Florida Notary Practice Exam

In Florida, notaries public have the discretion to refuse service during emergency situations, particularly if they feel that their safety is at risk. This means that if a notary assesses that an environment is potentially dangerous—such as during severe weather events, civil unrest, or other emergencies—they may choose to decline to perform a notarization to protect themselves. This principle acknowledges the importance of the notary’s personal safety and well-being while fulfilling their duties.

While some notaries may feel a duty to assist others, the law recognizes the right to refuse service based on personal safety concerns, thus empowering notaries to make sound decisions regarding their participation in high-risk situations.