How Much Can a Notary in Florida Make?

There are many opportunities for notaries public in the state of Florida to make some extra money to supplement their usual income or to become a full-time mobile notary. While state law generally provides the maximum fee that may be charged for performing a notarial act, notaries are free to charge reasonable travel and booking fees.  

Maximum notarial fees allowed by Florida law

Florida law provides that a Florida notary public may charge up to $10 for performing any one notarial act under Part I of Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, excluding marriages. Notarial acts listed under Part I, for which a notary may charge up to $10, include the taking of acknowledgments, administering oaths, and the attestation of tangible or electronic records (also called “notarizing a copy” in Florida law).  A Florida notary public may charge the same fee as the clerk of the circuit court for solemnizing matrimony (performing a marriage ceremony); that fee is currently set at $30.  

For notarial acts not specified under Part I (which would include the verification of vehicle identification numbers, safe-deposit box inventories, and protests), the law no longer specifies a maximum fee. However, fees charged should be reasonable and agreed to in advance.  

In general, according to the Florida Executive Office of the Governor, notary fees should be calculated on a "per certificate/per seal" basis.   

For example, two people appear before a notary public and acknowledge execution of a deed. The notary completes one certificate of acknowledgement, which contains both parties' names and all of the other information required by law. The notary signs his or her name and affixes his or her seal one time. The notary could collect up to $10 for this notarization. However, if the notary completes two certificates, each listing one party, the notary could collect up to $20.   

Notaries are not required to charge fees and should be reasonable when setting fees. Fees should be agreed to before the notarial act is performed. Notary fees are taxable, so be sure to keep proper records of all notary fees collected and speak to your tax-preparation professional about how to report the fees accurately on your income tax return.   

Discuss your notary fees with your employer

Some notaries have arrangements with their employer as to who keeps the fees collected for notarial services. Fees collected by notaries who are government employees belong to the agency that paid for the notary's commission. Even where employers keep the fees collected by notaries during business hours, notaries may still perform notarizations outside business hours and keep the fees they collect for that work.   

Travel notary fee

A notary may also charge reasonable travel fees. If the notary is providing other services in addition to the notary services (such as selling blank legal forms or providing flowers for a wedding), the charges should be itemized and agreed to beforehand. An invoice should be provided to the client and appropriate records should be kept of the payment. 

Performing wedding ceremonies

Many Florida notaries have found success in specializing, and Florida provides many areas of specialization for notaries. For example, many Florida notaries choose to focus their efforts on weddings. Such notaries can maximize their earning potential by providing additional services, such as photography, flowers, music, calligraphy, etc.

Opening of delinquent safe deposit boxes

Some Florida notaries have even found a niche market in safe-deposit box inventories by successfully networking with local banks. (Safe-deposit box inventories involve the notary witnessing the drilling of a safe-deposit box and making an official, written inventory of the box’s contents. Refer to section 655.94, Florida Statutes, for more information.) 

Notary loan signing agent

The most popular specialty for Florida notaries is loan signings. A loan signing agent (also called a notary signing agent) is a notary who specializes in real estate closings.  These closings typically pay the notary one flat fee ranging from $75-$150 for notarizing all documents in a closing packet and ensuring that all documents are properly signed. Those who are interested in the loan signing industry may want to seek out additional training or certification.

Florida online notary

The newest and most interesting opportunity is for those who have decided to seek registration as an “online notary public.” Online notaries must take a separate class, complete a separate application, and obtain a separate bond and insurance policy on top of completing the requirements to become a traditional pen-and-paper notary public in Florida. Online notarization involves the notarizing of documents via audio-video communication technology (webcam) in lieu of the physical appearance that has traditionally been required. Online notaries may charge up to $25 for performing a remote online notarial act (generally limited to taking of acknowledgments and administering oaths), but must also use a RON (remote online notarization) vendor. The technological requirements for performing remote online notarizations are advanced. Familiar audio-video communication methods such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom cannot be used, as the process requires a special identification proofing. 

Charging fees in excess of  notary laws

Remember, any fees you charge as a notary public should be reasonable and agreed to in advance. Charging fees in excess of those allowed by Florida law is grounds for suspension from office as a notary public. 

The American Association of Notaries has been helping notaries nationwide by providing educational articles, expert support for members, and high-quality notary supplies. We can help you with the Florida notary application process. Click here to learn how to become a notary in Florida.