Being a notary public in Florida is a position of trust and accountability. The Governor appoints notaries to verify and witness signatures on legal papers. Is it possible for a felon to serve as a notary in Florida? The type and seriousness of the felony conviction makes the answer complicated.
A felon may be qualified to become a notary public if their civil rights have been restored, according to the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State. The person must have fulfilled all requirements of their sentence, including those related to probation and parole, and have had their right to vote returned. They must also pass a notary exam, complete a notary education course, and submit a written application. The application will be examined by the governor’s office, which will then decide whether or not to approve the commission.
However, some felonies can prevent someone from being able to become a notary in Florida. Any felony conviction involving deceit, dishonesty, or moral turpitude is among them. Additionally, a notary may not be able to certify documents if the applicant has been convicted of a felony within the last ten years.
It is crucial to remember that being a notary public is a privilege rather than a right. Notaries are subject to stringent ethical requirements and are responsible for any wrongdoing. A notary’s commission may be revoked by the Florida Department of State for infractions like misconduct, carelessness, or failing to adhere to the rules.
A notary public who travels to a borrower’s location to conduct a loan closing is known as a mobile closure. They make sure that all the required paperwork is signed and notarized properly, and they advise the borrower at every step of the way. Mobile closers are frequently utilized in real estate transactions because they offer borrowers who are unable to travel to a title firm or attorney’s office a convenient alternative.
Having a felony record can make the procedure more difficult, even while it does not inherently prevent someone from becoming a notary in Florida. Along with fulfilling all other eligibility requirements, the person must have their civil rights restored. A mobile closer is a specific kind of notary public who gives borrowers a practical choice during loan closings.