Why Orlando Businesses Must Notarize Employment Contracts: A 2026 Guide to NDAs and Non-Competes
- Leo McKay
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
From the booming tech corridors of Downtown Orlando to the medical innovation hubs in Lake Nona, protecting your intellectual property is more critical than ever. As we navigate the business landscape of 2026, ensuring that your Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Non-Compete contracts are legally ironclad is a top priority for Orange County employers. While a signature is a start, notarization provides the essential layer of protection needed to survive a courtroom challenge.
💡 Key Takeaways
Notarized documents are 'self-authenticating' under Florida Law, making them easier to admit as evidence.
The 2025 Florida CHOICE Act reinforces the enforceability of non-competes for high-earning employees.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) provides a 10-year digital audit trail for remote hires.
New 2026 regulations (SB 693) have increased notary accountability and standards in Florida.
The Power of Self-Authentication in Orange County
In the event of a contract dispute or a breach of an NDA, the speed of legal proceedings often hinges on the authenticity of the documents. Under Florida Statute § 90.902, notarized employment agreements are classified as "self-authenticating."
In plain English, this means that if you have to take a former employee to the Orange County Courthouse on North Orange Avenue, you don't need additional witnesses to prove the document is real. The notary’s seal acts as a "Fraud Shield," confirming that the signer’s identity was verified according to F.S. § 117.05. This makes it nearly impossible for an individual to claim they never signed the agreement or didn't understand what they were signing.
Florida’s 2026 Legal Landscape: The CHOICE Act
While federal trends have seen shifts regarding restrictive covenants, Florida has doubled down on protecting business interests. The Florida CHOICE Act, which became fully integrated into business practices by 2026, creates a statutory presumption that non-competes are enforceable for employees earning more than twice the annual mean wage in Orange County.
To meet the requirements of F.S. § 542.335, these agreements must be in a writing signed by the person against whom enforcement is sought. By notarizing these documents, Orlando businesses ensure that the "writing" is indisputable and fully aligned with current 2026 regulations.
Remote Online Notarization (RON): The Modern Standard
Whether you are hiring a consultant in Winter Park or a remote developer across the country, Florida’s Chapter 117, Part II allows for seamless Remote Online Notarization.
For 2026, RON has become the gold standard for Orlando firms because it provides:
Tamper-Evident Seals: Digital technology that flags any unauthorized changes to the contract.
Audio-Video Evidence: A recorded session of the signing is retained for 10 years, providing a "black box" of evidence that the employee signed voluntarily.
Local Orlando Notary Details & Fees
When preparing your documents, ensure the venue is correctly listed as "State of Florida, County of Orange." Under current 2026 guidelines, standard notarial acts are capped at $10.00, while RON sessions are capped at $25.00.
If your business is hiring internationally and requires authentication from the Orange County Clerk of Courts (Tiffany Moore Russell), be aware that there is an additional $13.00 signature authentication fee for documents processed at the local office.
With the implementation of SB 693 and HB 915 in early 2026, Florida has raised the bar for notary professionalism, eliminating deceptive practices and ensuring your business contracts are handled by highly regulated experts. Don't leave your trade secrets to chance.
Protecting your trade secrets? Ensure your NDAs are fully authenticated with our specialized business notary services. Contact us today for Orlando Mobile or Remote Online Notary services.
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