherever they are.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Florida Document Notarized Online Today
- Choose a Florida-approved RON platform. Confirm the platform is authorized under Florida Statutes § 117.265.
- Upload your document. Have a clean, final PDF ready before your session.
- Complete identity verification. Have your government-issued photo ID ready and be prepared to answer KBA questions.
- Join the live video session. Connect with a licensed Florida notary via the platform’s secure audio-video system.
- Sign electronically in the notary’s presence. The notary applies their seal and completes the notarial certificate.
- Download and store your notarized document. The document is immediately available with a tamper-evident digital seal and full audit trail.
What to Watch Out For
Not every platform marketed as a remote notary service is fully compliant with Florida law. Before using a platform for a Florida document, verify that the notary holds a current Florida commission and that the platform meets Florida’s technical standards for RON. The Florida Department of State maintains guidance on RON requirements worth reviewing if you have any doubts about a platform’s compliance status.
Getting Started With Florida Remote Online Notarization
If you have a Florida document that needs notarization — whether you are in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, or in another state entirely — remote online notarization is ready to serve you today. The platform is available 24/7, the process takes minutes, and your completed document carries full legal validity under Florida law.
Visit RemoteNotary.com to connect with a licensed notary and complete your Florida document notarization from wherever you are — no appointments, no offices, no delays.