Remote Closings in Florida: Are They Legal and Secure?

Imagine you’ve found the perfect Jacksonville home, but you’re out of town for work. Or maybe you’ve sold your property but are busy packing for a cross-country move. Do you really have to fly back or carve out hours for an in-person closing? In Florida you may be able to handle the entire process from your laptop or tablet.

Remote closings are becoming more common for Florida buyers and sellers, and offer the chance to sign, notarize, and finalize your real estate deal without setting foot in a closing room. But are they legal? Are they safe? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Remote Closing?

A remote closing is when the buyer, seller, and other parties complete the closing process entirely online. No conference room, no scheduling a face-to-face meeting, just a secure digital process that gets your deal across the finish line.

Are Remote Closings Legal in Florida?

Yes. Since January 1, 2020, Florida law has allowed remote online notarization (RON) for real estate closings. This means your signatures and notarizations can happen through a secure video platform, whether you’re across town in Jacksonville or across the country.

Florida also permits remote witnesses in certain cases. If a witness appears remotely, they must confirm they are in the United States or a U.S. territory at the time of witnessing.

It is worth noting that ACTE can sign all sellers using RON. As for buyers, many lenders don't allow this type of signing. Please contact us if you have questions about RON availability.

How Remote Closings Work in Florida

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

• Digital Signatures – You sign your closing documents electronically.
• Online Notarization – A Florida-commissioned notary verifies your identity and notarizes your documents via secure video, recording the session and maintaining a secure electronic journal as required by law.
• Protected Document Sharing – Files are transferred and stored using encrypted platforms to keep your information private.

Are Remote Closings Secure?

Security is a top priority, and Florida’s rules require strong safeguards:

• Encryption – Your documents are protected during every transfer.
• Identity Checks – Multiple steps confirm that each signer is who they claim to be.
• Strict Legal Compliance – Every step meets Florida’s legal requirements for valid real estate closings.

Why Jacksonville Buyers and Sellers Choose Remote Closings

For many people, remote closings are more than just convenient, they can be a game changer:

• No Travel Hassles – Sign from your home, office, or even while traveling.
• Save Time – Skip the scheduling headaches of in-person meetings.
• Work Around Your Life – Close at a time that works for you.

A quick note: Some lenders and title underwriters require you to use an approved RON platform. We coordinate with your lender before scheduling to make sure your closing meets all requirements.

Work With Jacksonville Real Estate Attorneys Who Know Remote Closings

At Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow, we help Jacksonville buyers and sellers close securely and in full compliance with Florida law. Whether you’re across the street or across the country, our team makes sure your remote closing is smooth, legal, and protected from start to finish.

‍Contact us today to learn how we can guide you through your remote closing with confidence and convenience.