Bond & Insurance FAQs

What is a Notary Bond? Why do I need it?

A notary bond is a surety bond that protects the public against any errors or mistakes that a Florida notary may make while performing notarial duties. A notary bond in the amount of $7,500 is required by the State of Florida in order for you to be commissioned or re-commissioned as a notary public and is valid throughout your 4-year term. Remember, the notary bond does not protect the notary. To insure that your notarial acts are covered, purchase Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance.

What is Error & Omissions Insurance? Do I need it?

Errors & Omissions insurance, commonly referred to as E&O insurance, is designed to protect the notary 

What's the difference between an notary bond and notary insurance?

Each notary public in the State of Florida is required to have a $7,500 notary bond. The notary bond protects the public in case an error is made by the Florida notary. If a claim is filed against the notary’s bond, any monies recovered from the bond are initially paid by the Florida bonding agent but must be repaid by the notary.

Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance, however, is optional insurance that protects the Florida notary in case a mistake or error is made. Just as you protect your home, car and other personal effects with insurance, you need to protect your notarial acts with Florida Notary Public Errors and Omissions Insurance. The term of the policy is the same as your Florida notary commission. Policies may be purchased at a nominal premium with various limits.

I have a bond, why do I need insurance?

Your bond protects the public, if for some reason a mistake was made. E&O Insurance protects you the Notary. The bond ensures the public that the Notary will perform their duties in accordance to Florida law, and if not the public will be paid for any damages up to the price of the bond. E& O insurance protects the Notary if an unintentional mistake is made.

To learn more about E&O Insurance, check out the Notary Insurance page, or feel free to call our Customer Care line at 800-385-7019.

What does Notary E&O cover?

I am a Real Estate broker and have E&O insurance for my brokerage. Will that cover my notary as well?

Usually, E&O Insurance only covers one particular area. We advise you to contact the agency you have your real estate E&O Insurance through and inquiry to them for specifics on your policy.

For us, your notary E&O would only cover your notary acts. The same for the signing agent E&O Insurance. These policies are for specific work areas and cover specific acts.