The Difference Between an Acknowledgment and a Jurat in Florida

If you have ever needed a document notarized, you might have heard the terms acknowledgment and jurat. These are the two most common notarial acts in Florida, and they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect when you meet with your notary.

At Notary SWFL, we help clients across Florida notarize both acknowledgments and jurats through in-person and Remote Online Notarization (RON).

What Is an Acknowledgment?

An acknowledgment is used when the signer is confirming that they willingly signed the document. The notary’s job is to verify the signer’s identity and ensure they are signing of their own free will.

Key points about acknowledgments:

• The signer can sign the document before appearing in front of the notary

• The signer declares to the notary that they signed it voluntarily

• Commonly used in deeds, powers of attorney, and property-related documents

• The notary does not administer an oath or affirmation in an acknowledgment

What Is a Jurat?

A jurat is used when the signer must swear or affirm that the contents of the document are true. The notary’s role is to administer the oath or affirmation and watch the document being signed.

Key points about jurats:

• The signer must sign the document in front of the notary

• The notary administers an oath or affirmation before the signing

• Commonly used in affidavits, sworn statements, and depositions

• The signer is making a statement under penalty of perjury

Quick Comparison

FeatureAcknowledgmentJuratPurposeConfirm signature was voluntarySwear to truthfulness of contentsWhen SignedCan be before or during notarizationMust be in front of the notaryOath/AffirmationNoYesCommon UsesDeeds, contracts, POAsAffidavits, sworn statementsNotary VerifiesIdentity and willingnessIdentity, willingness, and truthfulness

How to Know Which One You Need

In most cases, the document will state which notarial act is required. If you are unsure, you can ask the person or organization requesting the notarization. As a notary, I cannot decide which one you should use, but I can explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.

Get Your Document Notarized Anywhere in Florida

Whether you need an acknowledgment or a jurat, Notary SWFL can help. We offer:

• Remote Online Notarization for clients anywhere in the world

📅 Book your notarization now and get it done quickly and securely.
Click here to schedule your appointment

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Always check with the document issuer or a qualified attorney if you are unsure which notarial act you need.