TheNotary Public in Floridahas the authority to certify that a copy of an original document is atrue, exact, and complete reproductionof the original presented. However, this authority is limited and must be exercised in accordance with the law (FS 117.05[12][a]).

🔹 1. Purpose

A notary can “witness” that a copy of a document is identical to the original, provided that:

✅ It is not avital record(birth, marriage, or death certificates).

✅ It is not apublic recordable document(such as deeds or official records).

✅ The copy can be made directly from the original document.

🔹 2. Procedure

1. The custodian of the document presents theoriginalto the notary.

2. The notary mustmake or supervisethe reproduction of the photocopy.

3. The notary compares the copy with the original document to ensure it is true, exact, and unaltered.

4. Anotarial certificateis attached to validate the authenticity of the copy.

🔹 3. Examples of documents that can be certified

📄 Academic diploma

📄 Florida driver's license

📄 Vehicle title

📄 Social Security card

📄 Medical record

📄 Passport

📄 Contracts or leases

📄 Sales Invoices

🔹 4. Precautions

⚠️ The notary can only certify copies oforiginal documents, never of digital reproductions or previous photocopies.

⚠️ If the copy is not made by the notary, they must compare it meticulously, word for word, with the original.

⚠️ This practice prevents fraud and guarantees legal security.

🔹 5. Prohibitions

❌ Do not certifydeeds or other registrable documents(they must be obtained from public records).

❌ Do not certifybirth, marriage, or death certificates(only the vital statistics office or records office can issue official copies).

❌ Doing so improperly is considered forgery or alteration of documents (FS 117.05[12][a]).

🔹 6. Example of Certified Copy Certificate

📌 The wording must substantially conform to the following (FS 117.05[12][c]):

State of Florida  
County of ____________  

On this ___ day of _________ (month), ______ (year),  
I certify that the preceding or attached document is a true, exact, and unaltered photocopy made by me of ____________ (description of the document).  

(Signature of Notary Public)  
(Name of Notary Public, printed, typed, or stamped)  

(Seal of Notary Public)  

🔹 7. Why choose Golden Seal to certify your copies?

✅ Strict compliance with Florida law.

✅ Thorough review to ensure the validity of the document.

✅ Fast and clear processes, avoiding common mistakes.

✅ Professional and reliable attention for personal, academic, and legal documents.

📌 Important:Certified copies by a Notary Public in Floridado not substitute vital records or official documents issued by government agencies..