Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026
To use Florida business or corporate documents outside the U.S., they must be authenticated by the Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations — Apostille Section) in Tallahassee — the only competent authority for Florida apostilles or notarial certifications.
This page was reviewed and updated in November 2025 and reflects current requirements valid for 2026.
An apostille certifies the authenticity of a Florida public official's or Florida notary's signature/seal. It does not validate the substance of your business agreement or grant rights; it confirms the origin and execution (signature/seal/office).
| Authority | Florida Department of State — Apostille & Notarial Certification Section (Tallahassee) |
| Certificate type | Apostille (Hague) or Notarial Certification (non-Hague) |
| Fees (2026) | $10 per document (standard) or $20 per document if certified by a Florida Clerk of Court |
| Request form | "Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form" (official DOS PDF) |
| USPS address | P.O. Box 6800, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800 |
| Courier / Walk-in | 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| Timing | Several business days to a few weeks depending on volume and mail |
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Florida-issued or Florida-notarized documents commonly accepted for apostille/notarial certification include:
Rule of thumb: the document must either (a) carry a Florida public official's signature/seal (DOS/Clerk), or (b) be notarized by a Florida notary with a complete notarial certificate.
(e.g., Certificate of Status from DOS, or Clerk-certified copies)
(e.g., bylaws, minutes, POA, agreements)
Tip: If a foreign authority requires proof of signatory authority, include a notarized Officer's Certificate and, where applicable, a Certificate of Status from DOS.
Is it an official Florida record (DOS/Clerk) or a private document that needs Florida notarization first?
For private: arrange Florida notarization with a complete certificate. For official: obtain a fresh certified copy (e.g., new Certificate of Status from DOS).
Fill the Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form. Include the destination country, your contact information, and the return method (SASE or prepaid label).
Official DOS Form PDFCheck or money order payable to "Florida Department of State."
Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid carrier label (avoid "Bill Sender"/handwritten airbills). Keep your tracking number.
Processing times vary; allow several business days to a few weeks. DOS returns your document with an attached apostille (Hague) or notarial certification (non-Hague).
Get a clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your exact situation.
Get My Custom GuideAmelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Verified request-form link; confirmed 2026 fee logic ($10 standard / $20 Clerk-certified); expanded "Which documents qualify"; clarified notarization rules (private vs official records); split USPS vs courier addresses; strengthened FAQs and rejection reasons.
May 2026 (or earlier if the DOS updates fees, addresses, or form)
Amelia reviews U.S. state apostille procedures and business record requirements for accuracy and clarity.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always verify current fees, forms, and addresses on official Florida DOS websites.
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Reviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Compliance Editor — Apostille Pro USA