Florida Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws

RON Enacted

Effective January 1, 2020 · Last verified September 2026

Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.

Quick Facts

Status: RON Enacted
Year Enacted: 2019
Statute: Fla. Stat. § 117.201 et seq.
Bill Number: HB 409 (ch. 2019-71)

Florida RON Law Overview

Florida authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by HB 409 (ch. 2019-71), codified at Fla. Stat. § 117.201 et seq., effective January 1, 2020. A Florida online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Florida who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement (2 hours of training required). The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.

Key details for Florida

Florida was one of the early adopters of permanent RON legislation (HB 409, ch. 2019-71). Online notaries register with the Department of State ($10, rule 1N-7.001), complete a two-hour course (§ 117.295(6)), and carry a $25,000 bond plus at least $25,000 of errors-and-omissions insurance (§ 117.225(6)–(7)). Identity proofing is knowledge-based authentication "or another method of identity proofing that conforms to the standards of this chapter" (§ 117.265(4)(c)); since ch. 2023-215, § 117.201(7) names biometric verification as an alternative, and the Department of State opened rulemaking on 1N-7.001 in March 2026 to set biometric standards (not adopted as of September 2026). For wills, testamentary trusts, health-care advance directives, waivers of spousal rights and powers of attorney, remote witnessing is available only if the principal passes the vulnerability questions in § 117.285(5). No amendment to Part II of chapter 117 was enacted between April 2025 and September 2026.

Legal Citations

Statute

Fla. Stat. § 117.201 et seq.

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Regulations

Fla. Admin. Code ch. 1N-7

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Florida RON Requirements

Florida requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.

Audio-video required: Yes
Tamper-evident seal: Required
Electronic journal: Required
Recording retention: 10 years
Credential analysis: Required
KBA required: Yes
Commissioned in state: Required
RON endorsement: Required
Bond amount: $25,000
E&O insurance: $25,000 minimum
Training hours: 2 hrs

Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Florida allows these to be signed online, with an extra safeguard when fewer than two witnesses are physically present with the signer: a will; a revocable trust with testamentary aspects; a health care advance directive; an agreement concerning succession or a waiver of spousal rights; and a power of attorney authorizing any of the transactions listed in § 709.2208. Before witnessing by video, the signer must answer screening questions about impairment, disability and whether they need help with daily care. If any answer is yes, the signature can only be validly witnessed by witnesses physically present with the signer (§ 117.285(5)).

Interstate Recognition

Florida recognizes a notarization performed by a notary commissioned in another state under that state's law, including a remote online notarization, as an acknowledgment taken outside Florida (Fla. Stat. § 695.03(2), (4); § 92.50(2) for oaths and affidavits), and it may be recorded on that basis. A Florida online notarization itself must be performed by a Florida online notary who is physically in Florida at the time of the act (§§ 117.209, 117.225, 117.265).

Online Notary Availability in Florida

Notaron is available 24/7 across Florida. See location-specific guides for major Florida cities:

Miami

Online notary in Miami, FL

Tampa

Online notary in Tampa, FL

Orlando

Online notary in Orlando, FL

Jacksonville

Online notary in Jacksonville, FL

Cape Coral

Online notary in Cape Coral, FL

Palm Bay

Online notary in Palm Bay, FL

All Florida cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is remote online notarization legal in Florida?

Yes, Florida has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Fla. Stat. § 117.201 et seq. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Florida-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.

What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Florida?

Florida requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.

Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Florida?

Yes, Florida requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations. Notaries must complete 2 hours of approved RON training.

What technology is required for RON in Florida?

Florida requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.

Does Florida accept out-of-state RON?

What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Florida?

A Florida online notary must hold a $25,000 bond (§ 117.225), separate from and larger than the $7,500 bond for a traditional Florida notary commission (§ 117.01), and must also carry at least $25,000 of errors-and-omissions insurance (§ 117.225).