Signing checklist for Florida

The signing steps in Florida law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Florida law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Financial power of attorney: Notarized and signed in front of two witnesses
Health care directive: Signed in front of two witnesses (no notary)

Financial power of attorney: Florida

Sign it Signed by you. If you are physically unable to sign, the notary can sign your name for you under the notary law.
Law: Fla. Stat. §§ 709.2105(2)-(3), 709.2202(1)-(2)
Notary or witnesses You must sign the power of attorney in front of two witnesses who also sign it, and you must acknowledge it before a notary public. You need both the two witnesses and the notary. Special powers such as gifts or trust changes count only if you sign or initial next to each one.
Law: Fla. Stat. §§ 709.2105(2)-(3), 709.2202(1)-(2)
Who cannot witness The statute requires two subscribing witnesses. It does not list who may not witness a power of attorney. If the notary signs or initials the special powers for you because you physically cannot, two disinterested witnesses must watch.
Law: Fla. Stat. §§ 709.2105(2)-(3), 709.2202(1)-(2)
If you sign electronically A power of attorney can be signed electronically and notarized or witnessed online under Florida's notary law. But if you live in Florida and a witness was not physically with you, the power of attorney cannot grant the special powers in 709.2202 (gifts, trusts, beneficiary changes and the like). A business may reject a remotely notarized power of attorney if the electronic journal or record cannot be produced.
Law: Fla. Stat. §§ 709.2105(2)-(3), 709.2202(1)-(2)
If it may be used for real estate A copy usually has the same effect as the original, but the original may be required to record a document affecting title to real property. The original can be recorded with the clerk of the circuit court for the recording fee.

Health care directive: Florida

Choose your form Designation of Health Care Surrogate. You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: Fla. Stat. §§ 765.202, 765.203
Sign it Signed by you. If you cannot sign, you can direct another person to sign your name in the witnesses' presence.
Law: Fla. Stat. § 765.202(1)-(2)
Notary or witnesses Sign the designation in front of two adult witnesses, who also sign. A notary is not required. Give your surrogate an exact copy.
Law: Fla. Stat. § 765.202(1)-(2)
Who cannot witness Two adult witnesses must sign. The person you name as surrogate cannot be a witness. At least one witness must be neither your spouse nor a blood relative.
Law: Fla. Stat. § 765.202(1)-(2)

After signing

Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

Signing checklist

This checklist lists the signing rules in Florida law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

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