Florida Remote Online Notarization (RON): Complete Guide [2026]

Everything you need to know about online notarization in Florida: legal requirements, costs, accepted documents, and step-by-step instructions from Florida Translate’s RON experts.

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Quick Answer

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to get documents notarized through a secure video call with a Florida-commissioned notary—no in-person visit required. Florida has authorized RON since January 1, 2020, under Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II. RON is fully legal for most documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, real estate transactions, and even wills (since July 1, 2020). The statutory maximum fee for an online notarial act is $25 per F.S. §117.275, though RON service provider fees may be charged separately. Sessions typically take 10-15 minutes, and you can complete them from anywhere in the world using a device with a camera and internet connection.

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Florida RON: Key Facts at a Glance

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What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization is a process that allows a notary public to notarize documents for a signer (called the “principal” in legal terms) who is in a different physical location. Instead of meeting in person, the notary and signer connect through secure audio-video communication technology.

Florida law now defines “appear before” to include video communication—you don’t need to be in the same room as the notary. This makes RON ideal for people living abroad, busy professionals, and anyone who needs documents notarized quickly without the hassle of scheduling an in-person appointment.

How RON Differs from Traditional Notarization

Why RON Is Often More Secure Than Traditional Notarization

While some people assume in-person notarization is more secure, RON actually incorporates multiple layers of identity verification that traditional notarization lacks:

1. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): The signer answers questions generated in real-time from their credit history, public records, and other data sources—information that only they should know. According to the Florida Bar Journal, this “identity proofing” process requires correct answers to questions “formulated from public or proprietary data sources.”

2. Credential Analysis: Third-party technology validates the security features of your government-issued ID to confirm it’s not fraudulent. This automated check helps catch fake or altered IDs that might fool visual inspection alone.

3. Live Video Confirmation: The notary visually compares your face to your ID during the video session.

4. Tamper-Evident Technology: Electronic seals use cryptographic technology that makes any subsequent changes to the document detectable. If anyone alters even a single character after notarization, the seal breaks and the tampering becomes visible.

5. Complete Recording: Every RON session is recorded and stored for 10 years, creating an audit trail that traditional notarization simply cannot match.

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Is Online Notarization Legal in Florida?

Yes, remote online notarization is fully legal in Florida.

Florida authorized RON through House Bill 409, signed into law on June 7, 2019, as Chapter 2019-71, Laws of Florida. The law took effect on January 1, 2020, making Florida one of the earliest states to adopt comprehensive RON legislation. According to the Florida Department of State, this law “authorizes Florida notaries to perform online remote notarizations after the completion of an application and training requirements.”

Florida’s Legal Framework for RON

The legal requirements for Florida RON are found in:

• Florida Statutes Chapter 117, Part II (§§117.201-117.305): The primary statute governing online notarizations
• Florida Administrative Code 1N-7.001: Rules adopted by the Department of State outlining duties, responsibilities, and application procedures

Where Florida RON Documents Are Accepted

Documents notarized through Florida RON are valid and accepted:

• Throughout the United States: Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, all states must recognize legal acts performed in other states. As of early 2025, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted permanent RON laws. Even states without their own RON laws accept documents notarized remotely by authorized notaries from other states.

• By Federal Agencies: Federal agencies, including USCIS, generally accept properly notarized documents regardless of whether the notarization was performed in person or remotely.

• Internationally: For documents intended for use abroad, RON documents can receive an apostille from the Florida Secretary of State for use in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Many countries accept apostilled RON documents.

What Florida Law Requires for a Valid RON

Under F.S. §117.265, a valid Florida RON must include:

1. Florida-Commissioned Online Notary: The notary must hold a standard Florida notary commission and be separately registered as an online notary with the Florida Department of State.

2. Notary Physically in Florida: The notary must be physically located in Florida during the session, but you (the signer) can be anywhere in the world.

3. Approved Technology Platform: The session must use a RON service provider that meets Florida’s requirements for secure audio-video communication, identity proofing, and credential analysis.

4. Multi-Factor Identity Verification: The notary must verify the signer’s identity through:

   • Remote presentation of a government-issued ID
   • Credential analysis of that ID
   • Identity proofing through KBA or another approved method

5. Recording and Journal: The entire session must be recorded and retained for 10 years. The notary must maintain an electronic journal documenting each notarization.

6. Signer Consent: For out-of-state signers, the notary must confirm (verbally or in writing) that you consent to having a Florida notary perform the notarization under Florida law.

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How to Notarize a Document Online in Florida: Step-by-Step

Here’s what to expect when you get a document notarized online:

Before the Session

1. Upload your document: You’ll submit the document that needs notarization to the RON platform (usually as a PDF).

2. Complete identity verification: The system will guide you through credential analysis (scanning your ID) and knowledge-based authentication (answering questions about your personal history).

3. Schedule or join: Some services offer on-demand notarization; others require scheduling an appointment.

During the Video Session

4. Connect with the notary: You’ll join a live video call with the online notary. The notary must be able to see you, hear you, and communicate with you clearly.

5. Verify your identity on camera: The notary will ask you to hold your ID up to the camera and may ask you to tilt it to show security features. They’ll compare your face to the photo on your ID.

