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Florida Notary practice questions

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Question 1Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Who has the legal authority to appoint notaries public in Florida?

  1. The Governor of Florida Correct answer.
  2. The clerk of the circuit court in each county
  3. The Florida Secretary of State directly
  4. A county probate judge

Explanation

Under Fla. Stat. 117.01(1), the Governor appoints notaries public in Florida for a four-year term. While applications are processed through the Department of State (Division of Corporations) and approved bonding agencies, the actual appointing authority is the Governor.

Question 2Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

How long is a Florida notary public commission valid?

  1. 2 years
  2. 4 years Correct answer.
  3. 5 years
  4. Lifetime, until revoked

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(1) provides that the Governor may appoint notaries public for a term of four years. The commission and the notary seal must both be renewed at the end of each four-year term.

Question 3Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What is the minimum age to be appointed a Florida notary public?

  1. 16 years old
  2. 21 years old
  3. 18 years old Correct answer.
  4. There is no minimum age

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(1) requires that each notary public be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must also be legal residents of Florida.

Question 4Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which residency requirement must a Florida notary applicant meet?

  1. Be a U.S. citizen residing anywhere in the United States
  2. Have resided in Florida for at least 10 years
  3. Own real property in Florida
  4. Be a legal resident of the State of Florida Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(1) requires that an applicant be a legal resident of Florida, and that residency be maintained throughout the term of appointment. A permanent resident alien may apply but must file a recorded Declaration of Domicile with the application.

Question 5Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Does Florida require applicants to pass a mandatory state-administered written notary examination?

  1. No mandatory state exam; first-time applicants must complete a 3-hour education course Correct answer.
  2. Yes, a proctored 45-question exam with a 70% passing score
  3. Yes, an open-book exam mailed by the Department of State
  4. No, there are no education or testing requirements at all

Explanation

Florida does NOT require a mandatory statewide notary examination. Instead, Fla. Stat. 117.01(2) requires first-time applicants to complete a 3-hour education course covering the duties of a notary. There is no separate pass/fail state test.

Question 6Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

How long is the required education course for first-time Florida notary applicants?

  1. 1 hour
  2. 3 hours Correct answer.
  3. 6 hours
  4. 8 hours

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(2) requires first-time notary applicants to complete a 3-hour education course that covers the duties of a notary public. The course is not required for renewal applicants.

Question 7Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What is the required amount of the surety bond a Florida notary must obtain before exercising the duties of office?

  1. $5,000
  2. $10,000
  3. $7,500 Correct answer.
  4. $25,000

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(7)(a) requires a $7,500 surety bond, payable to any individual harmed by a breach of the notary's official duty, maintained throughout the four-year term. The bond protects the public, not the notary.

Question 8Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Whom does a Florida notary's $7,500 surety bond protect?

  1. The notary public against personal liability
  2. The notary's employer only
  3. The Department of State
  4. Any individual harmed by the notary's breach of official duty Correct answer.

Explanation

Per Fla. Stat. 117.01(7)(a), the bond is payable to any individual harmed as a result of a breach of duty by the notary acting in an official capacity. The bond protects the public, not the notary; the notary must reimburse the surety for any payout.

Question 9Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What type of insurance protects the Florida notary personally against financial loss from notarial errors, beyond the surety bond?

  1. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance Correct answer.
  2. The $7,500 surety bond
  3. Title insurance
  4. Workers' compensation insurance

Explanation

Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional coverage that reimburses the notary for losses from unintentional mistakes. Unlike the mandatory bond, which protects the public, E&O protects the notary. RON registration, however, requires at least $25,000 in E&O coverage.

Question 10Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What is the maximum fee a Florida notary may charge for most single notarial acts performed in person?

  1. $5
  2. $10 Correct answer.
  3. $15
  4. $25

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(2)(a) caps the fee at $10 for any one notarial act under Part I of Chapter 117, such as acknowledgments, oaths, and attested copies. The exceptions are marriages (117.045) and online notarizations (117.275).

Question 11Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What is the maximum fee a Florida online notary may charge for a single remote online notarization (RON) act?

  1. $10
  2. $15
  3. $25 Correct answer.
  4. $30

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.275 permits a Florida notary performing an online notarization to charge up to $25 per online notarial act. This is higher than the $10 cap on traditional in-person acts.

Question 12Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What may a Florida notary charge to solemnize a marriage?

  1. Nothing; marriages must be performed free of charge
  2. Up to $10
  3. Up to $100
  4. The same fee as the clerk of the circuit court, currently $30 Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.045 allows a notary to charge the same fee as the clerk of the circuit court for solemnizing a marriage, which is currently $30 under Fla. Stat. 28.24. Florida notaries are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.

