What acts are prohibited for a Florida notary?

Short answer

Among others: notarizing when the signer is not present, notarizing your own signature, notarizing for a spouse, parent, or child, notarizing an incomplete document, and advertising as a "notario publico."

Full explanation

Florida collects its prohibitions in one statute, which makes it unusually easy for Florida notaries to review the full list before each unusual request.

Florida rules

Section 117.107, Florida Statutes, sets out prohibited acts, including notarizing a signature on a document when the person whose signature is being notarized is not in the presence of the notary at the time of notarization, notarizing the notary's own signature, notarizing for a spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father, and the restriction on non-attorney notaries advertising in a language other than English using the term "notario" or "notario publico" without the required disclaimer.

Common mistake to avoid

Violation of Section 117.107 can result in suspension of the commission and, for certain acts, criminal liability.

Sources & References

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

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