Introduction

You have just tapped into a bank of educational resources for Florida Notaries Public from which you can withdraw information on demand. You can fall back on these resources when “hard times” hit—when you are unsure about a provision of the notary law—when you have an unusual request for notary services—when you just need to refresh your memory about your powers, responsibilities, duties, and limitations as a Notary Public. The general public can also make withdrawals from our bank when they are curious about the functions of a Notary Public.

You may be wondering why the State of Florida has two offices which are involved with the appointment of Notaries Public. The functions of these two offices are totally different. The Governor’s Notary Section was established in July 1992 after the Legislature appropriated funds to educate and assist Notaries Public. Because Notaries are public officers appointed and commissioned by the Governor, the Notary Section is part of the Executive Office of the Governor, Legal Affairs.

The main function of the Notary Section—to educate and assist Notaries—is accomplished in several ways: by publishing and distributing educational materials, particularly the notary laws and the Governor’s Reference Manual for Notaries; by answering telephone inquiries from Notaries; by conducting notary seminars; and maintaining the on-line Notary Education Course . Although the Governor’s Notary Section is not authorized to offer legal advice to Notaries, we do make every effort to help Notaries understand their duties. The Notary Section also assists the Governor by reviewing “special review” applications related to the applicants’ eligibility for appointment and by investigating complaints against Notaries and recommending disciplinary action when appropriate.

On the other hand, the Department of State, Notary Commissions and Certifications Section, has a strictly ministerial function and does not assist Notaries with questions about their duties. That office processes routine notary applications and issues the commissions once approved for appointment. The Department also maintains all the records on Notaries by keeping applications on file and in a sophisticated computer database, which is easily accessible to the public.

Please feel free to contact either of these two state offices when necessary.

Now, take a trip through our bank and see which resources you would like to withdraw today, and come back and visit us often.