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How to Apostille Court Documents in Florida

  • Writer: Gus Oros
    Gus Oros
  • May 3
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 5

If you need to use court documents in another country, you will likely need an apostille. This is common for legal proceedings, international disputes, or personal matters handled abroad.

Because court documents are official legal records, they must be prepared correctly before they can be apostilled.



Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy from the Court

To apostille court documents in Florida, you must use a certified copy issued by the court.

This means:

  • The document must come from the Clerk of Court

  • It must include an official seal and certification

Photocopies or unofficial versions will not be accepted.



Step 2: Do NOT Notarize Court Documents

This is a common mistake.

Court documents:

  • ❌ should NOT be notarized

  • ✅ must remain certified copies issued by the court

Notarizing a court document can lead to rejection.



Need help confirming your court documents are ready? We review everything before submission to help prevent delays and mistakes.

Florida Apostille Services

Call/Text: 239-273-4708



Step 3: Verify the Document Is Complete

Before submitting, make sure:

  • All pages are included

  • The certification is intact

  • The seal and signatures are clear

Incomplete or unclear documents may be rejected.



Step 4: Submit the Document for Apostille

Once your certified copy is ready, it 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

Delays often happen due to:

  • Using a photocopy instead of a certified copy

  • Not verifying the document before submission

  • Submitting incomplete paperwork

If your document is rejected, the process must be restarted.



Step 6: Choose a Faster and More Reliable Option

Court documents are often tied to legal deadlines, making delays costly.

We simplify the process by:

  • Reviewing your documents 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 legal 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 court document apostilles quickly and accurately.

Upload your documents now or call/text 239-273-4708



 
 

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