Florida Notary Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Notary Success!

A Notary is required to keep a journal of all acts of notarization, which serves as an official record of their notarial acts. This journal helps maintain a transparent and accountable process for notarial services. It generally includes details such as the date of the notarization, the type of notarial act performed, and identification of the signers.

Maintaining a journal protects both the Notary and the public by providing a traceable, verifiable record that can be referenced if questions arise regarding the transaction. This record can be crucial in cases where a notarized document is later disputed or investigated. Many states, including Florida, mandate that Notaries keep such a journal to enhance professional responsibility and to safeguard against potential fraud.

In contrast, while keeping copies of signed documents can be useful, it is not a universal requirement and depends on the specific needs of the parties involved. The idea of maintaining no records at all is not in line with best practices and could expose the Notary to liability or challenges in the event of a dispute. Simply retaining a receipt does not provide the comprehensive documentation that a journal does, which is necessary for a thorough record of all notarial acts performed.