Hello, Tennessee!
One year ago, I made the big move from the sunshine (and very hot) state of Florida to the beautiful hills of Tennessee. While I loved my time in Florida, where I had a busy career as a full-time notary, I’m thrilled to now call Tennessee home. I’ve been a mobile notary since 2019 and an online (virtual) notary since 2020. In 2022, I founded Notary Force, and after moving to Tennessee, I’ve continued to serve clients with the same passion for precision and professionalism.
Why the Move? It was simple—family. My two daughters and three grandchildren made it impossible to stay away! The decision to move was quick, but it also meant I had to rebuild my notary career from the ground up here in Tennessee.
New State, New License One interesting aspect of being a notary is that most states don’t allow notaries to hold licenses in multiple states—and Florida and Tennessee are no exception. So, I had to surrender my Florida notary license and obtain a Tennessee license. While the process in Tennessee wasn’t difficult, it did feel bittersweet to let go of my Florida notary commission. After all, why not allow multiple licenses if the notary is following the laws of the state they’re working in? But rules are rules! That said, I’ve found my footing here, and I’m excited to serve the people of Tennessee with the same commitment I gave my Florida clients.
A Quick Comparison Between Florida and Tennessee Notary Laws As I transitioned to working in Tennessee, I noticed a few key differences between Florida and Tennessee notary laws, which have helped me adapt to the needs of my new clients:
- Training:Florida requires a three-hour education course for notaries, while Tennessee doesn’t have mandatory training (though I always make sure I’m up-to-date!).
- BondRequirements: Tennessee requires a $10,000 bond for notaries—higher than Florida’s $7,500 bond.
- Fees:Both states allow up to $25 for remote online For in-person services, Florida sets a maximum fee of $10 per notarization while Tennessee lets notaries charge “reasonable” fees for in-person services, which provides more flexibility.
- WitnessRequirements: Florida requires witnesses for certain documents, like real estate deeds and wills, while Tennessee’s witness requirements are less frequent, though still applicable for some transactions.
A Change of Pace While I loved the fast pace of Miami—an international hub of business and vibrant multicultural life—I’ve quickly grown fond of the slower, more relaxed lifestyle here in Franklin. Miami is all about the hustle and bustle, full of energy, networking, and activity, while Franklin exudes that Southern charm, with its strong sense of community and a focus on personal connections. It’s a refreshing change, and as I’ve settled in, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of building relationships in this tight-knit town.
I have learned that trust and familiarity are key here. People and businesses often stick with the professionals they know, which I completely respect. That’s why I’m working hard to meet and connect with locals—whether it’s attending networking events, visiting local businesses, or joining groups like the Williamson County Bar Association and Collaborative Divorce Nashville.
A Winter Learning Curve One thing I wasn’t prepared for? Winter! Coming from Florida, I had no idea how to handle icy car windows. On one particular morning, I was late to an appointment because I didn’t realize how hard it would be just to open my car door, get the ice off my windshield, and back out of the driveway (And no, I don’t have a four-wheel drive.) Thankfully, someone warned me not to pour hot water on my windshield before I made that mistake!
Needless to say, I’ll be more prepared this year.
Trust is Everything In Tennessee, trust is huge—and I promise, you can trust me. I bring years of experience and expertise, having completed over 1,000 notarizations. Whether it’s mobile or remote online services, I’m committed to making the process as seamless as possible. Here’s why clients trust me:
- Experience& Expertise: I’ve handled a wide range of documents with precision and care, ensuring compliance with legal standards to protect my clients.
- Attentionto Detail: Every document is reviewed thoroughly to avoid errors and ensure everything is in order.
- Flexible& Convenient: I offer mobile services in Williamson and Davidson Counties and remote notarizations nationwide, saving my clients time and hassle.
- Professionalism:I keep open communication throughout the notarization process and make sure every company that hires me looks good.
- BuildingRelationships: For me, notary work is about more than just It’s about building relationships with my clients, based on trust and integrity.
I’m dedicated to providing exceptional service to every client I work with, and I look forward to building more connections here in Tennessee. Thank you for welcoming me into your community!
Reader Interactions