How to notarize a Florida building permit application online

Getting a building permit in Florida requires a notarized signature on your application. Whether you are adding a deck, remodeling a kitchen, or starting new construction, your local building department will not process the permit without that notarial seal. You can complete this requirement online in about 15 minutes without leaving your home.

Why Florida building permit applications require notarization

Building departments need to verify that the person applying for the permit is actually authorized to make changes to the property. Notarization serves as proof of identity and confirms you signed the document willingly.

In most cases, the property owner's signature needs notarization. If you are hiring a contractor to pull the permit on your behalf, some jurisdictions allow the contractor to sign instead, but only with a notarized owner authorization form on file. The specific requirements vary by city and county, so confirm with your local building department if you are unsure who needs to sign.

Who signs the building permit application

The property owner listed on the deed typically signs the permit application. If multiple people own the property, most Florida building departments require each owner to sign and notarize separately. This means each owner completes their own notary session.

Contractors can sometimes sign permit applications, but they need written consent from the property owner first, and that consent must also be notarized. Many building departments prefer owner signatures to avoid authorization disputes.

What you need before starting

Gather these items before you begin:

• Your permit application form, filled out but unsigned. Do not sign the form before your session. The notary must watch you sign the document in real time. If you pre-sign, you will need a fresh copy.
• A valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The name on your ID must match exactly how your name appears on the signature line of the permit application.
• A device with a working webcam and internet connection. A laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone works. Make sure you are in a well-lit room where the notary can clearly see your face and ID on camera.
• About 15 minutes. The actual notarization takes only a few minutes, but allow time for identity verification and reviewing the document with the notary.
• The property address. You will need to specify which city the permit is for, since different jurisdictions use different forms and filing processes.

Step-by-step: the Rush Notary flow

1. Select your city. Visit rushcitynotary.com/florida and click through to your county and city. This loads the correct building permit form for your jurisdiction.
2. Choose the building permit application. Select "Building Permit Application" from the available document types. The platform loads the version your building department requires.
3. Click Start. You will be prompted to enter your email address. This is where your notarized document is delivered after the session.
4. Complete identity verification. Upload your government-issued ID and answer the Knowledge-Based Authentication questions. The platform checks your ID for security features and generates multiple-choice questions from public records to confirm you are who you say you are.
5. Join the live video session. A licensed Florida notary joins your session. They will verify your identity on camera, watch you sign the document, and apply their electronic notarial seal. The session is recorded as required by Florida law.
6. Receive your notarized PDF. Once the notary seals the document, you receive a PDF download immediately. This is the file you submit to your building department.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Name mismatches cause the most notarization issues. If your driver's license says "Robert Smith" but you write "Bob Smith" on the permit application, the notary cannot proceed. Use your full legal name on the form exactly as it appears on your ID.

Multiple property owners each need separate sessions. You cannot both appear on camera at once and sign a single document together. If you and your spouse co-own the property, you will each complete a separate 15-minute session. Some building departments accept a single application with multiple notarized signature pages; others require separate applications. Confirm this with your building department before you start.

Pre-signing invalidates the notarization. Notaries must witness you signing in real time. If you have already signed your permit application, print a fresh copy and start over.

Poor lighting or camera quality can delay your session. Position yourself facing a window or lamp so your face is clearly visible, and make sure your webcam lens is clean.

Filing your notarized building permit application

Once your notarization is complete, you will receive a PDF of your notarized permit application by email. This document includes the notary's official electronic seal and signature, making it legally valid for submission to your building department.

Submit this PDF to your local building department along with any other required documents — site plans, engineering drawings, or contractor license information. Each city and county has its own submission process. Some accept online uploads through permit portals; others require you to email the documents or drop them off in person.

Filing fees vary by location and project scope. Contact your building department directly or check their website for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods. Keep a copy of your notarized application for your records — you may need to reference it during inspections or if questions arise during the permitting process.