Orlando Notary Guide: What Does 'Venue' Mean on a Notary Certificate?
- Leo McKay
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
You're about to sign an important document, and as you scan the page, you see a space that says, 'State of Florida, County of ______.' This small line, known as the 'venue,' is one of the most critical parts of a notarial certificate, yet it's often misunderstood. Getting it wrong can cause major headaches and even invalidate your document. We're here to clear up the confusion and explain what this crucial line really means for you.
💡Key Takeaways
Definition: The "venue" is the physical location (State and County) where the notary officially performs the notarial act.
What it is NOT: It is not where the signer lives, where the document was created, or where the document will be used.
Notary's Duty: It is the notary's responsibility to accurately record the venue where the notarization occurs.
Consequence of Error: An incorrect venue can cause the document to be rejected by courts or government agencies.
Correction Example: Even if the document is from another state, a Florida notary must correct the venue to reflect the Florida location where the act took place.
What is the Notary Venue?
In the simplest terms, the venue designates the physical location where the notarization takes place. It's a declaration of jurisdiction, confirming where the notary public is performing their official duty at the exact moment the signer is present and the act is completed.
According to Florida Statute 117.05(4)(a), a notarial certificate must contain "The venue stating the location of the notary public at the time of the notarization in the format, 'State of Florida, County of _.'"
Why It's NOT What Most People Think
Here’s where the confusion often comes in. The venue is NOT:
❌ Where the signer lives. You could live in Polk County but need a document notarized in Orange County; the venue would be Orange County.
❌ Where the document was created. A contract drafted by a law firm in Miami but signed in Orlando must have an Orlando (Orange County) venue.
❌ Where the document will be sent or used. The document could be for a court in California, but if you're signing it in front of a notary in Winter Park, the venue is "State of Florida, County of Orange."
Relatable Orlando Scenarios
Let's look at a few common examples here in Central Florida:
🔗 Scenario 1: The Lunch Break Signing You live in Kissimmee (Osceola County) but work in downtown Orlando (Orange County). You meet a mobile notary at a coffee shop near your office to sign a document. The notary must fill in the venue as "State of Florida, County of Orange," because that's where the signing physically occurred.
🔗 Scenario 2: The Theme Park Employee You work at Walt Disney World and meet a notary on property, which straddles both Orange and Osceola counties. The notary must accurately identify which county you are physically in at the moment of signing. If you're at the Magic Kingdom, the venue would be Orange County, but if you were at an office in Celebration, it would be Osceola County.
🔗 Scenario 3: The Out-of-State Document You receive a document from a relative in New York with the venue pre-printed as "State of New York, County of Queens." A Florida notary cannot use this. They must cross out the incorrect venue and write in the correct Florida location where the notarization is actually happening.
Why Getting the Venue Right is Critical
An incorrect venue can invalidate the entire notarial act. This could lead to your document being rejected by government agencies, courts, or other receiving parties, causing significant delays and potential legal issues. It is the notary's duty to ensure this detail is recorded accurately, confirming that the act was performed within their legal jurisdiction.
Don't let a small detail like the venue derail your important transactions. While it may seem like legal jargon, it's a foundational element of a valid notarization. Every detail counts in notarization. If you're unsure about completing your notarial certificate or simply want peace of mind, let a professional notary in Orlando handle it for flawless execution. Contact us today for reliable and accurate notary services.
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