Question 13Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary charge a fee for witnessing a voter's vote-by-mail ballot?

  1. No fee may be charged, and the notary must witness it on request Correct answer.
  2. Yes, up to $10
  3. Yes, but only $1
  4. Only if the voter is not personally known to the notary

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(2)(b) prohibits a notary from charging any fee for witnessing a vote-by-mail ballot in an election, and the notary must witness such a ballot upon an elector's request if the act complies with Chapter 117.

Question 14Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which of the following is a notarial act a Florida notary is authorized to perform?

  1. Issuing a certified copy of a birth certificate from the state vital records database
  2. Taking acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments Correct answer.
  3. Granting a passport
  4. Officiating over a courtroom deposition as a judge

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.04 authorizes a notary to take the acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments of writing. Other authorized acts include administering oaths and affirmations (117.03), executing jurats, attesting photocopies (117.05(12)), and solemnizing marriage (117.045).

Question 15Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

In a Florida acknowledgment, what is the signer affirming?

  1. That the contents of the document are true and accurate
  2. That the notary prepared the document
  3. That he or she is the person named and signed the document freely and voluntarily Correct answer.
  4. That the signer swears under penalty of perjury

Explanation

In an acknowledgment under Fla. Stat. 117.04, the signer declares that he or she is the person named in the document and signed it willingly for the purposes stated. The acknowledgment does NOT vouch for the truth of the contents, which is the function of a jurat/oath.

Question 16Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What distinguishes a jurat (verification upon oath or affirmation) from an acknowledgment in Florida?

  1. A jurat requires no personal appearance
  2. A jurat may be backdated
  3. A jurat does not require the notary's seal
  4. In a jurat, the signer swears or affirms that the document's contents are true Correct answer.

Explanation

A jurat involves the signer swearing or affirming the truth of the document's contents and signing in the notary's presence; Florida jurat wording uses 'Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me.' An acknowledgment, by contrast, only confirms the signer's identity and voluntary execution.

Question 17Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Under Fla. Stat. 117.03, may a Florida notary take an acknowledgment in place of an oath when an oath is required?

  1. No; the notary may not take an acknowledgment in lieu of an oath when an oath is required Correct answer.
  2. Yes, an acknowledgment and an oath are interchangeable
  3. Only if the signer requests it
  4. Only for affidavits

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.03 expressly states the notary may not take an acknowledgment of execution in lieu of an oath if an oath is required. Affidavits, for example, require a jurat with an oath or affirmation, not merely an acknowledgment.

Question 18Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What must every Florida notarial certificate include regarding the location of the act?

  1. The signer's home address
  2. A venue stating 'State of Florida, County of ____' Correct answer.
  3. The GPS coordinates of the notarization
  4. The county where the document will be recorded

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(4)(a) requires the certificate to state the venue, i.e., the location of the notary at the time of the act, in the format 'State of Florida, County of ____.' This identifies where the notarial act actually occurred.

Question 19Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which of these is a required element of a Florida notarial certificate under Fla. Stat. 117.05(4)?

  1. The signer's Social Security number
  2. The notary's home telephone number
  3. Whether the signer appeared by physical presence or by audio-video communication technology Correct answer.
  4. The fee charged for the act

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(4)(c) requires the certificate to indicate whether the signer personally appeared by physical presence or by means of audio-video communication technology (for RON). Other required elements include the venue, the type of act (sworn or acknowledged), the exact date, the signer's name, the ID relied upon, and the notary's signature and seal.

Question 20Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What type of official seal does Florida law require for notarizing paper documents?

  1. An embossed (impression) seal only
  2. Any seal in blue or black ink
  3. No seal is required if the notary signs
  4. A rubber stamp seal affixed in photographically reproducible black ink Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(3)(a) requires a rubber stamp seal affixed to all notarized paper documents in photographically reproducible black ink. An impression-type embosser may be used in addition, but it cannot substitute for the rubber stamp.

Question 21Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which of the following must appear on a Florida notary's official rubber stamp seal?

  1. The words 'Notary Public-State of Florida,' the notary's name, commission expiration date, and commission number Correct answer.
  2. The notary's home address and phone number
  3. The notary's signature and date of birth
  4. Only the words 'Notary Public'

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(3)(a) requires the seal to include the words 'Notary Public-State of Florida,' the notary's name, the date of expiration of the commission, and the commission number, all in photographically reproducible black ink.

Question 22Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Besides affixing the seal, what must a Florida notary do with his or her name on a paper notarization?

