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How to Get an Apostille in Florida (Step-by-Step Guide)
Updated: Sep 10
If you need to use a document in another country, you may be required to get an apostille. The process in Florida can feel confusing at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes straightforward and much easier to manage.
An apostille is a certification issued by the state that verifies the authenticity of a document so it can be legally recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Step 1: Confirm Your Document Is Eligible
Before anything else, you need to make sure your document qualifies for apostille.
Common documents include:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Power of attorney
Affidavits
Business documents
Some documents must be notarized first, while others must be official certified copies issued by the state.
Sending the wrong type of document is one of the most common reasons for delays.
Step 2: Make Sure the Notarization Is Correct
If your document requires notarization, it must be done properly.
This is where many people make mistakes.
The notary must:
Use the correct Florida notarial wording
Sign and stamp clearly
Complete the notarial certificate fully
Even a small error can cause your document to be rejected and returned, adding weeks to the process.
Need help with your apostille? We review your documents before submission to help prevent delays and costly mistakes.
Florida Apostille Services
Call/Text: 239-273-4708
Step 3: Submit the Document to the State
In Florida, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in Tallahassee.
If you handle it yourself, you’ll need to:
Prepare the documents correctly
Mail them to the state office
Wait for processing
Receive them back by mail
The problem is that standard processing through the state can take 6 weeks or more, especially if something is incorrect.
Step 4: Understand the Timeline (And Why It Gets Delayed)
Many people underestimate how long this process can take.
Common reasons for delays include:
Incorrect notarization
Sending the wrong document type
Missing required information
Mailing errors
If anything is wrong, your documents are sent back and you have to start over.
Step 5: Choose a Faster and Safer Option
Instead of dealing with long wait times and uncertainty, many people choose to use a professional apostille service.
We simplify the process by:
Reviewing your documents before submission
Making sure everything is correct the first time
Expediting the process
Our typical turnaround time is 1-2 business days, compared to the state’s timeline of several weeks.
Once completed, your documents are returned using FedEx with a tracking number, so you always know where they are.
For urgent cases, faster options may be available — contact us directly to discuss rush processing.
Step 6: Receive Your Apostilled Document
After processing is complete, your document is returned with the apostille attached and ready for international use.
At that point, you can safely use it in the country that requires it without issues.
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Ready to get started? We help clients across all Florida counties with a faster, simpler apostille process.
Upload your documents now or call/text 239-273-4708