What Type of Notarization Do You Need in Florida?

Notary Public Folder and Pencil on Desk

Understanding Florida Notarization Acts in Simple Terms

When you need a document notarized, you might see words like acknowledgment, jurat, affidavit, or oath. Each type of notarization serves a specific purpose under Florida Statute §117.05. Understanding which one applies ensures your document is legally accepted by the agency or organization requesting it.

At PennySmart Group, we make notarization simple and convenient. Our licensed Florida notaries provide both mobile and remote services, so you can choose to meet in person or complete your notarization online through secure video. All services are offered in English and Spanish.

1. Acknowledgment — Confirming Your Signature

An acknowledgment is used to verify that you are the person who signed a document and that you signed it willingly. The notary confirms your identity and witnesses your acknowledgment of the signature.

Common uses include:

• Power of attorney

• Parental consent forms

• Travel authorizations for minors

• Financial or business documents

How it works: You appear before the notary, either in person or online, and confirm that the signature on the document is yours. This act is often required by institutions that need assurance that you knowingly and voluntarily signed the document.

2. Jurat or Affidavit — Swearing That a Statement Is True

A jurat is used when you must swear or affirm that the information in a document is true. Affidavits and sworn statements usually require this form of notarization.

Common uses include:

• Identity affidavits

• Financial or residency affidavits

• Immigration or school forms

• Insurance or benefit documents

How it works: You sign the document in the notary’s presence and take an oath or affirmation that the information is true to the best of your knowledge. A jurat adds a level of formality and legal credibility to your statement.

3. Oath or Affirmation — A Verbal Promise

An oath or affirmation is a verbal declaration of truth. No document signature is required, but it is still an official notarial act.

Common uses include:

• Swearing into a public office

• Confirming statements for court or agency use

• Verifying written statements

How it works: The notary administers an oath (“Do you swear…”) or affirmation (“Do you affirm…”) and records that you made this verbal promise. The choice between an oath or affirmation is entirely yours.

4. Copy Certification — Verifying a True Copy

A copy certification confirms that a photocopy of a document is a true and complete copy of the original.

Permitted examples:

• Passports

• Identification cards

• Diplomas or transcripts

• Contracts or letters

Not permitted: A Florida notary cannot certify copies of vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates. These must be obtained directly from the government agency that issued the original.

How it works: You present the original document to the notary. The notary makes or supervises the copy and certifies that it is a complete and accurate reproduction of the original.

5. Remote Online Notarization (RON) — Notarize from Anywhere

Florida law allows remote online notarization, also known as RON. This means you can meet with a notary through a secure audio-video connection instead of in person.

Benefits of remote notarization:

• Convenient for clients outside Florida or those traveling

• Accessible from any computer or mobile device

• Fast, secure, and fully compliant with Florida law

How it works: The notary verifies your identity electronically and witnesses your signature through a live video session. Your notarized document is then completed digitally and delivered securely.

Why Choose PennySmart Group

PennySmart Group provides professional, bilingual notary services designed for your convenience. We specialize in personal, family, business, and immigration-related documents and offer both mobile and remote options throughout Florida.

Our advantages:

• Commissioned Florida Notaries Public

• Mobile service available in Sarasota, Charlotte, Desoto, and Lee counties

• Remote notarization available anywhere in Florida

• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends

• Bilingual service in English and Spanish

Schedule Your Notary Appointment

Scheduling your notarization is quick and easy:

• Call or text 941-282-5787

• Visit www.pennysmartgroup.com to book online

• Use the live chat on our website to schedule instantly

  
  

Whether you need an affidavit, authorization form, or certified copy, PennySmart Group makes the process straightforward, secure, and affordable.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. We are not accredited to represent you in immigration matters