Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: November 12, 2025
We'll tell you exactly what forms you need, how to notarize correctly, and where to send everything. Fast, accurate, stress-free.
Start My Guide100% free • Takes less than 2 minutes • Save hundreds on service fees
To use a Power of Attorney signed in Florida outside the U.S., you need an apostille from the Florida Department of State — Division of Corporations, Apostille Section (Tallahassee).
The apostille verifies the authenticity of the Florida notary's signature and seal — not the legal content of the document.
You may need it if you're:
Countries like Spain, Mexico, Italy, and Brazil routinely require apostilled POAs.
| Authority | Florida Department of State — Division of Corporations, Apostille Section |
| Eligible Documents | Original POA notarized by a Florida Notary Public |
| Fee (2026) | $10 per apostille (check or money order to "Department of State") |
| Processing Time | 5–10 business days (mail) • Same/next day (walk-in) |
| Mailing Address | Department of State, Division of Corporations – Apostille Section, The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| In-Person Delivery | Same address (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) |
| Contact Email | Apostille@dos.myflorida.com |
A Florida POA must be:
Use a commissioned Florida Notary Public. Ensure acknowledgment text matches Florida Statutes § 117.05. Electronic (eNotary) signatures are accepted only if clearly certified and recorded.
Include a cover letter with: your name, phone, return address, and destination country. Specify if the document is for a Hague Convention country (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication).
Attach a check or money order for $10 per document, payable to "Department of State".
Mail or hand-deliver to: Department of State – Apostille Section, The Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303
You'll receive your document with a Florida apostille attached to the notary certificate.
| Purpose | Destination Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real-estate sale via proxy | Spain / Italy | Requires apostilled POA + certified translation (< 6 months old). |
| Family authorization | Mexico / Colombia | Used for visas, school documents, and court filings. |
| Business representation | UAE / Singapore | Often requested for bank or corporate signing. |
| Inheritance or legal matters | Philippines / Brazil | Must include POA specific clauses and recent apostille. |
| Type | Fee | Address | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apostille (per doc) | $10 | Dept. of State, 2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 | 5–10 days (mail) • Same/next day (walk-in) |
| Mail Tracking | — | Include return envelope with paid label | Optional |
| Contact | — | Apostille@dos.myflorida.com | Support / questions |
❌ Using a non-Florida notary
→ Fix: Re-sign before a Florida Notary Public.
❌ Missing notary seal or ID type
→ Fix: Ask notary to complete all required fields per § 117.05.
❌ Sending copies or scans
→ Fix: Submit the original notarized POA.
❌ Incorrect payment or blank check
→ Fix: Write check to "Department of State", $10 per doc.
❌ No destination country specified
→ Fix: Always state destination country in cover letter.
Answer a few questions and we'll create a personalized step-by-step guide with exactly what you need to do.
Get My Personalized GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Confirmed $10 fee and Tallahassee address; added remote notarization rules (§ 117.265); expanded checklist, country examples, and error-fix table; validated contact email and current turnaround times.
Next Review Due: May 2026 (or earlier if Florida Dept. of State updates fees or addresses)
Reviewer Profile: /team/amelia-rivera