Notaries provide an essential service in Florida by witnessing the signing of important documents and verifying identities. Given this vital role, many Floridians want to become a notary public. An appealing incentive is that notaries can earn extra income through notary work. So,
How Much Money Can a Notary Make in Florida?
Notaries can earn $40,000-$60,000 annually full-time or thousands per year part-time through set notary fees, travel fees and specializing in high-paying services.
The Income Potential for Florida Notaries
Notaries in Florida have several options for bringing in notary income:
- Charging set notary fees for services
- Travel fees
- Specializing in high-earning notarial acts
By combining these income sources, Florida’s full-time notaries can earn $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Part-time notaries can easily supplement their regular income with thousands in extra notary earnings per year. Exact payments vary depending on a notary’s business model and success drive.
Florida’s Notary Fee Laws
The first way notaries make money is by charging notary fees allowed under Florida law. Florida notaries can charge up to $10 per signature notarized for most notarizations. They can set the same price as a circuit court clerk for solemnizing a marriage, which is currently $30.
No set maximum fees for notarizations are not covered under the state’s general notary laws, such as safe deposit box inventories. However, notaries must still charge reasonable, customary fees agreed upon in advance for these services.
The $10 maximum fee applies on a per-signature, per-notarization basis. For example, if a notary notarizes a document with two signers, the notary could charge up to $20 ($10 per signature). The notary fee covers the notary’s time, knowledge, signing and stamping service for that document.
Generating Income Through Travel Fees
In addition to notary service fees, Florida notaries can charge reasonable travel fees to cover their travel expenses to meet signers. Travel fees help generate income for mobile notaries who provide services at signers’ homes or businesses.
Travel fees are typically charged per mile, ranging from $1-$2 per mile. Notaries calculate the round-trip mileage to determine the travel fee. Hefty travel fees are possible depending on the distances travelled. For example, a 100-mile round trip at $2 per mile would generate a $200 travel fee.
Specialized Notarial Acts for Increased Earnings
Florida notaries can maximize their earning potential by providing specialized, high-demand notarial services. Examples include:
- Notarizing loan documents as a signing agent – Signing agents earn $75-$200 per loan closing appointment. Frequent closings provide significant income.
- Performing marriage ceremonies – $30 per ceremony provides excellent part-time income from weddings.
- Notarizing will and estate planning documents at law firms – Steady workflow potential.
- Assisting with safe deposit box inventories at banks – Niche service with limited competition.
- Providing online remote notarization services – $25 per online notarization.
Mastering these kinds of niche notarial acts versus general document notarization allows Florida notaries to command higher fees and more abundant work opportunities.
Building a Full-Time Mobile Notary Business
By focusing on specialized, high-earning notary services and maximizing travel fees from mobile work, some notaries develop their notary activities into full-time, self-employed businesses generating $40,000 to $60,000 in annual income.
For example, a notary could concentrate on performing real estate/mortgage closing signings for lenders, title companies and signing services. This involves travelling directly to home buyers and owners to notarize their stacks of loan documents. A busy full-time mobile signing notary charging $100 per signing and completing 2-3 signings daily would produce $50,000 to $75,000 in gross annual income.
Part-Time Income Potential
Many notaries work part-time while keeping their regular jobs and commitments. Excellent supplemental income can be produced with just a few weekly notarial acts.
A notary dedicating 5-10 hours per week to notarizing could efficiently complete 3-5 signings at $100 each, plus related travel fees. This translates to $300 to $700+ in part-time notary income weekly, adding up to $15,000 to $35,000+ per year.
Starting Your Florida Notary Business
If you’re interested in profiting from notary work, the first step is becoming a commissioned notary in Florida. This involves passing a background check, taking a notary education course, purchasing a surety bond and passing the state exam. Most notaries charge around $40-$60 total in notary fees per signing, so the costs pay for themselves quickly.
Once commissioned, successful notaries invest in marketing, networking and continuing education to build their reputation, expertise and clientele. Joining a professional notary association provides invaluable support, ongoing education and credibility.
A rewarding notary business takes consistent self-promotion and stellar service, but the income potential makes the effort worthwhile. Both part-time and full-time notaries can earn excellent incomes following Florida’s guidelines.