Can a Florida notary notarize at a hospital or nursing home?

Full explanation

Bedside signings in Florida commonly involve powers of attorney, advance directives, and deeds. Florida also requires that the notary be satisfied the signer is competent and acting of their own free will.

Florida rules

Chapter 117, Florida Statutes, requires personal appearance and reasonable reliance on identification for every notarial act, and Section 117.107(5) prohibits notarizing for a person the notary knows to be mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the document at the time of notarization.

Example

A Florida notary called to a Kissimmee rehabilitation facility speaks with the patient privately, confirms she can describe the document in her own words, and proceeds.

Common mistake to avoid

If the signer cannot understand the nature and effect of the document, Florida law does not permit the notarization.

Sources & References

• Chapter 117, Florida Statutes — Notaries Public — Florida Legislature official source

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