Florida Affidavit Notarization: A Complete Guide to Getting It Done Online

An affidavit is a sworn written statement made under oath. In Florida, affidavits are used in court cases, real estate transactions, business filings, immigration applications, and countless other situations. Because an affidavit carries legal weight, it must be notarized to be valid in most circumstances.

Florida's Remote Online Notarization (RON) laws make it possible to notarize affidavits from anywhere with an internet connection. This guide covers everything you need to know about notarizing an affidavit online in Florida.

What Is an Affidavit and Why Does It Need Notarization?

An affidavit is a document in which the signer, called the affiant, makes a factual statement under penalty of perjury. By signing an affidavit, the affiant swears or affirms that the information is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Notarization serves several critical purposes for affidavits:

• Identity verification — The notary confirms the affiant is who they claim to be
• Oath administration — The notary administers the oath or affirmation, making the statement legally binding
• Fraud deterrence — The notarial seal makes it significantly harder to forge or dispute the affidavit
• Court and agency acceptance — Most courts, government agencies, and businesses require notarized affidavits

Without notarization, an affidavit may be rejected or challenged in legal proceedings.

Common Types of Affidavits Notarized in Florida

Rush Notary handles affidavits for individuals, businesses, and government agencies across Florida. The most common types include:

Affidavit of Residence

Used to prove where someone lives. Schools, government agencies, and courts often require this document. The affiant states their address and swears it is accurate.

Affidavit of Identity

Used when a government-issued ID is unavailable or insufficient. The affiant provides identifying information and has someone who knows them personally verify their identity.

Affidavit of Support

Commonly used in immigration cases. A sponsor swears they will financially support an immigrant applicant. USCIS requires this affidavit to be notarized.

Affidavit of Heirship

Used in probate matters to establish who the legal heirs of a deceased person are. This is often used when there is no will or when formal probate is unnecessary.

Affidavit of Small Estate

Florida allows certain small estates to be settled without full probate if an heir files a sworn affidavit. The estate value must be below the statutory threshold.

Affidavit of Domicile

Used to establish a person's primary residence for tax or legal purposes. This is common in estate administration and tax disputes.

Self-Proving Affidavit

Attached to a will in Florida, this affidavit allows the will to be admitted to probate without the witnesses having to appear in court. Florida Statute 732.503 governs these affidavits.

Affidavit of Correction

Used to correct errors on official documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or deeds. The affiant explains the error and provides the correct information.

Preparing Your Affidavit for Online Notarization

Before scheduling your online notary session, make sure your affidavit is complete and accurate:

1. Fill in all factual information — Dates, names, addresses, and specific details should be typed or printed clearly.
2. Leave signature lines blank — Do not sign or date the affidavit before the notary session. The notary must witness your signature.
3. Include a notary certificate — The document should have a notary block or certificate. If it does not, the notary can attach one.
4. Review for accuracy — Because you are swearing under penalty of perjury, any false statement can have serious legal consequences.

The Online Affidavit Notarization Process

Step 1: Start Your Session

Visit rushcitynotary.com/start and select an instant or scheduled session. Upload your affidavit document.

Step 2: Complete Identity Verification

Florida requires two forms of identity verification for remote online notarization:

• Credential analysis — Our system validates your government-issued photo ID
• Knowledge-based authentication — You answer questions drawn from public and credit records

Both steps typically take under two minutes.

Step 3: Take the Oath

During the video session, the notary will administer the oath or affirmation. You will verbally swear or affirm that the statements in the affidavit are true. The notary records this as part of the session.

Step 4: Sign and Seal

You will sign the affidavit electronically while the notary watches. The notary then applies an electronic seal and digital certificate, making the document legally valid.

Step 5: Download and Use

Your notarized affidavit is available immediately as a tamper-evident PDF. You can download it, email it, or print it for submission.

Florida Legal Requirements for Affidavit Notarization

Florida has specific rules that govern how affidavits must be notarized:

• Personal appearance — The affiant must appear before the notary, either physically or via real-time video
• Oath or affirmation — The notary must administer an oath or affirmation before the affiant signs
• Identification — The notary must verify the affiant's identity through satisfactory evidence
• Journal entry — The notary must record the notarization in their official journal
• Electronic seal — For online notarization, the notary uses an electronic seal that meets Florida's technical standards

Florida Statutes Chapter 117 governs notarial acts, and online notarizations must also comply with the standards set by the Florida Department of State.

How Much Does It Cost?

Rush Notary charges $25 per notary seal for online affidavit notarization. Most affidavits require only one seal.

If your affidavit has multiple pages that each require separate notarization, or if multiple people need to sign and swear, each additional seal is $25.

There are no setup fees, subscription charges, or hidden costs.

Tips for a Smooth Online Affidavit Notarization

• Use a reliable internet connection — Video quality matters for identity verification
• Ensure good lighting — The notary must see you and your ID clearly
• Have your ID ready — You will need to show it to the camera during credential analysis
• Read the affidavit carefully — You are swearing to its accuracy under penalty of perjury
• Ask questions — If anything in the document is unclear, resolve it before the session

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I notarize an affidavit if I am outside Florida?

Yes, as long as the notary is physically located in Florida and holds a Florida commission. You can be located anywhere during the session.

Q: What if my affidavit does not have a notary certificate?

The notary can attach a notary certificate to your document. Just let them know at the beginning of the session.

Q: How long is a notarized affidavit valid?

A notarized affidavit does not expire. However, the information in it may become outdated. Some courts and agencies require affidavits to be recent, typically within 30 to 90 days.

Q: Can a notary help me write my affidavit?

No. Notaries are not attorneys and cannot draft legal documents or provide legal advice. If you need help drafting an affidavit, consult a Florida attorney.