  1. Nothing further is required
  2. Print, type, or stamp his or her commissioned name below the signature Correct answer.
  3. Write the name in cursive only
  4. Have a witness co-sign the name

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(3)(a) requires the notary to print, type, or stamp below his or her signature the name exactly as commissioned. This ensures the notary can be identified even if the seal impression is faint.

Question 23Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Is a Florida notary legally required to keep a journal or record book of traditional in-person notarizations?

  1. Yes, a sequential journal is mandatory for all acts
  2. Yes, but only for real estate documents
  3. No, a journal is not required for traditional acts, though it is strongly recommended Correct answer.
  4. Only notaries over age 65 must keep a journal

Explanation

Florida does not require a journal for traditional paper notarizations, although keeping one is a recommended best practice that provides evidence if an act is later challenged. By contrast, an electronic journal and audio-video recording ARE mandatory for remote online notarizations under Part II of Chapter 117.

Question 24Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

A Florida online notary performing a remote online notarization must keep which records?

  1. No records are required
  2. Only a paper logbook
  3. A copy of the signer's tax return
  4. An electronic journal of the notarial acts and a recording of the audio-video session Correct answer.

Explanation

For RON, Florida law (Part II of Chapter 117 and Rule 1N-7.001, F.A.C.) requires the online notary to keep an electronic journal of online notarial acts and to retain the recording of the audio-video communication session for at least 10 years.

Question 25Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which Florida statute chapter governs notaries public?

  1. Chapter 117 Correct answer.
  2. Chapter 95
  3. Chapter 475
  4. Chapter 718

Explanation

Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes governs notaries public, including appointment, bond, fees, seal, authorized acts, prohibited acts, and remote online notarization (Part II). Applicants must attest to having read Chapter 117.

Question 26Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Before notarizing a signature in Florida, the notary must do which of the following?

  1. Read the entire document aloud to the signer
  2. Be satisfied of the signer's identity through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence Correct answer.
  3. Notarize only if the signer is a Florida resident
  4. Obtain the signer's fingerprint

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(5) prohibits notarizing unless the notary personally knows, or has satisfactory evidence of, the identity of the person signing. The notary must also certify in the certificate which method of identification was relied upon.

Question 27Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Under Florida law, what does it mean to 'personally know' a signer?

  1. To have met the signer once before
  2. To be related to the signer
  3. To have an acquaintance, derived from association, establishing identity with at least reasonable certainty Correct answer.
  4. To have the signer's contact information on file

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(5)(a) defines 'personally knows' as having an acquaintance, derived from association with the individual, that establishes the individual's identity with at least a reasonable certainty. A single brief meeting generally is not enough.

Question 28Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification under Fla. Stat. 117.05(5)(b)?

  1. A Social Security card
  2. A library card with a photo
  3. A utility bill with the signer's name
  4. A current U.S. passport bearing a photo, signature, and serial number Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(5)(b) lists acceptable IDs, which must be current or issued within the past five years and bear a serial/identifying number. A U.S. passport qualifies, as do Florida and other U.S./Canadian/Mexican driver licenses, military IDs, and certain other government-issued photo IDs.

Question 29Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

For an identification document to be acceptable in Florida, it must be current or issued within how many years?

  1. Within the past 5 years Correct answer.
  2. Within the past 2 years
  3. Within the past 10 years
  4. There is no time limit

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(5)(b) requires that an acceptable ID be current or issued within the past five years and bear a serial or other identifying number. An older expired ID generally cannot be relied upon.

Question 30Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

When may a Florida notary rely on credible witnesses to identify a signer?

  1. Never; only government ID is acceptable
  2. When the signer lacks acceptable ID, using one witness known to both notary and signer, or two witnesses who present their own acceptable ID Correct answer.
  3. Only if the witnesses are attorneys
  4. Only when notarizing wills

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(5)(b) permits credible witness identification: one credible witness personally known to the notary, or two credible witnesses whose own identities are proven by satisfactory evidence. The witnesses swear that the signer is the person named in the document.

Question 31Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Must the signer personally appear before the Florida notary at the time of a traditional in-person notarization?

  1. No, a faxed signature is sufficient
  2. Only if the signer is unknown to the notary
  3. Yes, the signer must be physically present Correct answer.
  4. Only for real estate documents

Explanation

Personal appearance is mandatory. Fla. Stat. 117.107(9) makes it a civil infraction (up to $5,000) to notarize a signature when the person did not appear, either by physical presence or by audio-video technology authorized for RON. There are no exceptions to personal appearance.

