Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Florida?
Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Florida?
Welcome back to our ongoing series on Miami Remote Online Notarization (RON)!As digital services become the norm, many Floridians are asking: Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) legal in our state? The short answer is yes—RON is not only legal in Florida, but it’s also regulated to ensure security and reliability.
The Florida Law That Enables RON
Florida formally authorized RON through House Bill 409, which took effect on January 1, 2020. This legislation allows Florida notaries to perform online notarizations using secure audio-visual communication technology and outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved.
Under this law, notaries must:
Hold a current commission as a Florida notary public
Complete a state-approved two-hour RON training course
Register with the Florida Department of State as an online notary
Use a state-approved RON service provider
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in disciplinary action, including revocation of a notary’s commission or civil penalties.
Identity Verification Standards
For a remote notarization near you to be valid in Florida, the notary must confirm the identity of each signer using two key tools:
Credential Analysis: This is an automated process that scans the front and back of a government-issued ID to confirm its authenticity.
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): This tool verifies identity by asking questions based on personal background information that only the true signer would know (e.g., previous addresses, loan details, etc.).
These measures help prevent fraud and are required before a remote notarization session can proceed.
Technology and Platform Requirements
Florida law mandates that RON be conducted using approved technology platforms that include:
Real-time, two-way audio-visual communication
Tamper-evident technology for electronic notarization
Secure document storage for at least 10 years
Video session recording capabilities
Digital certificate for signing and affixing the notary seal
Approved platforms also must meet federal cybersecurity and privacy standards. At Blue Ink Signing Solutions, we only use platforms that comply fully with these legal requirements, giving our clients peace of mind.
Journal and Record-Keeping Obligations
Florida notaries performing RON must keep a detailed electronic journal of every remote notarization. This journal must include:
Date and time of the notarization
Type of document notarized
Name of each signer
Method of identity verification used
Notary’s location during the session
Additionally, notaries must keep a copy of the video recording of the session and store it securely for a minimum of 10 years. These records may be requested in legal proceedings, audits, or regulatory reviews.
Who Can Participate in RON?
RON is available to signers located:
Anywhere in the United States
Outside the country, so long as U.S. law governs the document
However, the notary performing the RON must be physically located in Florida at the time of the session. This jurisdictional requirement ensures that the notary is subject to Florida laws and oversight.
Accepted Documents and Limitations
RON can be used to notarize a wide variety of documents, including:
Real estate transactions
Wills and estate documents
Powers of attorney
Affidavits
Contracts and business agreements
However, there are a few limitations. Some government agencies or foreign entities may not accept electronically notarized documents. It’s always best to check with the receiving party before proceeding.
Why Legal Compliance Matters
Legal compliance is not just a technicality—it’s what gives notarized documents their power. Without adherence to Florida’s RON laws, a document could be challenged or rejected in court, by a lender, or by another authority. That’s why working with a reputable provider like Blue Ink Signing Solutions is essential.
We ensure that every remote notarization session is 100% compliant with state law, uses legally approved technology, and is conducted by fully certified online notaries.
Final Thoughts
RON offers tremendous convenience, but only when performed according to the letter of the law. At Blue Ink Signing Solutions, we stay current on all legal requirements so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a real estate agent, attorney, or everyday client, we make sure your notarized documents are done right—every time.
Contact us today to learn more about our fully compliant RON services and how we can help you navigate Florida’s legal landscape with ease.
