For an application to be considered complete, the following rules apply:
✅All required information on the application must be provided,
✅All signatures must be present,
✅A properly executed bond must be attached,
✅Applicant must be at least 18 years old,
✅The residence address must be a physical address and not a post office box,
✅If the applicant does not have a Florida Driver license then submittal of a copy of one of the following is required: a FL I.D. card; a FL Voter Registration card; an income tax form; a FL Homestead exemption; a sworn affidavit; or a recorded Declaration of Domicile,
✅If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen a recorded Declaration of Domicile obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court must be submitted with the application.
✅If the applicant marks the felony question as affirmative, then supplemental documentation pertaining to the felony (a written statement of the nature of the felony, a copy of the court judgment and sentencing order, and if convicted a Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights) must be submitted,
✅If the applicant has had a professional license revoked, then a document of explanation must be submitted.

A surety bond is a type of guarantee from an insurance company that ensures the performance of an individual or organization. Surety bonds are commonly used in industries such as notarization, construction, transportation and manufacturing, where they can be required by law. In some states, contractors must obtain a surety bond before they can legally do business.

The purpose of surety bonds is to protect consumers from unethical or dishonest businesses, as well as to provide businesses with a means of recovering losses in case a contract is not fulfilled. Surety bonds also help to prevent fraud and other illegal activities. A surety bond ensures that all parties involved will adhere to the terms of their agreement. If one party fails to do so, the surety bond allows the other party to collect damages from the insurer, up to a certain limit.

Surety bonds can provide consumers with peace of mind knowing that their rights and interests will be protected in any situation. In addition, surety bonds help businesses build trust by demonstrating their commitment to meeting their obligations. Surety bonds help to create a level playing field for businesses by ensuring they compete fairly and ethically.

Ultimately, surety bonds are an important tool for businesses and consumers alike, as they provide added security in the performance of contracts. They can also serve as a powerful deterrent to misbehavior and fraudulent activities. Surety bonds are often required by law to promote trust, fairness and accountability among all parties involved in a contractual agreement.

Errors & Omissions Insurance (E&O) is a type of business insurance that covers professional services firms and professionals for negligent acts, errors or omissions related to the performance of their services. For notaries they make specific Notarial E&O insurance. This Notary insurance does not guarantee payment to third parties like bonds do; instead, it pays for costs incurred if the insured individual or firm is sued for professional negligence.

Unlike surety bonds, which are a guarantee of financial responsibility, E&O insurance does not guarantee payment to third parties; instead, it pays for costs incurred if the insured individual or firm is sued for professional negligence. For example, if a lawyer fails to file an important document on time and as a result their client suffers a financial loss, the E&O policy would cover their defense costs and any settlement that results from the lawsuit.

It’s important to understand that your bond is not insurance protection for you, as a Notary.  Your bond protects the public from financial harm that results from any negligent mistake or intentional misconduct you commit while performing a notarization.

If you make an unintentional mistake or omission, or someone files a false claim against you, it could cost you thousands of dollars to defend yourself in a lawsuit simply to prove you acted responsibly. And if a claim is made against your bond, you’re required by law to pay it back. You could also be held personally responsible for any additional costs above the amount of your bond, which might include court costs, legal fees and other expenses.