6. Confirm your intent: The notary will ask if you understand the document, if you’re signing voluntarily, and (for out-of-state signers) whether you consent to having a Florida notary perform the act.

7. Apply your electronic signature: Following the notary’s instructions, you’ll sign the document electronically.

8. Notary completes the act: The notary applies their electronic signature and tamper-evident seal to the document.

After the Session

9. Receive your document: You’ll receive the notarized document electronically, typically within minutes. Some services also offer paper copies.

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What Documents Can Be Notarized Online in Florida?

Most documents that can be notarized in person can also be notarized online under Florida law.

Commonly Notarized Documents (RON-Eligible)

Special Requirements for Wills

Florida’s Electronic Wills Act (part of Chapter 2019-71) allows wills to be executed entirely online, including remote witnessing. However, there are additional requirements:

• The will must be held by a qualified custodian that meets the requirements of F.S. §732.524
• The audio-video recording must be maintained by the custodian
• Vulnerable adults (as defined in F.S. §415.102) cannot use remote witnesses; they must have witnesses physically present

Documents That Cannot Be Notarized via RON

Very few documents are excluded from RON. The main exceptions are:

• Government-Issued Vital Records: You cannot notarize a birth, marriage, or death certificate directly (because it is already a certified government record). However, you can notarize a certified translation of these documents for use abroad.
• Documents where the receiving party specifically requires in-person notarization (rare)
• Certain court-ordered documents that specify physical presence
• Documents in states or countries that explicitly don’t accept RON (increasingly rare)

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How Much Does Online Notarization Cost in Florida?

Statutory Fee Limits

Under Florida law, there are caps on what notaries can charge:

What’s Included in RON Fees

The $25 statutory cap applies to the notarial act itself: the notary’s fee for verifying identity, witnessing your signature, and applying their seal.

However, F.S. §117.275 clarifies that “Fees for services other than notarial acts, including the services of a RON service provider, are not governed by this section.” This means RON platforms may charge additional fees for:

• Platform/technology fees
• ID verification services
• Document storage
• Expedited service
• Multiple signers in one session

Typical Total Cost

In practice, most RON services charge between $25-50 per document for standard notarization. At Florida Translate, our RON pricing is:

• Notarization fee: $25 per document
• ID verification fee: $5 (one-time per session)
• Additional documents in same session: $15 each
• Apostille service: Available for documents needing international use

Cost Comparison: RON vs. Traditional

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Requirements for Online Notarization in Florida

What You Need as a Signer

1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

   Under F.S. §117.201(6), acceptable credentials include:

   • US driver’s license or state ID
   • US passport
   • US military ID
   • Foreign passport (for signers outside the US, a passport that doesn’t have a US immigration stamp is specifically permitted)

2. Device with Camera and Microphone

   • Computer, tablet, or smartphone
   • Working webcam and microphone
   • Speakers or headphones

3. Stable Internet Connection

   • Broadband recommended
   • Strong enough for video conferencing

4. Your Document

   • In digital format (PDF works best)
   • Complete and ready to sign (notaries cannot notarize documents with blank spaces)

Identity Verification Requirements

Florida requires multi-factor authentication for RON. The notary must verify your identity through one of these methods:

Method A: Personal Knowledge If the notary personally knows you, they can verify your identity without additional checks.

Method B: Multi-Factor Verification (most common) All three must be completed:

1. Remote Presentation: Show your government ID on camera
2. Credential Analysis: Third-party technology validates the ID’s security features
3. Identity Proofing: Complete knowledge-based authentication (questions about your personal history)

If any of these steps fail, the notary cannot proceed with the notarization.

Potential KBA Issues

Knowledge-based authentication relies on having sufficient records in US databases. You may have difficulty with KBA if:

• You’re new to the United States
• You have limited credit history (young adults, recent immigrants)
• Your records contain errors
• You’ve recently moved frequently

If you fail KBA on the first attempt, most platforms allow a second try with different questions after a waiting period (typically 24 hours). Some platforms offer alternative verification methods like biometric verification.

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RON vs. Electronic Notarization vs. In-Person Electronic Notarization

These terms are often confused. Here’s how they differ:

In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) has been legal in Florida since 2007 under F.S. §117.021. The signer must still be physically present, but they sign electronically instead of with wet ink.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is the newer development that allows the signer to be anywhere. This is what most people mean when they say “online notarization.”

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Common Uses for Online Notarization

USCIS regulations require certification rather than notarization for translations, but many supporting documents benefit from notarization.

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Get Your Document Notarized Online

Florida Translate makes online notarization simple. Our Florida-commissioned notaries are available 7 days a week, and most sessions are completed in under 15 minutes.

Our RON pricing:

• $25 per document + $5 ID verification (one-time per session)
• Additional documents in same session: $15 each
• Apostille services available for international use

We serve signers anywhere in the world with bilingual support (English/Spanish).

Schedule your RON session → or call (321) 290-1810

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Need Translation + Notarization?

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Legal References

This guide cites the following authoritative sources:

• Florida Statutes Chapter 117: Florida notary law
• Chapter 2019-71, Laws of Florida: Original RON legislation
• Florida Administrative Code 1N-7.001: Department of State rules
• Florida Department of State RON Page: Official registration information
• Florida Bar Journal: “Danger Will Robinson”: Legal analysis of RON and electronic wills

Last updated: January 2026