How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Florida: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Florida is one of the more beginner-friendly states for becoming a notary: required training, no exam, and a straightforward application through a bonding agency. Here's the full process, then what turns a Florida notary into a loan signing agent.
Step 1: Confirm you qualify
- At least 18 years old
- A legal Florida resident — and you must maintain Florida residency throughout your term
Step 2: Complete the 3-hour education course
First-time applicants must complete at least 3 hours of interactive or classroom instruction within the year before applying. The course must cover notary duties and responsibilities, including electronic notarization. Florida offers a free course through the Department of State and the Governor's office, or you can use a state-authorized private provider. The completion certificate goes in with your application.
There is no exam in Florida.
Step 3: Apply through an approved bonding agency
Get an application packet from an approved bonding agency (or download the forms). Return forms DS-DE 77 and DS-DE 76 through the agency with a $39 check or money order payable to the Florida Department of State. Your commission comes back through the agency.
Step 4: Post your $7,500 bond and take the oath
Florida requires a $7,500 bond, payable to any individual harmed by a breach of your official duty, executed by a surety authorized in Florida. The oath of office is part of the application process — there's no separate county filing. The bond is approved and filed with the Department of State.
Commission term: 4 years.
Step 5: Get your seal
Florida requires a rubber-stamp seal showing "Notary Public-State of Florida," your name, your commission expiration date, and your commission number — in black, photographically reproducible ink. Print or type your name exactly as commissioned below your signature. An embosser may supplement the stamp but can never substitute for it.
No journal mandate appears in Florida's notary statute (Chapter 117) — but keeping a bound journal of your acts is standard professional practice among signing agents, and it's your best protection if an act is ever questioned.
Florida caps the standard notarial act fee at $10 ($25 for online acts).
From Florida notary to signing agent
Florida has no state signing-agent credential — the commission above is the legal authority. Signing-agent certifications are private industry credentials, but hiring companies (signing services, title companies) generally require training certification and background screening before booking you.
To work as a signing agent in Florida, add:
- Background screening (the NNA's screening is the industry standard; ~$60–$80/year)
- Signing agent training on loan documents — see the startup cost breakdown and our Loan Signing System review
- E&O insurance — not required by the state (the bond is the requirement), but required by most hiring companies
- A dual-tray laser printer and the rest of the mobile notary kit
Florida is also a strong RON state: remote online notarization has been legal since January 1, 2020 (HB 409). To perform RON, you must already be an active notary, complete an online training course, and file a registration with the Division of Corporations — the initial registration fee is $10.
Cost summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| 3-hour course | Free (state) or varies (private) |
|---|
| Application fee | $39 |
|---|
| $7,500 bond | ~$28–$55 for the term (plus a $100 one-time bond processing fee has been reported) |
|---|
| Seal | ~$18–$29 |
|---|
| Signing agent training + screening | $100–$500 |
|---|
| Commission basics total | Roughly $100–$250 before training |
|---|
Requirements from the Florida Department of State (notaries.dos.fl.gov) and Florida Statutes ch. 117, verified September 2026. Confirm against official pages before applying.