Florida Promissory Note: Everything You Need to Know
Written promise to pay a debt
Document Preview
PROMISSORY NOTE
State of Florida
Principal Amount: $[AMOUNT]
Date: [DATE]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned ("Borrower") promises to pay to [LENDER NAME] ("Lender"), or order, the principal sum of $[AMOUNT], together with interest.
BORROWER:
Name: [BORROWER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], FL [ZIP]
LENDER:
Name: [LENDER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], FL [ZIP]
TERMS:
1. Interest Rate: [RATE]% per annum
2. Payment Schedule: [SCHEDULE]
3. Payment Amount: $[AMOUNT] per [PERIOD]
4. Due Date: [DATE]
LATE PAYMENT: A late fee of $[AMOUNT] will be charged for payments more than [DAYS] days overdue.
DEFAULT: If Borrower defaults, Lender may declare the entire unpaid balance immediately due and payable.
PREPAYMENT: Borrower may prepay without penalty.
GOVERNING LAW: This note is governed by Florida law (FL Statutes).
BORROWER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
FAQ: Promissory Note in Florida
Is a Promissory Note required in Florida?
Yes, in Florida, a Promissory Note is required for most transactions of this type. Under Florida Statute § 687, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Promissory Note may result in legal complications.
Does a Promissory Note need to be notarized in Florida?
Notarization requirements in Florida (FL) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Promissory Note in Florida?
Florida has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Promissory Note, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Florida tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Is a promissory note legally binding?
Yes, a properly executed promissory note is a legally binding contract. It must include the principal amount, interest rate (if any), payment terms, maturity date, and signatures of the borrower. Some states require notarization for certain amounts.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note?
If a borrower defaults, the lender can demand immediate payment of the full balance, charge late fees as specified in the note, report to credit bureaus, and take legal action to collect the debt. The note should specify the remedies available upon default.
Can I charge any interest rate on a promissory note?
No, interest rates are subject to state usury laws, which set maximum allowable rates. Charging interest above the legal limit can result in penalties and may make the entire note unenforceable. Check your state's usury limits.
Promissory Note Costs in Florida
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Florida standard rate: $10 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Florida |
| Sales Tax | 6% | Florida base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | Florida requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Florida Promissory Note Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Promissory Note is legally valid in Florida.
Florida Notarization
Florida requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $10.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Florida, a 6% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Florida law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Florida Filing Deadlines
Check Florida deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Michael Chen, Esq.
Real Estate Law Consultant
Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert
Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation
This Promissory Note template for Florida has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Where to File Your Promissory Note in Florida
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Promissory Note.
Miami-Dade County Clerk
Miami
73 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130
Orange County Clerk
Orlando
425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Hillsborough County Clerk
Tampa
601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
Duval County Clerk
Jacksonville
501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Florida Promissory Note Legal Guide
For residents of Florida, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.
For Florida (FL) residents, this Promissory Note is governed by Florida Statute § 687. Important details: sales tax at 6%, notary costs of $10, and a requirement for 2 witnesses. The document has indefinite validity once properly executed.
Using this template ensures you're protected under Florida law while saving time and money on legal fees.
Pro Tips for Florida Residents
- **Use blue or black ink** when signing physical copies in Florida
- **Keep digital backups** of all signed documents
- **Check for local county requirements** that may apply in addition to FL state law
- **Don't backdate** — Florida courts view backdated documents unfavorably
- **Consult an attorney** for transactions exceeding $10,000 in value
Enforceability in Florida
A Promissory Note that meets all FL requirements is fully enforceable in Florida. Courts in Florida have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Step-by-Step Process
1. **Download the template** — Our Florida-specific form includes all fields required by FL law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Florida's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Florida transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Florida office if required.
Florida Statutory Requirements
The FL legislature has established specific guidelines for promissory note documents. These include proper execution formalities, witness requirements, and in some cases, mandatory filing with the county clerk's office. Non-compliance can result in legal complications.
A Promissory Note that meets all FL requirements is fully enforceable in Florida. Courts in Florida have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Step-by-Step Process
1. **Download the template** — Our Florida-specific form includes all fields required by FL law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Florida's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Florida transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Florida office if required.
Florida Statutory Requirements
The FL legislature has established specific guidelines for promissory note documents. These include proper execution formalities, witness requirements, and in some cases, mandatory filing with the county clerk's office. Non-compliance can result in legal complications.
The FL legislature has established specific guidelines for promissory note documents. These include proper execution formalities, witness requirements, and in some cases, mandatory filing with the county clerk's office. Non-compliance can result in legal complications.
Other Forms in Florida
Promissory Note in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Promissory Note
- State
- Florida (FL)
- Category
- Financial
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6%
- Notary Fee
- $10
Florida Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Commercial Code
- ✓Must be in writing for amounts over $500
- ✓Clear payment terms required
- ✓Interest rate must comply with usury laws
- ✓Signature of borrower required
📊 Promissory Note vs. Loan Agreement in Florida
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Florida may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.