So, You Wanna Notarize a Document From Afar? Hold Your Alpacas, Florida!
Ever found yourself in a situation where you need a document notarized, but the person who signed it is about as reachable as a greased mongoose in a wrestling ring? Maybe they're on a global adventure, chilling on a beach somewhere (lucky ducks!), or perhaps they've simply mastered the art of disappearing acts. Whatever the reason, you're stuck holding a document and wondering, "Can I get this notarized without them being here?"
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving into the wacky world of Florida notary laws!
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| Can I Notarize A Document Without The Person Present In Florida |
Here's the Not-So-Fun Fact:
In Florida, for a document to be notarized, the signer absolutely, positively MUST be physically present with the notary public at the time of signing. Yes, that means no video calls, no notarizing by carrier pigeon, and definitely no getting your pet iguana to sign with a tiny paw print (sorry, reptilian friends). The notary needs to verify the signer's identity and witness them signing the document in person. It's all about keeping things legit and above board.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
But Wait, There's a Twist (Maybe...Kind Of):
There's a slight wrinkle in this seemingly straightforward rule. For some real estate transactions in Florida, a process called a "proof by subscribing witness" might be used. Here's the gist:
- Someone who witnessed the original signing can appear before a notary instead of the original signer.
- This witness swears that they saw the signer sign the document willingly.
- Important Note: This is NOT an alternative to having the signer present for a normal notarization. It's a specific procedure used in limited situations for real estate documents.
The Bottom Line:
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
For most documents in Florida, if the signer isn't there in person, you're stuck waiting for their return or finding another way to get the document signed.
But hey, there's always the chance they'll come back with exciting stories (and maybe a souvenir coconut for your troubles).
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## FAQ: Notarization in Florida
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
How to find a notary public in Florida?
The Florida Department of State website has a handy notary public search tool: https://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/not001.html
How much does a notary charge in Florida?
There's no set fee, but notary publics can charge a reasonable amount for their services.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How long is a notarization valid in Florida?
A notarization typically remains valid for five years, but some documents may have specific validity periods.
How can I get a document notarized if the signer is out of state?
If a standard notarization won't work, you might need to explore options like having the document signed in front of a notary in the signer's location or using a remote online notarization service (which may not be available in Florida yet). It's always best to consult with a lawyer or legal professional for specific advice.
How can I convince my friend to come back from their island vacation and sign the darn document already?
This one's a bit trickier. Emotional blackmail with pictures of their overflowing mailbox might work? Or, you could offer to bring them back the best beach towel they've ever seen. Just be creative (and maybe a little bit desperate).
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