Florida Apostille and Notary Questions
Answers to the questions I hear most often. If yours is not here, call or message me.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
How much does a Florida notary charge?
A video notarization is $65 in the US or $125 if you sign from abroad. An in-person notary in Lake Placid, FL is $40. Florida caps the stamp at $10 in person and $25 online; the rest is my service fee. I tell you the full price before we start.
Why is online notarization up to $25?
The Florida Legislature set a $25 cap for remote online notarization in Florida to reflect the cost of the secure platform and identity verification (Fla. Stat. 117.275). It is a ceiling on the stamp, not the total price. My video notarization is $65 in the US, $125 abroad.
How long does a video notarization take?
Most online notarizations take 10 to 20 minutes once we are on the video call. You will need a valid photo ID, a stable internet connection, and your document ready. I will walk you through each step.
What ID do I need?
You need a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver license, or state ID card. The platform verifies your identity using ID scanning and knowledge-based authentication questions.
Can I sign from outside the United States?
Yes. I can notarize documents from abroad through a secure video call. You need a valid ID and an internet connection. The video notarization is $125 if you are outside the US. The notarization is valid under Florida law.
Which countries accept a Florida apostille?
Any country in the Hague Apostille Convention accepts a Florida apostille. If your destination is not a Hague country, you need embassy legalization instead. I can help you figure out which path you need.
What if my country is not in the Hague Convention?
You will need embassy legalization instead of an apostille. That is a longer process with multiple steps: notary, state, U.S. Department of State, and the embassy of your destination country. I can help coordinate it.
Who issues the apostille?
Only the Florida Department of State issues an apostille for documents notarized in Florida. I do not issue it. I prepare your document, notarize it, and submit it to the state. The Florida apostille cost starts at $150 per document.
Can you notarize a power of attorney?
Yes. I can notarize a power of attorney online, along with affidavits, consent letters, and many other documents. The video notarization is $65 in the US or $125 abroad. If your document requires witnesses, let me know in advance.
Can you notarize a diploma?
Yes. I notarize diplomas and transcripts and then submit them to the Florida Department of State for an apostille so they are recognized abroad. Some countries also require a translation, which I can help coordinate.
Do you come to me in Lake Placid?
Yes. I offer mobile notary in Highlands County and Lake Placid. I can travel to your home, office, hospital, or care facility. The trip is $95 plus $10 per notarial act. For locations farther away, I will quote a travel fee before we confirm.
What areas do you cover?
For in-person and mobile notary, I serve Lake Placid and Highlands County. For remote online notarization in Florida and apostille services, I can help you anywhere in the world.
Can you give legal advice?
No. I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. If you need help understanding the legal effect of your document, I recommend speaking with a licensed attorney.
What if my document is already signed?
I can still notarize it if you acknowledge in front of me that you signed it willingly. For some documents, I may need to witness the signing, so it is best to wait until we are on the call or meeting.
How do I get the paper copy?
For online notarization, the signed document is a tamper-evident PDF that I send you by email. If you need a paper original for an apostille or other purpose, I can print and courier it. For in-person notarization, you leave with the original.
What are your hours?
My hours are [HOURS, Eastern Time]. I can often accommodate evenings and weekends by appointment. Contact me and I will find a time that works for you.
Still have questions? I am happy to help.
Contact meReady to get started?
Call me, message me on WhatsApp, or book an appointment online. I will walk you through every step.