Why Florida’s Notary Fee Cap Must Be Updated to reflect a 33-Year Inflation Gap — And Why Your Voice Matters

Florida notaries perform work that requires accuracy, integrity, and strict adherence to state laws. From preventing fraud to supporting families and businesses with essential documents, notaries play a critical role in daily life across the state.

Yet the fee a Florida notary may charge — $10 per notarial act — has not changed since 1992. That is 33 years with no adjustment for inflation, no cost-of-living consideration, and no acknowledgment of the rising expenses required to legally and responsibly perform notarial work. That is why today we are addressing a petition in Change.org to Raise Florida's Notary Fee to Reflect Today's Economy

What $10 in 1992 Would Equal Today

If Florida’s $10 fee cap had simply followed normal inflation, it would look very different today. Based on CPI inflation data:

Inflation from 1992 → 2025: approx. +129% cumulative

Year	Inflation-Adjusted Value of 1992’s $10
1992	$10.00
2000	~$13.20
2010	~$16.40
2020	~$21.10
2025	~$22.90

Bottom line:If Florida had kept pace with inflation, today’s statutory fee would be around $23 per act, not $10.

Florida notaries are effectively being paid less than half of the real value of the 1992 rate.

The Cost of Everything Else Has Risen — Notary Fees Haven’t

Notaries operate in the same economic climate as everyone else. Here is a table showing an estimated Notary-Related Expense Inflation going from 1992 → 2025

Expense Category	Estimated Cost in 1992	Inflation-Adjusted Equivalent for 2025	Notes / Explanation
Ream of Printer / Copy Paper (500 sheets)	~$3.00	~$6.80–7.00	Paper is part of “commodities”/goods. CPI for commodities rose ~73% since 1992. (Official Data)
12-Pack of Pens (basic ballpoint)	~$1.50–2.00	~$3.00–3.50	General “all items” inflation would apply. All-items CPI ↑ ~129% since 1992. (In 2013 Dollars)
Notary Stamp / Seal	~ $15 to $20	~$34–$46	Mostly a commodity or tool; apply commodity inflation (~73% more). (Official Data)
Notary Certification / Training (basic course)	~$100	~$228–235	Using general CPI: $100 in 1992 ≈ $228.87 in 2025. (propertycalcs.com)
Printer (small office inkjet / laser)	~$300	~$686–700	While technology costs have often decreased in real terms, for a basic printer the all-items inflation gives a rough benchmark. (Note: tech deflation is a factor.) (In 2013 Dollars)
Computer (desktop, for notary use)	~$2,000	~$4,500–4,600	Based on all-items CPI: $2,000 in 1992 ≈ $4,577 in 2025. (propertycalcs.com)
Scanner (basic flatbed)	~$200	~$450–460	Again, general CPI applies; tech-specific price moves may differ, but this gives a ballpark.

Our required expenses — training, insurance, supplies, technology, travel, and ongoing education — have all increased with inflation. The statutory $10 per stamp fee cap has not accompanied this trend.

Why This Matters for Florida’s Communities

This issue isn’t about raising prices for the sake of it. It’s about maintaining a sustainable and accessible notarial system for the public.

A modernized fee cap would:

• Reflect current economic reality

• Support the cost of mandatory education and insurance

• Offset rising travel and operational expenses

• Help notaries maintain up-to-date technology and tools

• Strengthen long-term access to notarial services statewide

  
  

Other states have already made adjustments:

• New York: up to $15

• California: up to $25

• Florida: still $10

  
  

Florida is decades behind.

Why This Petition Exists

This petition raises awareness about a long-overdue update that supports notaries and protects the public. Updated fees help ensure that notaries can continue delivering accurate, compliant, and reliable services across the state.

This article is not legal advice and does not recommend what anyone should do. It simply highlights an economic issue affecting thousands of Florida notaries who want to continue serving with professionalism and integrity.

If you believe Florida should update this 33-year-old fee cap, you may choose to support the petition here: Raise Florida's Notary Fee to Reflect Today's Economy

Every signature brings visibility to a matter that has gone unchanged for far too long.

Florida relies on notaries every single day. It's time the laws reflect the true value of the work we do.

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Disclaimer: INK Notary Services, LLC is a private business providing support services and is not an attorney, does not provide legal services, and is not affiliated with the Florida Department of State. This material is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. INK Notary Services, LLC is not liable for your use of this content. Always consult a licensed attorney, accountant, or tax professional for official guidance. State-specific requirements may vary, so verify all rules with your local authorities, including your state’s notary division, before performing services.

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