Notary Public Underwriters Blog
I Have a Misdemeanor, Can I Still Become a Notary in Florida?
- Details
- Published: April 27, 2026
I was charged with a misdemeanor when I was 19 years old. Can I still apply to become a Florida notary?
The requirements to become a notary public in the State of Florida do not address misdemeanor charges. You may still take the education course and submit your application.
The State does, however, specifically address prior felony charges. If you have been convicted of a felony, had adjudication of guilt withheld, or have been disciplined by a regulatory agency, we have outlined the process for you below. This process is the same for both new and renewing notaries.
If you have been convicted of a felony, are on probation, or have had adjudication of guilt withheld, you should submit:
- A written statement describing the nature and circumstances of the offense
- A copy of the court judgment and sentencing order, or comparable court documents
- If convicted, a certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights (or a pardon)
The more explanation on the matter and supporting documentation you provide with your application, the better.
If you have had a professional license of any kind revoked within the last 10 years from the date of application, you must disclose this information and provide a written statement explaining the nature of the action, along with a copy of the Final Order from the regulating agency.
Once the bond agent receives the application with the required information attached, it will be submitted to the Governor’s Office for review. Processing may take a minimum of six weeks.
Upon approval or denial, the Governor’s Office will notify both the applicant and the bonding agent. The Governor’s Office does not provide details about the decision-making process, so the bonding agent will not have information regarding why an application was approved or denied.
Furthermore, if you are denied, there are certain cases in which you can re-apply in a year’s time. If you would like to hear more about these cases, please call our Customer Care team.
Please note: The approval process is the same for both new and renewing notaries. Applications are not automatically approved simply because they are renewals.
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