Updated March 2026 — 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 March 2026 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 (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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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). Walk-in services may take longer due to counter queues.
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Get My Custom GuideAmelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
March 2026 — Valid for 2026
Verified $10 apostille fee for DOS-issued documents (LLC, Corp filings) and $20 for notarized business documents (e.g., POA); clarified qualification rules (DOS-issued vs. notarized); confirmed USPS mailing address (Authentications Unit, Dept of State, R.A. Gray Bldg, 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250) and courier address (Street level, Clifton Bldg, 2661 Executive Center Circle East, Tallahassee, FL 32301); added walk-in counter locations and timelines; expanded common rejection reasons and FAQ.
September 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 forms, fees, and addresses on official Florida Department of State websites.
Updated: March 2026 — Valid for 2026
Reviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Document Processing Specialist — Apostille Pro USA