Treasure Coast Notary Service

The landscape of the notary profession underwent significant changes on January 1, 2020. This date marked the official implementation of Florida’s Remote Online Notarization (RON) laws, established by House Bill 409 (Chapter 2019-71, Laws of Florida). For residents of the Treasure Coast, from the quiet streets of Hobe Sound to the growing hubs of Port St. Lucie, this legal evolution has made it possible to secure legally binding notarizations without ever leaving home.

So, is remote online notarization legal in Florida? While mobile notary services remain the gold standard for many in-person legal requirements, understanding the 2020 statutes is essential for any Florida resident or business owner looking to leverage modern digital tools.

We also recommend checking out our guide to the 12 Reasons Notarized Documents Get Rejected in Florida.

What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a process where a signer and a Florida notary public use secure audio-video technology to notarize electronic signatures on digital documents. Unlike traditional notarization, which requires “physical presence,” RON relies on “online presence.”

Under the Florida 2020 statutes, specifically Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II, the definition of personal appearance was expanded. As long as the notary and the signer can see and hear each other in real-time through a state-approved platform, the requirement for appearing “before” the notary is satisfied legally.

The Legal Framework: Florida Chapter 117

Is remote online notarization legal in Florida? The Sunshine State has long been a leader in notary regulation. The shift in 2020 wasn’t just a response to a trend; it was a calculated legislative update to Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes. This chapter governs everything from how a notary is commissioned to the specific language used in a notary block.

Key sections of the 2020 statutes include:

• Section 117.201: Defines the terminology used in online notarization, ensuring clarity for legal professionals and the public.
• Section 117.209: Grants authorized Florida notaries the power to perform online notarizations.
• Section 117.265: Outlines the specific procedures that must be followed for a RON session to be considered valid.

For those on the Treasure Coast, these laws assure that a digital signature carries the same weight as a wet-ink signature, provided the notary is properly registered with the State of Florida as an online notary.

For more information about Chapter 117, visit the Florida Senate website.

Key Requirements of the 2020 Statutes

The Florida Legislature did not simply “allow” online notarization; they built a rigorous framework to prevent fraud and ensure document integrity. Here is what the 2020 statutes require for a valid RON session:

1. Identity Proofing and Credential Analysis

In a traditional mobile notary appointment in Stuart or Palm City, the notary inspects a physical ID. Under RON, the law requires a two-step verification process:

• Credential Analysis: The technology platform must use automated software to verify the authenticity of the signer’s government-issued ID.
• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): The signer must answer a series of five questions based on their personal credit and public record history. This must be completed within a two-minute window with at least an 80% success rate.

2. Audio-Video Recording

Every RON session must be recorded. The 2020 statutes mandate that the notary (or their technology provider) must retain this recording for 10 years. This provides an unparalleled “audit trail” that is not available in traditional paper notarizations.

3. Electronic Journaling

Just as a diligent Treasure Coast notary keeps a paper journal, RON notaries must maintain a secure electronic journal of every online act. This journal must be tamper-evident, meaning any attempt to alter the entry would be detectable.

4. Notary Location

A common point of confusion is where the participants must be located. Under Florida law, the notary must be physically located in Florida at the time of the act. However, the signer can be located anywhere, whether they are in Jensen Beach, another state, or even another country.

Why the 2020 Statutes Matter for the Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast is home to a diverse population, including seasonal “snowbirds,” busy professionals in Port St. Lucie, and seniors in communities throughout Martin County. The 2020 statutes offer these groups flexibility.

• For Seniors: RON allows for the signing of important estate documents without the need for travel, which is particularly helpful for those with mobility challenges.
• For Real Estate: Many real estate documents can now be handled via RON, speeding up the closing process for homes in Hobe Sound and Stuart.
• For Travelers: If you are a resident of Palm City traveling abroad and suddenly need a document notarized for a Florida court, a Florida-commissioned RON notary can assist you digitally.

Is RON Right for Your Document?

While the 2020 statutes made RON legal for the vast majority of documents, there are a few exceptions and considerations:

• Wills and Trusts: Florida law allows the online notarization of wills, but the requirements for witnesses and “qualified custodians” of the digital file are extremely strict.
• Receiving Agency Requirements: Even though RON is legal in Florida, some specific banks or out-of-state agencies may still prefer a traditional “wet-ink” notarization. It is always wise to ask the receiving party if they accept “Remote Online Notarization.”

Professionalism and Expertise

Whether you choose a mobile notary for an in-person meeting at a coffee shop in Stuart or a Remote Online Notarization session from your home office, the most important factor is the expertise of the notary. A notary who understands the nuances of the 2020 statutes ensures that your document is executed correctly the first time, preventing costly legal delays.

Treasure Coast Notary Service provides both the convenience of mobile, in-person service and the technological advancement of RON, ensuring that residents from Hobe Sound to Port Salerno have access to the highest standard of notarial care.

Schedule an online notarization with Treasure Coast Notary Service today through our Notary Hub portal. It’s easy, secure, fast, and accurate.

Did you find this article helpful? Read one of these next: