FL S0172

Requires notary publics to record specified information (date, time, type of act, signer's name and address, identification details, witnesses) in a bound paper or electronic journal when notarizing mortgages, deeds, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and related documents.

Mandates notary publics retain notarial journals for at least 5 years after the last recorded act and immediately notify the Governor's Notary Section if a journal is lost, stolen, destroyed, or becomes inaccessible.

Requires notary employees of law firms to maintain separate notarial journals for law firm-related acts that remain the exclusive property of the firm and must be kept in a secure location.

Provides that failure to comply with notarial journal requirements does not invalidate a lawful notarization but constitutes grounds for suspension, nonrenewal, or denial of a notary commission.

Exempts law enforcement agency employees, state attorneys, and the Attorney General from notarial journal requirements when acting within the scope of employment; effective January 1, 2015.