The Florida Secretary of State: Your Essential Apostille Guide
The Florida Secretary of State is the designated authority for issuing apostilles on Florida-issued documents. Understanding what the Secretary of State apostilles, how the process works, and what can go wrong helps you navigate the process without costly mistakes.
What the Florida Secretary of State Apostilles
The Florida Secretary of State apostilles documents that bear the signature of a Florida public official or a Florida notary public. This includes:
- Florida vital records: birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates (certified copies from the Florida Department of Health)
- Florida court records: divorce decrees, court orders, judgments (from Florida state courts)
- Notarized documents: diplomas, powers of attorney, affidavits, corporate resolutions notarized by a Florida notary public
- Florida corporate documents: certificates of good standing, articles of incorporation from the Florida Division of Corporations
- Florida professional licenses and certifications
What the Florida Secretary of State Does NOT Apostille
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, federal court records, naturalization certificates) — these go to the US Department of State
- Documents issued by other states — these go to the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Foreign documents — these go to the competent authority in the issuing country
Submission Requirements
The Florida Secretary of State requires:
- Original document or certified copy (not a photocopy)
- Notarization for privately-issued documents
- Completed apostille request form
- Payment of the state fee
Processing Times
- Standard: 3–5 business days
- Expedited: Available through Miami Dade Apostille — same day or next day
How Miami Dade Apostille Works with the Secretary of State
Miami Dade Apostille submits documents to the Florida Secretary of State on your behalf. We prepare your documents, confirm they meet submission requirements, submit them, and return the apostilled documents to you. You never need to travel to Tallahassee.
Get your Florida apostille today
Send us a scan of your document for a free review. We handle the complete submission to the Florida Secretary of State.
Ready to move forward? Book an appointment or call us at 1-800-631-9171.