Florida Notary Bond: What You Need Before Your Commission Begins
Every Florida notary public must obtain a $7,500 surety bond before performing notarial duties, and the bond remains in effect throughout the four-year commission. The bond protects the public from financial losses caused by covered misconduct or failure to properly perform notarial duties; it does not serve as personal insurance for the notary. Standard bond costs are typically $20–$40 for the four-year term, plus a $39 state filing fee, while Remote Online Notaries have additional bonding and E&O insurance requirements. Securing and properly filing the required bond before beginning notarial work is essential to maintaining compliance and protecting your authority to serve as a Florida notary.
Gary Swiftbonds is a nationally recognized expert in surety bonds, bid bonds, and performance bonds.
Updated August 2026
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Your Florida Notary Bond Requirement at a Glance
Every Florida notary public must obtain a $7,500 surety bond before performing notarial duties. The bond protects members of the public who suffer financial harm because of a notary’s misconduct, negligence, or failure to perform required duties—not the notary personally. The standard bond remains in effect throughout the notary’s four-year commission, while Remote Online Notaries must meet additional bonding and E&O insurance requirements. Getting the correct bond filed before beginning notarial work is essential for maintaining your authority to serve as a Florida notary.
What Is a Florida Notary Bond and Who Needs One?
A Florida Notary Bond is a type of surety bond required under Florida Statutes § 117.01(2). It guarantees the faithful performance of a notary’s duties and provides financial protection to the public when a covered violation causes a loss.
Three parties are involved:
- Principal: The Florida notary who obtains the bond.
- Obligee: The government entity requiring the bond.
- Surety: The authorized surety company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the notary’s obligations.
The most important distinction is that a notary bond protects the public, not the notary. If the surety pays a valid claim, the notary may be required to reimburse the surety. E&O insurance serves a different purpose by protecting the notary.
Florida’s $7,500 Bond Requirement
Every Florida notary must obtain a $7,500 bond, whether applying for a first commission or renewing an existing one. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to conduct business in Florida and remain effective for the notary’s four-year commission term.
The requirement applies regardless of your occupation. Working for a bank, title company, law firm, government agency, or another employer does not eliminate your individual bonding requirement.
Remote Online Notary Requirements
Florida notaries who want to perform Remote Online Notarization have additional requirements. The source article states that RON notaries need a $25,000 RON surety bond in addition to the standard $7,500 bond, along with at least $25,000 in E&O insurance.
That means a RON notary must first satisfy the standard Florida notary requirements before completing the additional requirements for remote notarization.
How the Florida Notary Bond Protects the Public
The Florida Notary Bond provides a financial guarantee that a commissioned notary will perform duties according to applicable law.
A claim may arise when improper conduct causes someone a financial loss. Examples discussed in the source include failing to properly identify a signer, improperly completing a notarial certificate, backdating a notarization, notarizing a blank document, or participating in fraudulent conduct.
When a claim is submitted, the surety investigates whether the notary violated an obligation and whether that conduct caused compensable financial damage.
If the claim is valid, the surety can compensate the claimant up to the applicable bond limit. The surety may then seek reimbursement from the notary for the amount paid and associated expenses.
This reimbursement obligation is one of the biggest differences between a surety bond and insurance.
Florida Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
A notary bond protects the public. It does not function as liability insurance for the notary.
Errors & Omissions insurance protects the notary against certain covered mistakes, claims, and related costs according to the policy terms.
For standard Florida notaries, E&O insurance is optional according to the source article. For Remote Online Notaries, the article states that at least $25,000 of E&O insurance is required.
How Much Does a Florida Notary Bond Cost?
The bond amount and the price you pay for the bond are not the same thing.
Florida requires a standard bond amount of $7,500, but you pay only the bond premium and applicable fees.
According to the current source content, a standard Florida Notary Bond typically costs $20–$40 for the four-year term, with an additional $39 state filing fee. The article therefore lists a typical initial total of approximately $59–$79.
