How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized in Florida (Step-by-Step)

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal documents a Florida resident can have. It authorizes someone you trust to make financial, legal, or medical decisions on your behalf. For a Florida POA to be legally valid, it must be properly signed, witnessed, and notarized.

Florida's Legal Requirements for a Valid POA

Under Florida Statute §709.2105, a Durable Power of Attorney must be: signed by the principal in the presence of two witnesses; both witnesses must sign in the presence of the principal and each other; and the principal's signature must be acknowledged before a notary public. Skip any of these steps and institutions like banks and hospitals may reject the document.

Step 1: Have the Document Prepared

Florida notaries are not attorneys and cannot draft a Power of Attorney for you. Hire an estate attorney to prepare it, or use a Florida-compliant POA template for simpler cases. Make sure the document is complete with no blanks.

Step 2: Arrange Two Witnesses

You need two adult witnesses who are not named as agents in the POA. They must be physically present when you sign.

Step 3: Sign in Front of Everyone at Once

All parties, the principal, both witnesses, and the notary, must be present together when you sign. This is a Florida requirement. Do not pre-sign the document.

Step 4: The Notary Acknowledges Your Signature

The notary verifies your identity with a valid government-issued photo ID, witnesses your signature, and completes the notarial certificate with their seal. The notary's acknowledgment is what makes the document legally binding under Florida law.

Use a Mobile Notary for Your Florida POA

A mobile notary comes to your home, office, hospital, or nursing home in Jacksonville at your convenience. Our certified notary has 20 years of experience with Florida POA notarizations. Call 904-762-5310 to schedule today.