Common Notary Mistakes to Avoid
The small errors that force Florida documents to be re-signed — and how to make sure your notarization is accepted the first time.
Signing before the notary arrives
It is a common mistake. A jurat must be signed in the Notary's presence, while an acknowledgment may involve a signature made earlier. If you do not know which act is required, wait and ask the document issuer or an attorney.
Using an expired ID
Do not assume an expired credential will or will not qualify. Florida's statute lists certain credentials that are current or were issued within the preceding five years. Contact the Notary in advance to review the credential type and lawful alternatives.
Leaving blanks in the document
Any blank space in a notarized document is a red flag. Fill in every field, or draw a line through unused sections, before the notary signs and seals.