Swiftbonds’ existing page offer states that $7,500 bonds start at $59 including the $39 state filing fee.
The source also lists additional costs for Remote Online Notaries because they need the separate RON bond and required E&O insurance.
What Can Affect Your Total Cost?
Your final price can vary depending on the surety or package selected and whether you purchase additional services or products such as:
- E&O insurance
- A notary stamp or seal
- A notary journal
- Educational materials
- RON-related products and services
The bond premium should therefore not be confused with the complete cost of becoming or renewing as a Florida notary.
How to Get a Florida Notary Bond
Obtaining the bond is relatively straightforward. The current article outlines the process from purchasing the bond through filing it with the state.
1. Choose an authorized surety provider.
Your bond must come from a surety company authorized to issue the required coverage in Florida.
2. Complete the application.
Provide the personal and commission information required to issue the bond. Make sure your legal name and other information match your notary application.
3. Select the correct coverage.
Standard Florida notaries need the $7,500 bond. If you plan to become a Remote Online Notary, make sure you also satisfy the separate RON bond and insurance requirements.
4. Pay the premium and applicable filing fee.
Review your documents carefully after issuance, particularly your name, bond amount, effective dates, and surety information.
5. File the required documents.
The bond must be properly filed as part of the Florida notary appointment process before you begin performing notarial duties.
6. Maintain your bond throughout your commission.
Florida notary commissions run for four years, and a new bond is needed when renewing for a new commission term.
For additional information, the Florida Department of State provides notary forms, processor information, and other official resources.
You can also review the Florida Notary Bond option available through Swiftbonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida Notary Bond cost?
The source article lists a typical standard bond premium of $20–$40 for four years, plus a $39 state filing fee, for a typical initial total of approximately $59–$79. Swiftbonds’ existing offer states that $7,500 bonds start at $59 including the filing fee. Additional products such as E&O insurance and notary supplies can increase the total cost.
Who requires the Florida Notary Bond?
The bond is required under Florida Statutes § 117.01(2) as part of Florida’s notary public requirements. Every person appointed as a Florida notary must obtain the required $7,500 bond and maintain it for the applicable commission term.
How do I get a Florida Notary Bond?
Apply through an authorized surety provider, submit the required information, pay the premium and applicable fees, and make sure the bond is properly filed as part of your notary application or renewal. Swiftbonds can help applicants obtain the required bond and complete the bonding process.
What happens if I do not have the required Florida Notary Bond?
The bond must be obtained before performing notarial duties. The source article states that operating without the properly required bond can expose a notary to administrative consequences and personal liability and may jeopardize the notary’s commission.
Do Remote Online Notaries need a different bond?
Yes. According to the source, a Florida RON must first have the standard $7,500 notary bond and then obtain an additional $25,000 RON bond. The source also states that RON notaries must maintain at least $25,000 in E&O insurance and meet Florida’s other RON registration requirements.
Get Bonded Before You Begin Notarizing in Florida
The Florida Notary Bond is more than an application formality. It is a required financial guarantee designed to protect the public and demonstrate that a notary is prepared to perform the duties of the commission responsibly.
Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing your four-year commission, or adding Remote Online Notary capabilities, securing the correct bond before performing notarial acts helps prevent unnecessary compliance problems.
Swiftbonds makes the bonding process simple. Our experienced team can help you obtain the appropriate Florida Notary Bond, understand the applicable bonding requirements, and move forward with your commission.
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Questions? Our Florida notary bond specialists are here to help:
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Florida Notary Resources
- Florida Statutes Chapter 117 – Notaries Public
- Florida Administrative Code Chapter 1N-7 – Notaries Public
- Florida Governor’s Reference Manual for Notaries
- Division of Corporations – Notaries Section
- Notary Public Application Forms
- Approved Notary Processors List
- Search Active Florida Notaries
- Remote Online Notary Information
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Florida notary laws and requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the Florida Department of State or consult a qualified Florida attorney regarding your specific situation.