Can a Notary Notarize a Quit Claim Deed in Florida?

Yes. A Florida notary public can notarize a quit claim deed. Notarization is required before the deed can be recorded with the county clerk.

Role of the Notary:

1. Identity: the notary confirms the identity of the grantor, the person signing the deed, using an ID such as a driver's license or passport. The grantee does not sign a quit claim deed.

2. Presence: the grantor signs, or acknowledges signing, in front of the notary. Florida also allows online notarization by audio-video link through a registered online notary.

3. Acknowledgment: Florida requires a deed to be acknowledged or proved before it can be recorded (section 695.03). In Florida, the acknowledgment can be taken by a judge, a clerk or deputy clerk of court, or a Florida notary public or civil law notary (section 695.03(1)). The notary may notarize only after personally knowing the signer or receiving satisfactory evidence of identity, and the certificate states the type of identification relied on (section 117.05(5)). The notary then adds the notary's signature and seal.

Other Requirements:

1. Two witnesses: a Florida deed needs two witnesses to the grantor's signature. The notary can serve as one of the two witnesses, so one more witness is needed in that case.

2. Names and addresses: the witnesses' names and post office addresses must be printed under their signatures.

3. Recording: after signing, the deed should be recorded with the clerk of court in the county where the property is located. Recording gives public notice and protects the grantee's ownership.

County recording locations are listed by county. A notary checks identity and signing, not whether the deed is drafted correctly.