What if you could close on a Florida home from your kitchen table in Ohio — or from a hotel room in Europe? With Remote Online Notarization (RON), you can. Florida became one of the first states to fully legalize RON, and Atlantic Title Firm's certified agents have been conducting remote closings for clients worldwide.

Whether you're an out-of-state buyer, an international investor, or simply someone who prefers the convenience of a digital closing, here's everything you need to know about RON in Florida.

What Is Remote Online Notarization?

Remote Online Notarization is a fully legal process that allows a Florida-licensed notary to notarize documents over a live, two-way video connection — without any parties being physically in the same room. The signer uses a computer or smartphone; the notary verifies identity, witnesses the signing digitally, and applies an electronic notarial seal.

RON closings are legally equivalent to traditional in-person closings under Florida Statute 117.265, which took effect January 1, 2020.

Is RON Legal in Florida?

Yes — Florida was one of the first states to pass permanent RON legislation. Florida Statute Chapter 117 authorizes Florida-commissioned notaries to perform electronic notarizations via secure audio-video communication platforms. The law was strengthened further in 2021, making Florida one of the most RON-friendly states in the country.

Florida law requires RON notaries to use approved platforms with identity verification, tamper-evident technology, and a secure electronic notarial seal. Atlantic Title Firm uses a fully compliant, state-approved RON platform.

How Does a RON Closing Work?

A RON closing follows the same steps as a traditional closing, just done digitally:

  • Step 1: Identity Verification — You upload a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). The platform uses knowledge-based authentication (KBA) — a series of questions based on your credit and public records — to verify your identity.
  • Step 2: Join the Video Session — At your scheduled closing time, you connect via video on any device — computer, tablet, or smartphone. No special software download required in most cases.
  • Step 3: Review & Sign — Your closing agent walks you through all documents on-screen. You apply your electronic signature and initials where required.
  • Step 4: Notarization — The RON-certified notary applies their electronic seal to all notarized documents in real time.
  • Step 5: Done — Documents are electronically delivered, recorded with the county clerk (e-recording), and your transaction is complete.

What Do You Need for a RON Closing?

The requirements are minimal:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone
  • A stable internet connection
  • A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • A scheduled appointment with your title agent

You do not need to print, scan, or physically mail any documents. Everything happens digitally.

Who Can Use RON for a Florida Closing?

RON is available for most Florida real estate transactions, including:

  • Residential purchase closings
  • Refinance closings
  • Commercial transactions (with lender approval)
  • Out-of-state buyer closings
  • International buyer closings (with additional identity verification)
  • FSBO transactions

Note: Some lenders still require traditional in-person closings for certain loan types. Our team will confirm RON availability based on your specific lender and loan program.

Is RON Secure?

Yes. RON platforms use bank-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, and tamper-evident technology that permanently seals documents after signing. The entire session is recorded and stored, creating an auditable trail that's more verifiable than a traditional wet-signature closing.

How to Schedule a RON Closing with Atlantic Title Firm

Simply contact us and let us know you'd like to close remotely. We'll confirm RON availability for your transaction, send you a preparation guide, and schedule your video closing at a time that works for you — including evenings and weekends when available.