Remote Online Notarization, commonly called RON, has fundamentally changed how Floridians get documents notarized. Instead of scheduling an in-person appointment and driving across town, you can complete a legally binding notarization from your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
What Is Remote Online Notarization?
RON is a process that allows a Florida-commissioned notary to notarize documents for signers who appear before them via live audio-video communication. The signer is verified through government-issued ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA), then the notary witnesses the signing in real time over a secure platform.
Florida was one of the first states to authorize RON, and the law (F.S. 117.265) has been in effect since January 2020. The result: your signed and notarized document is as legally valid as one completed in person.
How the Technology Works
A compliant RON session uses an approved platform that handles three things simultaneously:
- Identity verification: government-issued ID scan plus KBA questions only the signer can answer
- Live video session: both signer and notary appear on screen throughout the signing
- Tamper-evident seal: a digital notary seal and certificate that is cryptographically tied to the document
The session is recorded and stored, creating an audit trail that exceeds what a traditional paper notarization provides.
Who Benefits Most from RON?
RON is ideal for clients who need flexibility: those traveling, living outside Southwest Florida, homebound, or simply pressed for time. It is also the preferred method for military families and veterans stationed away from home, real estate buyers and sellers in different states, and corporate clients managing high volumes of signed documents.
Florida RON is valid for use across the United States. Documents notarized by a Florida RON notary carry the same legal weight as an in-person notarization for all purposes permitted under Florida law.
What Documents Can Be Notarized via RON?
The vast majority of notarial acts available in person can be completed via RON in Florida, including:
- Real estate documents and mortgage closings
- Powers of attorney and healthcare surrogates
- Wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
- Apostille-bound documents prior to state submission
- Affidavits, sworn statements, and general notarizations
Booking a RON Session with Gulf Coast Notary Pros
Scheduling takes two minutes online. You select a time, share the documents that need notarization, and receive a secure link to the video session. Most sessions run 15–30 minutes. Same-day availability is common.