State Notary Agent®
The Florida Notary Public Directory
Ordinary contracts usually do not require notarization. A signed contract is generally binding without it. Notarization is sometimes added for evidentiary weight, not validity.
Wills are a special case. In Florida a will is executed with witnesses; notarization is associated with making it self-proving, which simplifies probate. Requirements are technical and getting them wrong has serious consequences — this is squarely a question for an attorney, not a notary.
The document itself usually tells you. If it has a notarial certificate block — wording beginning "State of Florida, County of ___" with a space for a seal — it is meant to be notarized.
If you are unsure, ask the receiving party: the bank, the county recorder, the court, the agency. They set the requirement. A notary cannot tell you whether your document needs notarization, because that would be legal advice.
Commonly: deeds and property conveyances, mortgages, powers of attorney, affidavits and sworn statements, advance directives, trust documents, some vehicle title transfers, and parental travel consent forms.
Usually not. A signed contract is generally binding without notarization. Notarization is sometimes added for evidentiary weight rather than validity.
A Florida will is executed with witnesses. Notarization is associated with making a will self-proving, which simplifies probate. The requirements are technical and should be confirmed with an attorney.
Check whether the document contains a notarial certificate block. If unsure, ask the receiving party — the bank, county recorder, court, or agency — since they set the requirement. A notary cannot advise you on this.
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