DOCUMENT APOSTILLE GUIDE
Florida Real Estate Documents Apostille Requirements
Learn how to prepare your document for apostille processing, including applicable notarization requirements, required certifications, and important submission guidelines.
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Preparation Requirements
Identify the Real Estate Document
Determine whether the document is a property deed, mortgage, lease agreement, property affidavit, real estate authorization, or other property-related record.
Obtain the Correct Document
For recorded property documents, request an official certified copy from the Florida County Clerk or appropriate recording office.
For private real estate agreements, obtain the original document signed by the appropriate parties.
Arrange Proper Notarization
Privately executed real estate documents may require notarization by a commissioned Florida notary public.
Recorded Documents
Documents already recorded in Florida public records should be obtained as certified copies from the appropriate government office. A Florida notary cannot certify copies of recorded public records.
Submit for Apostille
Submit the eligible original notarized document or properly certified public record to the Florida Department of State.
Important Restrictions
Apostille certification does not establish property ownership, validate a real estate transaction, or confirm the legal enforceability of a document. Confirm the receiving country's requirements before submission.
Required Certification
Recorded Real Estate Documents
Property deeds, recorded mortgages, and other real estate documents maintained in Florida county public records should be obtained as official certified copies from the appropriate County Clerk or recording authority.
The certification must contain an eligible official signature that the Florida Department of State can authenticate.
A Florida notary public cannot certify photocopies of documents recorded in public records. Ordinary photocopies are not acceptable substitutes for officially certified records.
Official Clerk Certification
The certified record must contain an eligible official certification and signature that can be authenticated by the Florida Department of State.
Privately Executed Real Estate Documents
Private agreements, affidavits, and certain property authorizations may qualify when properly notarized by a commissioned Florida notary public.
The Notarial Certificate Must Include
• State and county of notarization
• Date of notarization
• Appropriate notarial act
• Signer's name
• Required identification or personal knowledge statement
• Notary's original signature
• Notary's printed or stamped name
• Official notary seal and required commission information
Original Document Requirement
Submit the original notarized document or eligible original certified copy. Ordinary photocopies are not accepted.
Important Note
Florida notaries cannot certify copies of documents recorded in public records. Obtain official certified copies directly from the appropriate recording authority.