AIf you’re looking up “apostille Florida state”, you probably need to legalize a document issued in Florida for use in another country. Whether it’s for immigration, business, marriage, or academic purposes, a Florida apostille confirms that your document is valid and recognized internationally.
In this article, we explain which documents can be apostilled in Florida, and how Apostille de la Haya handles the full process from document verification to delivery — no matter where you are.
What Is an Apostille in the State of Florida?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Florida Department of State that verifies the authenticity of a document for international use, in accordance with the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
To be eligible, your document must be:
- Issued in the state of Florida, and
- Public or notarized by a Florida notary public
Who Issues the Apostille in Florida?
All apostilles in Florida are processed exclusively by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. Only this office can legally certify documents issued in Florida for use abroad.
At Apostille de la Haya, we handle the entire submission and follow-up process directly with the Department of State — so you don’t have to.
Types of Documents That Can Be Apostilled in Florida
Not all documents qualify for apostille — only certain types issued or notarized in Florida are eligible. Below is a breakdown of the most common document categories:
Vital Records
Issued by the Florida Department of Health or a county Clerk’s Office:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Divorce decrees (if certified by the court)
Important: Only certified copies are accepted — not photocopies.
Educational Documents
Issued by Florida schools, colleges, or universities:
- High school diplomas
- University degrees
- Official transcripts
- Enrollment or graduation letters
These documents may need to be notarized by a Florida notary before apostille.
Legal and Notarized Documents
Signed and notarized in Florida:
- Power of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Consent forms for minors traveling abroad
- Property sale authorizations
- Single status affidavits (for marriage abroad)
Court and Government Records
Official records from Florida courts or agencies:
- Court rulings or judgments
- Adoption documents
- Criminal background checks (FDLE-certified)
- Business formation documents (from Florida’s Division of Corporations)
- Certificates of good standing for companies
Business and Corporate Documents
Used for doing business internationally:
- Articles of incorporation or organization
- Corporate resolutions
- Bylaws or operating agreements
- Certificates of incumbency or authorization
Notarization may be required depending on the document type.
Why Apostille Requirements Vary by Document Type
Each type of document has its own preparation and eligibility requirements. Some must be notarized, others must be certified, and all must meet Florida’s apostille standards.
At Apostille de la Haya, we:
- Review your documents before submission
- Tell you if they need notarization or translation
- Help you obtain certified copies, if necessary
- Submit everything to the Florida Department of State for apostille
- Ship the completed apostille to you or internationally
Do You Need to Be in Florida?
No — you do not need to live in Florida to get an apostille for a Florida document. Whether you’re in another state or another country, Apostille de la Haya can handle the process for you 100% remotely.
We work with clients across the U.S. and abroad every day.
Conclusion
If you need to apostille a document through the Florida state system, you must ensure it’s the right type, correctly prepared, and submitted to the right office — the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee.
At Apostille de la Haya, we take care of everything, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. From verifying eligibility to delivering your apostilled documents, we make the process simple, fast, and secure.
Ready to start? Contact us today and let our team handle your apostille with confidence.
The information contained in this publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or using this content does not create and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. No reader or user should act or refrain from acting based on the information presented herein without first consulting an attorney duly licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction.
