How to Apostille Contracts in Florida
- Gus Oros
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
If you need to use a contract in another country, you will likely need an apostille. This is common for international business agreements, partnerships, and legal enforcement abroad.
Because contracts are private documents, they must be prepared correctly before they can be apostilled.
Step 1: Make Sure the Contract Is Complete
Before anything else, the contract must be fully executed.
This means:
All parties have signed
All pages are included
No missing sections or blank areas
Incomplete contracts cannot be processed.
Step 2: Notarization Is Required
Contracts must be notarized before they can be apostilled.
The notarization must:
Be completed by a Florida notary public
Include proper notarial wording
Have a clear signature and stamp
If the notarization is incorrect, the document will be rejected.
Need help making sure your contract is ready for apostille? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and mistakes.
Florida Apostille Services
Call/Text: 239-273-4708
Step 3: Verify the Notarial Certificate
Before submitting your contract, double-check the notarization.
Make sure:
The notarial certificate is complete
The date is correct
The notary’s seal is clear and legible
Even small errors can delay the process.
Step 4: Submit the Contract for Apostille
Once notarized correctly, the contract must be submitted to the Florida Secretary of State.
If you handle the process yourself, you will need to:
Mail the document to Tallahassee
Include required forms and fees
Wait for processing
Receive it back by mail
Standard processing can take 6 weeks or more, especially if there are issues.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes
Common issues that cause delays include:
Incorrect notarization
Missing signatures
Incomplete contracts
Unclear or illegible information
If your contract is rejected, it must be corrected and resubmitted.
Step 6: Choose a Faster and More Reliable Option
Contracts are often tied to business deadlines, making delays costly.
We simplify the process by:
Reviewing your contract before submission
Confirming all requirements are met
Helping avoid common mistakes
Our typical turnaround time is 10 business days or less, significantly faster than standard state processing.
All completed documents are returned using FedEx with a tracking number, so you always know where your documents are.
Need It Done Faster?
If you’re working with a business deadline, faster processing options may be available.
For urgent cases, contact us directly so we can review your timeline and provide the best solution.
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Ready to get started? We help clients across all Florida counties process contract apostilles quickly and accurately.
Upload your documents now or call/text 239-273-4708