NMNotaryMath

Florida · checked 2026-09-29

How to become a notary in Florida, and whether it pays

It costs about $139 to get commissioned in Florida. You can charge up to $10 per notarial act, for a 4-year commission. Verdict: Worth a look

What it costs to start

ItemCostSource
State application and commission feesstate$39Florida Statutes Chapter 117
$7,500 surety bond, 4-year premiumest$50Florida Statutes Chapter 117
3-hour required course (free state course)state$0Florida Department of State notary education
Stamp and journalest$50Typical retail price
Total$139

Maximum fee per act: $10 per notarial act (Florida Statutes 117.05 (fees)).

What changed recently

  • No exam. First-time applicants take a 3-hour course, which the state offers free.
  • Remote online notaries need a separate $25,000 bond and $25,000 E&O policy.

Run your own numbers for Florida

Your state
Path
Capped at your state's maximum fee per act
Most states allow a travel fee agreed in advance. Check your state's rules.
New part-timers often do 0 to 5 while building contacts
Whatever you actually expect to be paid
Free guides exist. Paid courses run about $150 to $500.

Startup cost

A typical month

Mileage at $0.70 a mile (2025 IRS rate). Printing about $8 per loan package. Time: 45 minutes per mobile act, 15 per walk-in act, 2.5 hours per loan signing including printing, driving and scanning back. Take-home is before self-employment tax. Items tagged "est" are typical prices; tagged "state" come from the state's own page.

Quick answers

How much does it cost to become a notary in Florida?

About $139 for the required fees, bond and basic supplies, as of 2026-09-29. Loan signing work adds roughly $460 to $960 more for insurance, a background check, a printer and optional training.

How much can a notary charge in Florida?

Up to $10 per notarial act. Travel fees are separate and must be agreed in advance where allowed.

How long is a Florida notary commission?

4 years.

Something wrong or out of date? Rules change often. Email hello@notarymath.com and we'll recheck against the state's page within a week.