Can a Florida notary notarize for a family member?

Short answer

No, not for a spouse, parent, or child. Florida law expressly prohibits a notary from notarizing the signature of their spouse, parent, or child.

Full explanation

Florida draws a bright line around the closest relationships. Beyond that express prohibition, Florida also bars a notary from notarizing any document in which the notary has a financial interest or is a party.

Florida rules

Section 117.107(11), Florida Statutes, provides that a notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if the person whose signature is being notarized is the spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father of the notary public. Other relatives are not named in that prohibition, but the separate rule against notarizing when the notary is a party to or has a financial interest in the transaction still applies.

Example

A Florida notary asked to notarize her father's quitclaim deed must decline and refer the family to another notary.

Common mistake to avoid

Even where a relationship is not on the prohibited list, notarizing for a relative invites a later challenge to the document.

Sources & References

Chapter 117, Florida Statutes — Notaries Public — Florida Legislature official source
Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries — Executive Office of the Governor (Florida) official source

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