Recording an online-notarized document in Pinellas County, Florida

The recording office

Office

Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Recording Services

Official website

www.mypinellasclerk.gov/home/Recording-Services

Address

Recording Services Department, 315 Court Street, Room 150, Clearwater, FL 33756

Phone

(727) 464-7000

eRecording

Accepted via eRecording Partners Network (EPN), Corporation Service Company (CSC), Hopdox, Simplifile

Remotely notarized documents

The Clerk's site doesn't mention remote online notarization. It says that in most cases documents are processed within 2 business days, but it can't guarantee same- or next-day recording for mail, drop-box or eRecorded documents; for time-sensitive recordings it suggests coming in person.

Specialty vendors for lower-volume filers: E-Recording USA, File and Go, Record-Nation. Recording Services also has a drop box at the 315 Court Street south entrance parking lot.

Florida online notarization rules

Can Florida notaries notarize online? Yes. Fla. Stat. ch. 117, Part II (online notarization). § 117.265(1): an online notary physically located in Florida may notarize regardless of where the principal or witnesses are located. § 117.275: online notarial fee capped at $25; RON provider fees are separate.

Maximum fee for a remote notarization: $25.

Online notarizations from other states: Florida recognizes online notarizations that are properly performed by notaries of other states. Fla. Stat. § 117.265.

Full details, with statute citations: online notarization in Florida.

What you'll need to record it

1. The notarized document itself. An online notarization produces an electronic document. Pinellas County accepts electronic recording through eRecording Partners Network (EPN), Corporation Service Company (CSC), Hopdox, Simplifile, so a title company or eRecording vendor can usually submit the electronic file directly.
2. Recording fees. Fees are set by the county and state and change; check the current fee schedule on the official Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Recording Services site before you submit.
3. Any required state forms for your document type (for example, transfer or property-tax forms for deeds). The county site lists what it requires.
4. Confirmation the recipient accepts it. The receiving office or party decides whether to accept a remotely notarized document. If unsure, call the office before your notary session.

This page combines facts from the county's official site with Florida's rules as summarized on our state page. It is not legal advice.