A Florida Notary Bond Guarantees that the Notary will honestly, diligently, and faithfully discharge the duties of the notary public. An individual harmed by the notary’s breach of duty while acting in an official capacity can make a claim against the surety bond.
Florida Notary Bonds can be purchased online instantly. Simply fill out the online application and purchase and print your bond in minutes. These bonds do not require a credit check. A Florida Notary Bond can be purchased both with Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance and without E&O insurance.
E&O insurance covers honest mistakes and errors that occur during the course of acting as a Florida Notary in an official capacity. The coverage could be important if someone sues the Florida Notary. The coverage helps pay to defend the notary and provides some liability coverage if the Florida Notary loses the case.
A Florida Notary Bond cost $40 without E&O Insurance. This cost covers a four-year term. At the end of four years, a new bond or continuation will need to be purchased.
A Florida Notary Bond with $10,000 in E&O Insurance Coverage costs $80. This also covers a four-year term.
A Florida Notary Bond is a three-part agreement. The Notary is the Principal on the Bond. This is the party promising to fulfill the duties of a Florida Notary. The Florida Department of State is the Obligee. This is the party receiving the promise of the bond. The Surety is a third-party bond company that is guaranteeing the Notary’s promise. If the Notary breaches their duty and a claim is made, the Surety may have to pay the claim.
The Florida Notary Bond Must include the following to be accepted:
A Florida Notary Bond is a four-year bond. This coincides with the four-year Florida Notary term. Once the four years is over, a new bond or continuation will need to be issued.
If a Florida Notary does not maintain a Florida Notary Bond, their license may be suspended. The Notary Bond must be active for as long as one wishes to remain a Notary in the state.
Anybody that has been harmed by the Florida Notary breaching their duty while acting in their official capacity can make a claim against the Notary Bond.
The Surety Bond Company will then investigate the claim. If valid, they pay the claim up to the maximum of $7,500. The Surety will then seek reimbursement from the Florida Notary. Indemnification is required for Florida Notary Bond. Notaries can read more about indemnity here.
Additionally, Florida Code requires that if the surety bond company pays a claim against the Florida Notary Bond, as a result of a breach of duty by the notary public, the surety bond company shall notify the Governor of the payment and the circumstances which led to the claim.
Anyone who is 18 years or older and a Florida resident can apply to become a Florida Notary. A permanent resident alien may also apply. Florida residency must be maintained as long as the person wishes to remain a Florida Notary though.
Each applicant must complete an application and pay the fees to the State of Florida. Further, every applicant must swear or affirm on the application that the information on the application is true and correct.
Additionally, “as part of the oath, the applicant must swear that he or she has read this chapter and knows the duties, responsibilities, limitations, and powers of a notary public.”
Getting a Florida Notary is simple and required for those who want to be a Florida Notary. These surety bonds can be purchased instantly here. Florida Notaries may also need other license bonds and many of those can also be obtained quickly by visiting our Florida Surety Bonds Page.
For more information visit our Surety Bond FAQs Page or contact the surety experts at Axcess anytime.
Axcess Surety is the premier provider of surety bonds nationally. We work individuals and businesses across the country to provide the best surety bond programs at the best price.
Address: 12288 S. Mullen Rd., Olathe, KS 66062
