Notary Misconduct and Penalties Flashcards

Under Florida law, which government official has the authority to suspend or revoke a notary's commission?

Answer: The Governor of Florida

The Governor of Florida has the authority to suspend or revoke a notary's commission for misconduct, malfeasance, or failure to comply with notary laws.

Which of the following acts by a Florida notary constitutes 'official misconduct'?

Answer: Charging a fee higher than the statutory maximum

Charging fees above the maximum set by Florida law is a form of official misconduct that can result in discipline of the notary's commission.

What is the maximum fee a Florida notary may charge for a single notarial act (as of the current statute)?

Answer: $10.00

Florida Statutes Section 117.05(2) sets the maximum notary fee at $10.00 per notarial act; charging more constitutes overcharging and is prohibited.

A Florida notary who fails to require a signer to personally appear before them for a traditional notarization has committed which violation?

Answer: Notarization without personal appearance — a serious statutory violation

Performing a notarial act without the signer's personal appearance is a serious violation of Florida law that can result in commission revocation and criminal charges.

Under what circumstances may a Florida notary be found guilty of a third-degree felony related to notarial acts?

Answer: Knowingly notarizing a forged or fraudulent document

Knowingly notarizing a forged signature or fraudulent document can constitute a third-degree felony under Florida law due to participation in fraud.

A complaint about a Florida notary's misconduct is initially filed with which entity?

Answer: The Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations

Complaints about Florida notary misconduct are filed with the Department of State, which investigates and may refer serious cases to the Governor for commission action.