Question 32Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What penalty applies to a Florida notary who notarizes a signature without the signer's personal appearance?

  1. No penalty if there was no intent to defraud
  2. A mandatory 30-day jail sentence
  3. A $50 fine only
  4. A civil infraction punishable by a penalty up to $5,000, constituting malfeasance Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(9) provides that notarizing without personal appearance is a civil infraction punishable by a penalty not exceeding $5,000 and constitutes malfeasance and misfeasance. It is no defense that the notary acted without intent to defraud; if done with intent to defraud, it becomes a felony under 117.105.

Question 33Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary notarize his or her own signature?

  1. No; it is unlawful for a notary to notarize his or her own signature Correct answer.
  2. Yes, if the notary is a party to the document
  3. Yes, with a witness present
  4. Only on documents prepared by the notary

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(1) makes it unlawful for a notary public to notarize his or her own signature, and a violation is a felony of the third degree. A notary cannot serve as both signer and notary on the same act.

Question 34Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Under Fla. Stat. 117.107(11), for which relative is a Florida notary prohibited from notarizing a signature?

  1. A cousin
  2. A spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father Correct answer.
  3. An aunt or uncle
  4. A close friend

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(11) prohibits a notary from notarizing the signature of the notary's spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father. This prevents conflicts of interest with immediate family members.

Question 35Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary notarize a signature on a document that is incomplete or blank?

  1. Yes, the signer can fill it in later
  2. Yes, if the signer is personally known
  3. No; a notary may not notarize a signature on an incomplete or blank document Correct answer.
  4. Only for power-of-attorney forms

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(10) prohibits notarizing a signature on a document that is incomplete or blank. A narrow exception exists for an endorsement or assignment in blank of a negotiable instrument and certain related security instruments.

Question 36Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary take the acknowledgment of a person who does not speak or understand English?

  1. Yes, always
  2. Only if a family member translates
  3. Never, under any circumstances
  4. No, unless the nature and effect of the instrument is translated into a language the person understands Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(6) prohibits taking the acknowledgment of a person who does not speak or understand English, unless the nature and effect of the instrument is translated into a language the person understands. The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer.

Question 37Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary notarize a document if the signer appears mentally incapable of understanding its nature and effect?

  1. No; the notary may not notarize if the person appears mentally incapable of understanding Correct answer.
  2. Yes, if a doctor is present
  3. Yes, if a family member consents
  4. Only if the document is a will

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(5) prohibits a notary from notarizing a signature if it appears the person is mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of notarization. A related provision (117.107(4)) bars notarizing for a person adjudicated incapacitated in certain circumstances.

Question 38Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

After a notarization is complete, may a Florida notary amend the notarial certificate?

  1. Yes, to correct minor errors at any time
  2. No; a notary may not amend a notarial certificate after the notarization is complete Correct answer.
  3. Yes, within 30 days
  4. Only if the signer returns

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.107(8) prohibits amending a notarial certificate after the notarization is complete. Likewise, 117.107(7) prohibits changing anything in a written instrument after it has been signed by anyone.

Question 39Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary provide legal advice or draft legal documents for customers?

  1. Yes, notaries are licensed to practice law
  2. Yes, for simple documents only
  3. No; doing so would constitute the unauthorized practice of law unless the notary is also a licensed attorney Correct answer.
  4. Yes, if the notary discloses a disclaimer

Explanation

A notary who is not a Florida attorney may not give legal advice, select documents, or explain legal effects; doing so is the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). Florida also prohibits non-attorney notaries from using the title 'notario publico' in advertising in a way that implies they can provide legal services.

Question 40Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Under Florida law, what is restricted about the phrase 'Notary Public' in advertising by a non-attorney notary?

  1. It must always be in capital letters
  2. It cannot appear in print advertising
  3. It must be followed by the notary's commission number
  4. A literal translation of 'Notary Public' into another language (such as 'notario publico') is prohibited in advertisements Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(11) prohibits the literal translation of the phrase 'Notary Public' into another language in an advertisement for notarial services. This prevents misleading immigrant communities, where terms like 'notario' may imply an attorney or legal authority that the notary does not have.

Question 41Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

May a Florida notary certify (attest) a photocopy of a document?

  1. Yes, of a document that is neither a vital record nor a public record obtainable from an official custodian Correct answer.
  2. Yes, of any document including birth certificates
  3. No, notaries can never certify copies
  4. Only of documents the notary personally drafted

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(12) authorizes a notary to attest the trueness of a photocopy the notary made or supervised, provided the document is neither a vital record nor a public record for which certified copies are available from an official source. The notary must use the statutory certificate form.

