How to Apostille Your Documents in Florida: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to live , work, study, or do business abroad, you’ll likely need to apostille your Florida documents before they’re accepted overseas. An apostille serves as the official seal of authenticity for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic degrees, and commercial documentation, ensuring that they are accepted legally in more than 120 countries included by the Hague Convention.

But let’s be honest - getting an apostille in Florida can feel like a web of state forms, notary stamps, and mailing delays. That’s why Globeia makes it simple.

With SmartPortal, secure document tracking, and an expert team familiar with Florida Secretary of State requirements, Globeia takes care of the entire process for you - quickly, accurately, and without the stress. Whether you’re abroad or based in Florida, you can apply online, mail your documents, and receive your certified apostille right at your doorstep - all through one trusted platform.

In Florida, an apostille certification is a formal stamp that confirms the legitimacy of a document so that it can be accepted legally in another nation. This certification, which is issued by the Florida Secretary of State, attests to the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on your document and the fact that it was signed by a designated official.

There is no need for further embassy legalization because your Florida document becomes legally legitimate in any of the more than 120 nations that have ratified the Hague Apostille Convention once it has been apostilled.

It’s important to understand that an apostille is not the same as notarization. While notarization only validates a signature within the United States, an apostille goes a step further, certifying your document for international use. This is what allows your Florida birth certificate, marriage record, academic transcript, or business document to be accepted abroad without question.

At Globeia, our team works directly with the Florida Secretary of State to make sure your documents are correctly prepared and authenticated the first time, helping you avoid rejections and delays.

Whether you’re applying for a visa, continuing your studies, expanding your business, or managing family matters overseas, Globeia’s Florida apostille services ensure your documents are recognized and accepted anywhere in the world. 

If you plan to use your Florida documents abroad, you’ll almost always need an apostille certification to prove they’re genuine and legally valid in another country. Without it, your papers could be rejected by foreign authorities, universities, or employers. 

Here’s why obtaining an apostille in Florida is essential:

• Verifies authenticity: An apostille attests to the authenticity and proper signature of a recognized authority on any document issued by the state of Florida, including a diploma or birth certificate.
• Assures worldwide acceptance: It permits the lawful use of your documents in any nation that has ratified the Hague Apostille Convention.
• Streamlines international legal procedures: One apostille suffices for legalizing; additional embassy or consulate legalization is not necessary.
• Lowers the chance of rejection: Prevent delays and rejections brought on by improper notarization or missing certifications.
• Essential for important document types: Apostilles are frequently required for notarized affidavits, business documents, educational records, and vital data.

Whether you’re moving abroad, expanding your company internationally, or handling personal affairs overseas, Globeia’s apostille services in Florida ensure your documents are accepted the first time - quickly, securely, and without stress.

The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles for a wide range of documents. Here are the most common types that can receive an apostille certification in Florida:

• Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or County Health Departments.

• Business Documents: Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, business contracts, or other company-related filings certified by the Florida Department of State.

• Educational Records: Diplomas, transcripts, and academic certificates from schools, colleges, or universities located in Florida (must be notarized first).

• Notarized Documents: Powers of attorney, affidavits, personal letters, licenses, or any other document that has been properly notarized by a Florida notary public.

Before submitting your documents for a Florida apostille, it’s essential to make sure they meet the Florida Secretary of State’s requirements. Following this checklist helps avoid delays or rejections:

• Document issued or notarized in Florida: Only Florida-issued documents or those notarized by a Florida notary public are eligible.

• Original or certified copy: Photocopies are generally not accepted unless specifically allowed.

• Proper notarial statement in English: If your document is notarized, ensure the notary includes the full statement as required by Florida law.

• Completed Florida Apostille Request Form: Fill out the official form with accurate details for processing.

• Correct payment included: Include the exact fee for the apostille service to prevent delays.

• Self-addressed or prepaid return envelope: Makes it easy for your completed apostille to reach you safely.

• Step 1 - Walk In

If you’re near Tallahassee, visit the Florida Department of State Apostille Section in person. Bring your completed Apostille Request Form, original or certified documents, and payment for the fastest processing.

• Step 2 - Mail-In Submission

Not in Tallahassee? Mail your documents with the filled request form, correct payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Florida DOS. This is perfect if you want to avoid travel but still get your apostille securely.

• Step 3 - Use a Third-Party Service

Let a trusted provider like Globeia handle everything for you. From document review to submission, fast processing, and real-time tracking - third-party services make getting a Florida apostille easy, accurate, and hassle-free, even from abroad.

Getting a Florida apostille is straightforward, and knowing the timeline and fees helps you plan better.

• Typical Turnaround: 7-14 business days for standard processing. Using a trusted third-party service like Globeia can speed this up significantly.

• State Fees: $10-20 per document, depending on the type and certification required.

• Globeia Service Fees: Normal processing starts at $185, and expedited service is available for $290.

With Globeia, you get affordable, fast, and hassle-free apostille processing, ensuring your Florida documents are ready for international use without delays.

Choosing Globeia ensures your apostille process is fast, secure, and hassle-free. Here’s why thousands trust us:

• Complete your apostille efficiently, often faster than standard state processing, saving you valuable time.
• Globeia handles everything- document review, submission, tracking, and delivery - so you don’t need multiple providers.
• 98% accuracy rate ensures documents are accepted the first time, minimizing errors and rejections.
• Trusted by 30,000+ clients globally for apostilles, background checks, translations, and legalizations.
• Competitive fees  - normal service starting at $185, expedited at $290 plus transparent state charges.
• All documents are handled with strict confidentiality and secure online tracking for peace of mind.
• Knowledgeable team ensures compliance with Florida Secretary of State requirements and international standards.
• Fully online application and optional concierge service mean you can manage everything from anywhere, including outside Florida.

Getting an apostille in Florida is no harder than necessary. If you comply with the correct processes, your documents can be recognized as legal documents outside the US. Globeia Inc. is a trusted, convenient, all-in-one solution for all apostille requests by individuals and businesses seeking apostille services in Florida. Globeia encapsulates speed, accuracy, and security for all apostille requests with straightforward, easy-to-understand pricing, and an end-to-end process eliminating the need to deal directly with the Florida Secretary of State. Regardless of why you need a Florida apostille, for work, study, immigration, or for personal reasons, Globeia makes certain your Florida documents are processed for international use expeditiously, reliably, and on budget.