Understanding Common Florida Notarial Acts
Not sure what some of the terminology associated with notarization means? Below is a general explanation of several common notarial acts and related services provided by Florida notaries.
These explanations are provided for general informational purposes only. A notary cannot provide legal advice or determine which notarial act is legally appropriate for your document.
Acknowledgment
An acknowledgment is used when a signer declares to the notary that they willingly signed a document for its intended purpose.
The document may generally be signed before the notary appointment; however, the signer must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge the signature. The notary must properly identify the signer in accordance with Florida law.
Jurat
A jurat is used when a signer swears or affirms that the statements contained in a document are true.
The notary administers an oath or affirmation, and the signer signs the document in the notary's presence.
Jurats are commonly used with affidavits and other sworn statements.
Oaths & Affirmations
An oath or affirmation is a solemn declaration that a statement is true.
An oath generally references a higher power, while an affirmation is a solemn promise made without a religious reference. Both carry the same legal significance for purposes of a notarial act.
VIN Verification
Certain Florida motor-vehicle transactions require verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
A Florida notary may perform VIN verification when authorized under applicable Florida requirements. The vehicle and required documentation must be available for the verification.
Contact speedSERVE before scheduling so we can discuss the appointment and the documents you have been provided for the VIN verification.
Safe-Deposit-Box Contents
Under certain circumstances, Florida law provides procedures for opening a safe-deposit box and inventorying its contents.
A Florida notary may be asked to be present during an authorized opening and to prepare the applicable certification or inventory documentation as required.
This is a specialized service and should be arranged in advance.
Form I-9 Authorized Representative
Form I-9 is used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.
When permitted by the employer, a notary may act as the employer's authorized representative for completion of the applicable portion of Form I-9.
When performing this function, the individual is acting as an authorized representative of the employer and not performing a notarial act unless a separate notarization is specifically required. Employers and employees remain responsible for complying with applicable Form I-9 requirements.
Copy Certification
Florida notaries may certify copies of certain documents when permitted by Florida law. A copy certification, sometimes called an attested copy, confirms that the copy is a true, exact, complete, and unaltered copy of the document presented to the notary.
Under Florida law, a notary may generally attest a copy of a document provided that the document is not a vital record and is not a public record for which a certified copy is available from the official custodian of that record.
Examples of Documents That May Be Eligible
Depending on the particular document and its source, examples may include:
- Contracts and agreements
- Private business records
- Letters and correspondence
- Certain diplomas and educational documents when eligible for notarial copy certification
- Certain identification or personal records when permitted by law and when an official certified copy is not required
- Private financial or business documents
- Other privately held documents for which certified copies are not available from an official public-record custodian
- Eligible tangible or electronic records and printouts of electronic records
Documents a Florida Notary Cannot Copy Certify
A Florida notary cannot attest a copy of a vital record, including:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage certificates or other vital records
A Florida notary also cannot attest a copy of a public record when a certified copy can be obtained from the government agency, court, clerk, or other official custodian responsible for that record.
Examples may include:
- Court records when certified copies are available from the Clerk or court
- Recorded deeds and other recorded documents when certified copies are available from the official records custodian
- Government records for which the issuing agency provides certified copies
- Other public records for which an official custodian can issue the certified copy
Not Sure Whether Your Document Qualifies?
Eligibility for copy certification depends on the particular document and its source. Contact speedSERVE before scheduling and tell us what type of document you have.
If the document is a vital record or an official public record for which certified copies are available from the record custodian, you will need to obtain the certified copy from the appropriate government agency, Clerk, court, or other official custodian.
speedSERVE cannot certify a copy simply because a customer needs a "notarized copy" if Florida law does not permit a notary to certify that particular record.
Please note: Copy certification by a Florida Notary Public does not guarantee that the organization receiving the document will accept a notarially certified copy. Clients should confirm the receiving organization's requirements before requesting the service.
Florida Law
For additional information, see Florida Statute §117.05 — Use of Notary Commission; Unlawful Use; Notary Fee; Seal; Duties; Employer Liability; Name Change; Advertising; Photocopies; Penalties.
View Florida Statute §117.05The Florida Legislature website is an external government website. Statutes may be amended, so clients should refer to the current version of Florida law.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Not Sure What You Need?
If your document already specifies the required notarial act, speedSERVE can assist with completing the notarization.
If the document does not specify the required notarial act, the signer should obtain instructions from the document preparer, receiving agency, attorney, or other appropriate party. speedSERVE cannot select a notarial act or provide legal advice.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. speedSERVE LLC and Tanja Coffee are not a law firm and cannot advise clients regarding the legal effect of a document or determine which notarial act is legally appropriate for a particular transaction.