Can You Close on a Florida Property Without Being There? How Remote Online Notarization Works

Florida passed its Remote Online Notarization statute in 2019, making it one of the first states in the country to allow fully electronic real estate closings. Since then, thousands of buyers, sellers, and investors have signed their closing documents without stepping into a title office — from a laptop in Michigan, a tablet in London, or a phone at the kitchen table. If your schedule, your location, or a last-minute conflict makes an in-person closing impractical, Remote Online Notarization (RON) can get you to the finish line.

Here is what RON is, how it works at a Florida closing table, what technology you need, and where the process has limits.

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

Remote Online Notarization lets a commissioned notary public witness document signings through a live, two-way video call rather than in person. You sign electronically while the notary watches on screen; the notary then affixes a digital seal and certification. The resulting document carries the same legal weight as a traditional wet-ink notarization. Florida Statutes Section 117.265 authorizes Florida-commissioned notaries to perform RON using audio-visual technology approved by the Florida Secretary of State's office.

The notary must record the entire session and store the recording for at least ten years under Florida law. That audit trail actually makes RON closings more verifiable than in-person signings.

What Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely at a Florida Closing?

Most closing documents qualify for RON, including the deed, the settlement statement, title insurance affidavits, seller's affidavits, and gap indemnities. Lender requirements are the most variable factor. Many major lenders now accept fully electronic loan packages, including eNotes; others still require wet signatures on the promissory note. In those cases, a hybrid closing is common — the bulk of documents are signed through RON, and the note is signed on paper via mail-away or a brief in-person visit with a mobile notary. Your title agent will confirm which documents your lender requires to be wet-signed before scheduling the session.

How Does a RON Closing Work Step by Step?

A RON closing follows the same sequence as an in-person closing. The difference is that the conference room is replaced by a secure online platform.

1. Invitation and setup: Your title company sends a platform invitation by email. You create an account and complete identity verification — typically a photo of your government-issued ID and a series of knowledge-based authentication questions drawn from public records.
2. Video session: On closing day, you log in and a Florida-licensed notary joins via live video. You review each document on screen, sign electronically, and the notary notarizes each one in real time.
3. Recording and archiving: The platform records the full session and stores it per Florida Statute 117.265.
4. County recording: The electronically notarized deed is transmitted to the county clerk for e-recording — the same process used by virtually all Florida counties for paper deeds.
5. Funding:Wire transfers, earnest money, and sale proceeds move through the title company's escrow account on the same timeline as any closing.

The video session itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Add 15 minutes for pre-session identity verification if you have not done it in advance.

What Technology Do You Need for a RON Closing?

The requirements are modest. You need:

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working webcam and microphone
• A stable internet connection (a mobile hotspot is sufficient in most cases)
• A current, government-issued photo ID readable on camera

Most approved platforms run in a standard browser with no software download required. Your title company will send platform-specific instructions ahead of the session. If you run into a tech issue, RON sessions can be rescheduled quickly — it is far less disruptive than a missed in-person closing.

Does Coastal Collective Title Handle RON Closings Across All of Florida?

Yes. Coastal Collective Title is licensed to close title transactions statewide, and we coordinate RON closings for buyers, sellers, and investors anywhere in Florida — from Escambia County in the Panhandle to Monroe County in the Keys and every county in between. Out-of-state sellers, snowbirds managing a sale from up north, military families relocating before they can travel, and investors completing a 1031 exchange on a tight deadline all use our remote closing service to sign without traveling.

According to the Florida Department of State, the number of RON sessions performed by Florida-commissioned notaries has increased sharply each year since the statute took effect. The technology is mainstream, the process is legally sound, and our team has handled remote closings in every major Florida market. Call us at 813-422-1328 to discuss your transaction.

What Are the Limitations of a RON Closing?

RON works for the majority of Florida real estate transactions, but three situations can complicate it:

• Lender restrictions: If your lender has not yet adopted eNotes or has not certified on an approved platform, a hybrid closing or mail-away is the practical solution. This is common with smaller community banks and credit unions.
• Foreign identity documents: Most platforms authenticate a wide range of passports, but some have country-specific limitations on knowledge-based authentication. International sellers should confirm compatibility with their title agent before scheduling.
• County e-recording readiness: Virtually all Florida counties accept electronically recorded documents, but your title agent will verify this for the specific county before closing.

None of these are hard stops — they are logistics questions your title company handles in the setup phase. If RON is not the right fit, a mail-away closing achieves the same result with a notary in your local area handling the wet signatures.

Is a Deed Signed Through RON Insurable?

Yes. Deeds notarized through a Florida Secretary of State-approved RON platform and recorded in the county official records are fully insurable under Florida title insurance. The national underwriters Coastal Collective Title works with accept RON-executed closing packages when the session complied with Florida Statute 117.265. If you have a specific concern about your transaction, we will confirm insurability in writing before you schedule the session.

Lori LaCoppola

Owner & Managing Partner

Lori founded Coastal Collective Title to deliver a premium, relationship-first closing experience across Florida. With deep title industry expertise, she oversees every transaction with precision and personal attention.

813-544-8626lori@coastalcollectivetitle.com