Florida Business Documents Apostille Guide
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Introduction
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 March 2026 and reflects current requirements valid for 2026.
What a Florida business apostille covers (and doesn't)
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).
Who needs it
- Florida entities expanding overseas (banking, KYC, tenders)
- Owners presenting Articles, Certificates of Status/Good Standing abroad
- Individuals using Florida-notarized POA or company documents abroad
- Law firms/exporters proving corporate standing or signatory authority
Key facts (at a glance)
| Authority | Florida Department of State — Apostille & Notarial Certification Section (Tallahassee) |
| Certificate type | Apostille (Hague) or Notarial Certification (non-Hague) |
| Fees (2026) | $10 per document (DOS-issued) or $20 per document if notarized by a Florida notary |
| Request form | "Apostille & Notarial Certificate Request Form" (official DOS PDF) |
| USPS address | Authentications Unit, Dept of State, R.A. Gray Bldg, 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 |
| Courier / Walk-in | Street level, Clifton Bldg, 2661 Executive Center Circle East, Tallahassee, FL 32301 |
| Timing | Several business days to a few weeks depending on volume and mail/courier logistics. Walk-ins may take longer. |
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Which business documents qualify
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.
Notarization & certification rules (private vs. public records)
(e.g., Certificate of Status from DOS, or Clerk-certified copies)
- Already bear an official signature/seal
- No extra notarization required
- Fee: $10
(e.g., bylaws, minutes, POA, agreements)
- Must be notarized in Florida before DOS can apostille
- Notarial certificate must be complete: venue, date, notary signature, printed name, commission no./expiry, acknowledgment or jurat wording, and seal/emboss
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.
Step-by-Step process
- 1
Identify the document type
Is it an official Florida record (DOS/Clerk) or a private document that needs Florida notarization first?
- 2
Prepare the document
For private: arrange Florida notarization with a complete certificate. For official: obtain a fresh certified copy (e.g., new Certificate of Status from DOS).
- 3
Complete the official DOS request form
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 PDF - 4
Payment
Check or money order payable to "Florida Department of State."
- • $10 per document (DOS-issued)
- • $20 per document if notarized by a Florida notary
- • (No cash/credit by mail)
- 5
Include return shipping
Add a self-addressed stamped envelope or prepaid carrier label (avoid "Bill Sender"/handwritten airbills). Keep your tracking number.
- 6
Submit
USPS:Authentications Unit, Dept of State, R.A. Gray Bldg, 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250Courier / Walk-in:Street level, Clifton Bldg, 2661 Executive Center Circle East, Tallahassee, FL 32301 - 7
Processing & return
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). Walk-in services may take longer due to counter queues.
Common rejection reasons (Florida)
- Missing Florida notarization on private records (or incomplete notarial certificate)
- Incorrectly sending courier packages to the P.O. Box (use Clifton Bldg address)
- Paying $10 when the document requires a $20 fee (e.g., Clerk-certified copies)
- Submitting uncertified copies or documents executed outside Florida
- Omitting the destination country or failing to include return shipping label/envelope
Frequently asked questions
Do Certificates of Status require notarization?▼
Can I apostille a Florida-notarized Power of Attorney?▼
Can Florida apostille business documents from another state?▼
How long does it take?▼
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Get My Custom GuideVerification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy and improvements
- Verified
Confirmed current Florida SOS fees ($10/doc, $20/Clerk) and mailing addresses in Tallahassee.
- 2026-01-12Verified
Verified Courier address (Monroe St) vs. Mailing address (P.O. Box).
- 2026-01-05Verified
Confirmed Vital Statistics requirements (Certified Copy vs. Photocopy).
- 2025-12-28Improved
Updated processing time estimates based on Department of State alerts.
Sources & Methodology
Official Sources
- Florida Department of State — Apostille Section
- Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Federal Hague Convention Guidelines
Our Process
- Daily verification against official FL SOS updates
- Expert review by Florida specialists
- Fee and form oversight (Request Form DOS-260)
Disclaimer: This information is general guidance and not legal advice. Always verify current information directly with the Florida Department of State before submitting your application.
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