FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the questions seniors, families, facilities, and attorneys ask most about Florida mobile notarization.
How much does a mobile notary cost in Florida?
A typical mobile notary appointment in Florida runs $65 for one signature: $10 per notarial act (the statutory cap under Fla. Stat. §117.05(2)) plus a $55 flat mobile visit fee. Add $25 for an emergency/same-day appointment and another $25 for evenings or weekends. Use the pricing calculator for an exact estimate based on your document and number of signers.
What are Michael Brown Mobile Notary's hours?
Standard hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week, across Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach, with 24/7 best-effort availability for true emergencies. Call or text (561) 599-2269 to check same-day availability.
Does a mobile notary cost more than a bank or shipping-store notary in Florida?
The notarial act itself costs the same $10 per act, capped by Florida law (Fla. Stat. §117.05(2)), whether you use a mobile notary or an in-branch one. The difference is a $55 mobile visit fee that covers travel to your location, plus optional $25 surcharges for emergency/same-day or evening/weekend appointments. Most bank and retail notaries are free, but require you to travel to them during limited hours — the mobile fee is the cost of not having to do that.
Do I need a notary for a healthcare directive in Florida?
Not strictly. Florida law allows a healthcare advance directive (including a Designation of Healthcare Surrogate) to be signed before either a notary public or two witnesses. Many people choose notarization because hospitals, facilities, and out-of-state parties readily accept a notarized document without needing to verify witness credentials.
Can a notary refuse to notarize someone with dementia?
Yes, and by law sometimes must. A Florida notary cannot notarize a signature if the signer does not appear to understand the general purpose of the document or appears to be signing under pressure or coercion. A dementia diagnosis alone does not disqualify someone — many people with early or moderate cognitive impairment have clear, capable moments. Use the free Signer Readiness Screening tool before booking to evaluate readiness in advance.
How much does a mobile notary cost for a power of attorney in Palm Beach County?
A single-signature Power of Attorney typically totals $65 ($10 notarial act + $55 mobile visit fee), plus $25 if it's same-day/emergency and another $25 if it's evening or weekend. Use the pricing calculator for an itemized estimate based on your exact situation, including multiple signers.
Do witnesses need to be present for a Florida living will?
A Florida living will must be signed in the presence of either a notary public or two witnesses — not both. When Michael notarizes the document, additional witnesses are not required by statute, though your attorney may still recommend them depending on your specific document.
Can a family member out of state arrange a notary for a parent in Boca Raton?
Yes. Adult children in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and elsewhere regularly book, coordinate, and pay for a mobile notary appointment for a parent physically located in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Boynton Beach — entirely by phone and email, without needing to be in Florida.
How do I get a notary to come to a hospital, rehab center, or nursing home?
Submit a booking request noting the facility name, room number, and any facility-specific protocols (visiting hours, sign-in requirements, etc.). Michael will confirm the appointment and coordinate directly with facility staff if needed. Bedside notarization at hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach is one of the most common appointment types.
Is there a notary that comes to you, day or night?
Yes — that's the entire model. Michael travels to your home, hospital, rehab center, nursing home, or office anywhere in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Boynton Beach. Standard hours run 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with 24/7 best-effort availability for genuine emergencies.
Do you provide notary services for assisted living, memory care, or senior living communities?
Yes. Assisted living, memory care, and senior living communities are a core part of Michael's practice across Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach. He works directly with facility staff on scheduling and, for residents with cognitive fluctuations, offers a free Signer Readiness Screening tool to confirm capacity before the visit.
Where can I find a power of attorney notary near me in Palm Beach County?
Michael Brown Mobile Notary notarizes Powers of Attorney at homes, hospitals, rehab centers, and assisted living or nursing facilities throughout Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach. See the Power of Attorney service page for what's required, or book directly for same-day availability when possible.
What ID is required for a notarization in Florida?
A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID must be physically present — not a photo of the ID on a phone. Acceptable forms include a U.S. driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or a foreign passport stamped by USCIS. The name on the document should match the name on the ID.
Can documents be pre-signed before the notary arrives?
No. The signature must be made in the notary's presence — that's the core function of a notarial act. Documents should be completely filled out with no blank spaces, but the signature line itself must remain unsigned until the notary witnesses it.
What payment methods are accepted?
Cash, Zelle, Venmo, and credit/debit cards are all accepted. Corporate billing and retainer arrangements are also available for elder law firms and assisted living facilities — contact Michael to set one up.
Is Michael available on weekends or in the evening?
Yes. Standard hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week, with a $25 evening/weekend surcharge for appointments outside typical weekday daytime hours. True after-hours emergencies are handled on a 24/7 best-effort basis.
Does Michael prepare or draft legal documents?
No. Michael is a commissioned Florida Notary Public who notarizes documents that have already been prepared — he does not draft documents, determine which documents a signer needs, or provide legal advice. For document preparation or legal guidance, consult a licensed Florida attorney.
What areas does Michael Brown Mobile Notary serve?
Boca Raton (including West Boca Raton), Delray Beach (including West Delray Beach), and Boynton Beach (including West Boynton Beach), FL, along with the surrounding communities throughout that corridor of Palm Beach County.
How many witnesses do I need for a Power of Attorney in Florida?
A Florida Power of Attorney generally must be signed in the presence of a notary public and two witnesses. Witnesses must be adults with valid photo ID and must be disinterested — meaning they don't benefit from the document and aren't named in it.
What happens if the signer isn't ready when the notary arrives?
Florida law requires the notary to confirm — at the moment of signing — that the signer understands the document and is acting voluntarily. If that can't be confirmed on-site, the notarization cannot proceed. This is uncommon when families use the free Signer Readiness Screening tool beforehand, which is designed to surface these concerns in advance rather than at the signing table.
Ready to schedule your mobile notary appointment?
I come to you — homes, hospitals, assisted living and memory care communities, law offices, and more across Palm Beach County.