Shipping High-Value Goods Globally? Notarizing the Florida Declaration of Value
- Olivia Sterling
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Exporting from Orlando, whether you run a Lake Nona logistics hub or a boutique exporter in Winter Park, a properly notarized Declaration of Value can be the difference between smooth customs clearance and costly delays. This practical 2026-focused guide explains what Florida requires, when an acknowledgment is the right notarial act, how Remote Online Notarization (RON) fits in, and where to get last-minute help in Orange County.
💡 Key Takeaways
Foreign customs offices typically want a Florida acknowledgment to confirm the exporter personally appeared and acknowledged signing the Declaration of Value.
A complete Florida notarial certificate must include venue, notarial act type, presence method (physical or online), date, signer name, ID relied on, notary signature/printed name/seal (Fla. Stat. § 117.05).
Florida statutory short-form acknowledgments (Fla. Stat. § 695.25) work for business signers who sign in a representative capacity.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is available under Chapter 117 (see §§ 117.201–117.305 and § 117.265) but confirm the receiving country accepts online notarizations.
If the Declaration is for use abroad, you may also need an apostille from the Florida Department of State (typically $10 per document).
Orange County offers in-person notary service at the Orange County Courthouse Self Help Center (425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 340) — sign in by 3:00 p.m. Mon–Fri.
🌏 What customs usually want — and why an acknowledgment helps
Customs offices and overseas insurers ask for a notarized "Declaration of Value" to confirm the exporter actually signed the document and to reduce the risk of forged or altered paperwork. Under Florida practice, the correct notarial act for this purpose is a standard acknowledgment: the signer personally appeared (either in person or via an authorized online notary) and acknowledged signing the document. That authentication makes customs and carriers more likely to accept your declaration and avoids delays or rejections.
✏️ The must-have elements in a Florida Declaration of Value certificate
Florida law requires the notary to complete a certificate that contains specific items. Keep these on your checklist when preparing a Declaration of Value:
Venue: “State of Florida, County of ___”
Type of notarial act: acknowledgment (not a jurat/solemn oath) when confirming a signature
Whether the signer appeared by physical presence or online notarization (RON)
Date of notarization
Name of the person whose signature is being notarized
Form of identification relied upon (personal knowledge or the ID type used)
Notary signature, printed name, and official seal
These requirements are found in Fla. Stat. § 117.05 and the state’s sample certificate forms. Florida also provides statutory short-form acknowledgments that are sufficient under state law and can be adapted for an individual signing for a company (see Fla. Stat. § 695.25).
📲 RON (Remote Online Notarization): a fast option for busy exporters
Florida allows Remote Online Notarization for registered online notaries (Chapter 117, Part II; see §§ 117.201–117.305; key procedures in § 117.265). For exporters who are traveling, coordinating shipments from multiple locations, or racing against a loading deadline, RON can eliminate scheduling friction while complying with Florida law — but two practical notes:
Confirm the destination country or customs office accepts RON notarizations. Some foreign authorities still require in-person notarization plus an apostille.
Make sure the Florida RON certificate explicitly states the signer appeared online, and that the notary followed identity-proofing and recording requirements under Fla. Stat. § 117.265.
📄 Do you need an apostille or certification after notarization?
If the Declaration of Value will be used abroad, many foreign customs offices or insurers require an apostille (Hague Convention) or other certification. In Florida:
The Florida Department of State handles apostilles/certifications and typically charges $10 per document.
Apostille offices commonly require original signatures — photocopies may not be accepted for authentication.
Plan extra turnaround time: getting an apostille is separate from the notarial step and is handled at the state level, not by the county clerk.
Refer to the Florida DOS guidance for the exact submission process and fees.
☑️ Practical compliance checklist for Orlando exporters (2026-aware)
Use a Florida acknowledgment certificate for a Declaration of Value when customs asks for notarization.
Verify the certificate includes all required elements (venue, act type, presence method, date, signer name, ID relied on, notary signature/printed name/seal).
If signing for a company, consider Florida’s statutory short-form acknowledgment adapted for representative capacity (Fla. Stat. § 695.25).
If you’re using RON, confirm the destination accepts online notarizations and ensure the notary is a registered Florida online notary following § 117.265 identity-proofing rules.
If the receiving country requires it, obtain an apostille from the Florida Department of State (allow time and bring original-signed documents).
Before finalizing, do a final check of Online Sunshine for any 2026 session-law updates to Chapter 117 or Chapter 695 and DOS Rule Chapter 1N-7.
🛡️ Fraud prevention and customs-delay considerations
A properly completed Florida acknowledgment helps customs and insurers rely on the Declaration by verifying identity and the fact of appearance. That lowers the chance of document rejection for missing notarization elements and reduces the risk of delays tied to suspected forgeries.
❓ Need help? Small operational tips
Prepare the Declaration of Value with a clear signature block and printed signer name to speed up the notary review.
If using RON, have government ID images and any required authentication ready for the online session.
If the exporter signs on behalf of a company, bring proof of representative authority (e.g., corporate resolution) when requested.
(For the statutory language and official sample forms, see the Florida statutes and DOS links below. This post references the current 2026 notary/RON framework under Chapter 117.)
Getting a Florida Declaration of Value notarized correctly prevents customs headaches and keeps high-value shipments moving. Remember: use a Florida acknowledgment certificate, include all required elements (venue, presence method, ID relied on, notary signature/seal), verify whether your destination accepts RON, and plan for an apostille when the document will be used abroad. For last-minute in-person service visit the Orange County Courthouse Self Help Center in downtown Orlando, or save time with Remote Online Notarization if the overseas office accepts it. Contact us today to schedule Orlando Mobile or Remote Online Notary services — we’ll make sure your Declaration of Value meets Florida requirements and your international shipment stays on track.
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