Florida Power of Attorney Notarization: What You Should Know

Elderly Couple Review Documents With an Attorney

What is a Florida Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone — called your agent or attorney-in-fact — to act on your behalf. It’s a crucial planning tool that ensures your affairs can be handled if you’re unavailable or unable to do so yourself.

Who Typically Needs a Power of Attorney

Many Floridians use a POA for financial, business, real estate, or healthcare matters. It’s especially useful for:

• Seniors or individuals with health concerns

• Military members or frequent travelers

• Families managing care for aging parents

• Business owners who need someone to handle transactions

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Having a properly executed POA gives peace of mind that your finances, property, and legal matters can be managed responsibly.

Who Should Draft the Power of Attorney

Because a POA gives significant legal authority, it’s essential that it be drafted by a Florida-licensed attorney or qualified legal professional.

Note: PennySmart Group is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice or draft legal documents. We can notarize a Power of Attorney once it has been properly prepared and ready for signing.

Florida’s Law Protects Against Misuse

Florida’s Power of Attorney Act (Chapter 709, Florida Statutes) sets clear rules to prevent abuse, especially among elderly and vulnerable adults. To be valid, a Florida POA must:

• Be signed by the principal,

• Include two subscribing witnesses, and

• Be acknowledged before a Florida Notary Public.

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If the signer cannot physically sign, section 709.2202(2) allows the Notary to sign on the principal’s behalf under strict conditions and with a required statement confirming the action.

The law also defines what agents can and cannot do. For example, an agent may handle financial matters or manage property but cannot vote, create a will, or perform personal acts on behalf of the principal. The agent must act in good faith, keep detailed records, and follow the principal’s instructions — responsibilities that help protect against financial exploitation.

When a Power of Attorney Ends

A POA usually ends when the principal dies, revokes it, or when its purpose is completed. Institutions such as banks may reject documents that don’t meet Florida’s execution standards, so having your POA properly notarized is essential.

Mobile and Remote Notary Services

At PennySmart Group, we make notarization easy and compliant with Florida law. Whether you prefer an in-person mobile notary visit in Southwest Florida or remote online notarization (RON) from your phone or computer, we’re here to help ensure your Power of Attorney is valid and accepted.

📞 Call 941-282-5787 or visit www.pennysmartgroup.com to schedule your notarization today.Let’s make sure your Power of Attorney is properly executed, protected, and ready when you need it most.