Can a Notary Verify a Website Printout? Florida's Unique Copy Attestation
- Olivia Sterling
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Whether you are a business owner in Lake Nona or a resident in Winter Park, you may find yourself needing to prove that a digital record—like a website page, a social media post, or an electronic receipt—is authentic for a legal matter. In the fast-paced digital landscape of 2026, Florida remains one of the few states that empowers notaries to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds through a unique process called 'Attesting to the Trueness of a Printout.'
💡 Key Takeaways
Florida Statute § 117.05(12)(a) allows notaries to supervise the printing of electronic records and certify their accuracy.
Unlike most states, Florida does not require a separate affidavit from a document custodian for this specific act.
Current 2026 regulations, including SB 693, reaffirm these notary powers while maintaining strict consumer protections.
Documents intended for the Orange County Clerk of Courts must meet specific high-resolution and formatting requirements.
The Legal Authority: Florida Statute § 117.05(12)(a)
In many states, if you need to prove a website printout is real, you have to find the person who 'owns' the data and have them sign an affidavit. However, Florida law is unique. Under Florida Statute § 117.05(12)(a), a notary public is authorized to personally supervise the printing of an electronic record. By watching the document come off the printer, the notary can then "attest to the trueness of the printout."
This is particularly helpful for local legal disputes. If you are heading to the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N. Orange Ave, having a notarized printout that meets these statutory requirements can be vital for your evidence.
Navigating 2026 Regulations on Notarizing Website Printouts
As we move through 2026, it is important to stay compliant with the latest legislative updates. While Senate Bill 693 (effective Jan 1, 2026) primarily focuses on notary education and commission procedures, it reaffirms the existing powers found in Chapter 117. Additionally, HB 915 (effective July 1, 2025) reminds us of the importance of professional terminology; Florida notaries are strictly prohibited from using the term "Notario Público," ensuring that our local Orlando community receives clear, honest, and legally sound services.
Recording Documents in Orange County
If your attested printout needs to be recorded with the Orange County Comptroller (located at 109 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801), there are specific local rules you must follow:
The 3x3 Rule: Per F.S. § 28.222, you must leave a 3-inch by 3-inch vertical square blank at the top right-hand corner of the first page for the Clerk’s recording stamp.
High Resolution: The Comptroller often rejects grainy or illegible screenshots. We ensure your digital records are printed in high resolution to avoid rejection.
Recording Fees: Be prepared for local fees, which generally start at $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page as of 2025-2026.
What We Cannot Attest
It is important to note that a notary's power has limits. We cannot attest to printouts of:
Vital Records: Such as birth, death, or marriage certificates.
Public Records: Any document where a certified copy is already available from an official custodian, such as a previously recorded deed or a court judgment.
Proving the authenticity of digital information doesn't have to be a legal headache. Whether you are dealing with a contract dispute or need to preserve a digital receipt for the Orange County Clerk, we are here to help. Need to verify a digital record for a legal matter? We can provide an Attested Copy of your electronic printouts to prove their authenticity. Contact us today for professional Orlando Mobile or Remote Online Notary services.
Comments