Florida Notary Practice Exam

Can a Florida Notary notarize a document without the signer present?

1. Yes, if the signer is known to the Notary

2. No, the signer must be present

3. Yes, if there are credible witnesses

4. No, but electronic signatures are accepted

The correct answer is: No, the signer must be present

In Florida, the requirement for a notary public is that the signer must be physically present during the notarization process. This means that the notary cannot notarize a document for someone who is not in their presence at the time of signing. This rule is in place to ensure the identification and willingness of the signer, as the notary needs to confirm that the individual is who they claim to be and that they are signing the document freely and voluntarily. The presence of a signer is integral for maintaining the integrity of the notarization process, as it helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the notary can affirm the identity of the individual signing. In scenarios where credible witnesses are present or when electronic signatures are involved, they do not substitute for the necessity of having the signer physically present for the notarization process. This foundational requirement provides clear guidance for notaries in Florida and underlines the importance of personal interaction during the notarization to uphold the trustworthiness of the public notary system.