Official Florida Notary Fees Explained
“How much can a notary actually charge?” has a surprisingly precise answer for part of the question, and a much more flexible one for the rest. Here’s the full breakdown.
The Statutory Fee Cap
Florida Statutes Chapter 117 sets a maximum fee a notary can charge for the notarial act itself — currently $10 per signature or seal for standard, in-person notarizations. This is a hard legal ceiling; a notary cannot legally charge more than this for the core notarial act, regardless of the document’s complexity or the notary’s experience level.
Remote Online Notarization Has a Slightly Different Cap
Florida law allows a somewhat higher maximum fee for Remote Online Notarizations compared to standard in-person acts, reflecting the additional technology, identity verification, and platform costs involved in RON. This is still a defined statutory cap, not an open-ended amount — just a different number than the in-person fee.
What’s NOT Covered by the Fee Cap
This is where most of the confusion comes from. The statutory cap applies specifically to the notarial act — verifying identity, witnessing the signature, applying the seal. It does not cap:
- Travel fees for mobile notary visits, which are set by the individual notary based on distance and circumstances
- Platform or convenience fees sometimes associated with RON technology
- Fees for services beyond notarization itself — like Loan Signing Agent services, which involve additional expertise and time managing a full closing package
Why Mobile Notary Visits Cost More Than the Statutory Cap Alone
If you’ve seen mobile notary pricing that adds up to more than $10, this is exactly why — you’re paying the capped notarial fee plus an uncapped travel fee for the notary’s time and mileage getting to you. Neither charge is improper; they’re just two separate line items governed by different rules. Our mobile notary pricing guide breaks down exactly how these two fees combine for a mobile visit.
What to Do If You’re Charged More Than the Legal Maximum
If a notary charges more than the statutory cap for the notarial act itself (not travel, not additional services — specifically the core notarization), that’s a violation of Florida law and can be reported to the Florida Department of State, which oversees notary commissions. This is rare, but worth knowing as a consumer protection.
A Quick Reference
| Service | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Standard notarial act (in-person) | Capped at $10 per signature/seal |
| Remote Online Notarization | Capped at a somewhat higher statutory amount |
| Mobile travel fee | Not capped, set by individual notary |
| Loan Signing Agent services | Not capped, reflects additional expertise |
Getting a Clear Quote
Before any appointment, a straightforward notary will tell you exactly what you’re paying for — the notarial fee, any travel fee, and any additional service costs — so there’s no confusion at the end. Easy Day Notary provides upfront pricing before any appointment is finalized. Contact us for a quote, or schedule directly if you already know what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum a Florida notary can legally charge per signature?
Florida Statutes Chapter 117 sets the maximum notarial fee, currently $10 per signature or seal for standard acts, with a higher cap for online notarizations.
Is the online notarization fee cap different from in-person?
Yes — Florida law allows a somewhat higher maximum fee for Remote Online Notarizations, reflecting the additional technology and identity verification involved.
Can a notary charge whatever they want for travel?
Travel fees aren't capped by the same statute — they're set by the individual notary, based on distance and circumstances, separate from the regulated notarial fee itself.
What happens if a notary charges more than the legal maximum for the notarial act itself?
Exceeding the statutory fee cap for the notarial act is a violation of Florida notary law, and can be reported to the state. This doesn't apply to travel fees, which aren't subject to the same cap.