Copy Attestation in Orlando: What Florida Notaries Can (and Cannot) Do
- Olivia Sterling
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
The request is common: "Can you certify this copy for me?" While a notary's stamp adds significant weight to a document, understanding what a Florida Notary Public can legally do regarding document copies in 2025 is crucial. Many people mistakenly believe notaries can "certify" any copy, but the law in Florida is specific about "attesting" to copies and which types of documents qualify.
💡 Key Takeaways
Function: Florida notaries attest to copies, they do not "certify" them.
Limitations: A notary can only attest to copies of documents that are NOT vital records (like birth or death certificates) or public records readily available from a custodian.
Process: The notary must either make the copy or supervise its making directly from the original document.
Requirements: Always bring the original document and a valid, government-issued photo ID for the service.
Statutory Language: The notary uses specific statutory language in the attestation certificate as required by Florida law.
The Difference: "Certifying" vs. "Attesting"
First, let's clarify a key distinction in Florida notary law. While many ask for a "certified copy," a Florida Notary Public attests to the trueness of a copy, rather than certifying it. Certification is typically performed by the official custodian of a public record (e.g., the Orange County Clerk of Courts providing a certified copy of a marriage license).
A notary's attestation confirms that the copy they made or supervised is a true, exact, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original document presented. This nuance is vital for legal compliance.
What a Florida Notary CAN Attest To ✔️
According to Florida Statutes Section 117.05(12)(a), a notary public may supervise the making of a tangible or electronic record (or the printing of an electronic record) and attest to its trueness, provided the document is neither a vital record nor a public record if a copy can be made by the custodian of the public record.
This means a notary in Orlando can typically attest to copies of documents such as:
📄 High School Diplomas or University Transcripts: Often required for employment or further education applications.
📄 Personal Letters or Correspondence: For various personal or legal matters.
📄 Contracts or Agreements (private): Notarized copies may be needed for internal business records or specific transactions.
📄 Medical Records (non-vital): For certain insurance claims or personal files, provided they are not public records available from a custodian.
📄 Employment Records: For job applications or background checks.
When seeking this service, the notary must either make the copy themselves or personally supervise you as you make the copy from your original document. This ensures the integrity of the process.
What a Florida Notary CANNOT Attest To ✖️
It is equally important to understand what a Florida notary cannot attest to a copy of, as attempting to do so is against the law. This primarily includes:
🗄️ Vital Records: This encompasses documents like birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. For certified copies of these, you must contact the Florida Department of Health or the appropriate county's vital records office (e.g., Orange County Health Department).
🗄️ Public Records: If a certified copy of a public record is available from its official custodian, a notary cannot attest to a copy of it. This includes documents like property deeds, mortgages filed with the Orange County Comptroller, court documents from the Orange County Courthouse, or vehicle titles (which require a specific VIN verification process, not copy attestation).
Any document where the notary cannot verify the original or supervise the copying process.
The Legal Procedure for Copy Attestation in Orlando
When you need a document copy attested in Orlando, the process involves:
Presenting the Original Document: The notary must see and handle the original document.
Identification: You will need to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., a Florida driver's license or passport).
Copying: The notary will either make the photocopy themselves or oversee you making it, ensuring it is a true, exact, complete, and unaltered reproduction.
Notarial Certificate: The notary will then complete and attach a specific notarial certificate, as prescribed by Florida Statute 117.05(12)(b). This certificate explicitly states that the document is neither a vital record nor a public record and attests to the trueness of the copy.
Navigating the specifics of copy attestation in Florida can be complex, but understanding these rules ensures your documents are handled legally and correctly. Don't let confusion over "certified" versus "attested" copies delay your important applications or transactions. If you have non-recordable documents like a diploma or personal contract that require legally compliant copy attestation services in the Orlando area, contact us today to ensure your paperwork is in order!
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