Question 42Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

A customer asks a Florida notary to certify a photocopy of the customer's birth certificate. What should the notary do?

  1. Certify it, since the customer brought the original
  2. Decline, because a birth certificate is a vital record and certified copies must come from the official custodian Correct answer.
  3. Certify it for an extra fee
  4. Certify only the first page

Explanation

Under Fla. Stat. 117.05(12), a notary may not attest a copy of a vital record such as a birth certificate; certified copies must be obtained from the official records custodian. The notary should decline and refer the customer to the appropriate vital records office.

Question 43Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Which Florida statute authorizes a notary to administer oaths and affirmations?

  1. Fla. Stat. 117.045
  2. Fla. Stat. 117.108
  3. Fla. Stat. 117.03 Correct answer.
  4. Fla. Stat. 117.10

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.03 authorizes a notary to administer an oath and make a certificate of it when necessary for the execution of a document. It also forbids substituting an acknowledgment for a required oath.

Question 44Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Can a Florida notary solemnize (perform) a marriage ceremony?

  1. No, only clergy and judges may do so
  2. Only if the notary is also ordained
  3. Only in the county where commissioned
  4. Yes; Florida notaries are authorized to solemnize marriages under Fla. Stat. 117.045 Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.045 expressly authorizes Florida notaries to solemnize the rites of matrimony. Florida is one of only a few states that grant notaries this authority. The notary may charge the same fee as the clerk of court (currently $30).

Question 45Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Where is a Florida notary authorized to perform notarial acts?

  1. Anywhere within the geographical boundaries of the State of Florida Correct answer.
  2. Only in the county where the notary resides
  3. Anywhere in the United States
  4. Only at the notary's place of employment

Explanation

A Florida notary commission is statewide. The notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within Florida's borders but may not act outside the state. Likewise, out-of-state notaries cannot perform acts within Florida.

Question 46Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

What must a Florida notary submit when the application is processed, in addition to the bond and oath?

  1. A college diploma
  2. An application fee payable to the Department of State and (for first-timers) proof of the 3-hour course and an affidavit of character Correct answer.
  3. A federal background check from the FBI
  4. A notarized copy of a utility bill

Explanation

The application packet (forms DS-DE 76 and DS-DE 77) is submitted through an approved bonding agency with the state fee payable to the Department of State, the $7,500 bond, the oath of office, and-for first-time applicants-proof of completing the 3-hour course and an affidavit of character signed by someone who has known the applicant for at least one year.

Question 47Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

How are Florida notary applications typically submitted to the Department of State?

  1. Directly by the applicant at any county courthouse
  2. By emailing the Governor's office
  3. Through a state-approved bonding agency that electronically submits to the Division of Corporations Correct answer.
  4. Through the applicant's employer's HR department

Explanation

Florida notary applications are processed through approved bonding agencies that electronically submit the application packet to the Department of State, Division of Corporations, Notary Commissions Section. The agency also provides the required bond and supplies.

Question 48Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

If a Florida notary legally changes his or her name during the commission term, what must the notary do?

  1. Nothing until the commission expires
  2. Immediately resign the commission
  3. File a new full application and pay all fees again
  4. Within 60 days, request an amended commission, submit a name-change form, a bond rider, and $25 to the Department of State Correct answer.

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.05(9) requires a notary who legally changes names to, within 60 days, request an amended commission using the notice of name change form (DS-DE 77A), submit a bond rider, and pay $25 to the Department of State. The notary may continue using the former name for up to 60 days or until the amended commission arrives.

Question 49Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

When a Florida notary's commission expires or the notary resigns, what should be done with the seal?

  1. Destroy the official seal to prevent its misuse Correct answer.
  2. Keep it for future use
  3. Return it to the signer
  4. Sell it to another notary

Explanation

Florida guidance and Fla. Stat. 117.05 direct a notary to destroy the official seal upon expiration or resignation so it cannot be misused, unless the Governor requests its return upon resignation. A new seal is obtained for each new commission term.

Question 50Florida notary: identify the act, establish identity and complete the certificate

Is a person who is automatically reappointed as a Florida notary without completing a new application allowed under Florida law?

  1. Yes, renewals are automatic
  2. No; no person may be automatically reappointed, and the application process must be completed for every commission Correct answer.
  3. Yes, for notaries with a clean record
  4. Only after 8 years of service

Explanation

Fla. Stat. 117.01(6) states no person may be automatically reappointed as a notary public. The full application process, including a new bond, must be completed for a first commission, a renewal, or any subsequent commission.