How Do I Get an Affidavit Notarized in Florida?
Learn how Florida affidavit notarization works, including jurats, oaths or affirmations, identification, signing, and mobile appointments.
To notarize an affidavit in Florida, bring the completed affidavit and acceptable identification, personally appear before the Notary, take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true, and sign as directed for the jurat. Do not sign the affidavit before the appointment unless the document issuer specifically confirms a different notarial act.
An affidavit is generally a written statement made under oath. The Notary does not investigate whether the statements are true and cannot advise what the affidavit should say.
Confirm the affidavit is complete
Fill in factual information before the appointment, but do not alter attorney or agency language. Avoid blank spaces that could be completed after notarization. If you do not understand the document, ask its issuer or an attorney before signing.
A jurat includes an oath or affirmation
For a jurat, the signer swears or affirms that the statements in the document are true. An oath invokes a higher power; an affirmation is a solemn promise without religious wording. Both carry the same seriousness. The Notary administers the chosen verbal act and witnesses the signature.
Bring identification and appear personally
The Notary must identify the affiant through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence allowed by Florida law. The signer must personally appear, communicate directly, and sign willingly. A representative cannot simply bring in someone else’s signed affidavit.
Mobile affidavit appointments
A mobile Notary can handle affidavits at a home, office, hospital, or agreed location when available. Tell the Notary how many affidavits and signers are involved so the appointment quote reflects the actual work.
Know the Notary’s limited role
The Notary may identify a missing certificate or explain the difference between an acknowledgment and jurat in general terms, but cannot choose a legal act for you when that choice would be legal advice. The issuing agency or attorney should answer document-specific questions.
After the affidavit is notarized
Check that the notarial certificate, signature, and seal are legible, then follow the recipient’s filing or delivery instructions. Courts, agencies, schools, insurers, and other recipients may set deadlines or require originals. The Notary does not file the affidavit unless a separate delivery service was arranged.
If you notice a factual error after notarization, do not cross it out and ask the Notary to initial the change. Contact the document issuer about whether a corrected affidavit and new notarization are required. A Notary may not amend a completed certificate after the act.
- Retain a copy when appropriate
- Protect private information during delivery
- Meet the recipient’s deadline
- Use a new notarization when a material correction requires it