Acknowledgment Clauses in Florida Documents
An acknowledgment clause is the notarial certification appended to a legal document confirming that the signer appeared before the notary, was properly identified, and signed voluntarily. In Florida, this clause is required for all instruments submitted for recording in the official records.
Statutory Requirements
Florida Statute Section 695.25 prescribes the standard acknowledgment form. The clause must identify whether the acknowledgment was taken by physical presence or through remote online notarization, state the date and county, name the signer, and include the notary's signature, printed name, commission number, and expiration date. The notary's official seal must also be affixed to the document.
Common Defects
Defective acknowledgment clauses are a frequent source of recording rejections and title issues in Florida. Common defects include missing notary seal, expired notary commission at the time of signing, failure to identify the signer by name, omission of the physical presence or online notarization designation, and use of an out-of-state acknowledgment form that does not comply with Florida requirements.
Related Terms
- Acknowledgment
- Notarization
- Recording
Barnes Walker Title Services
Barnes Walker Title ensures all closing documents comply with Florida's acknowledgment and recording requirements. Contact us for closing coordination.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC