Safe-Deposit Box Openings in Florida

What You Need to Know About Notary Certification

When it comes to personal belongings stored in a safe-deposit box, most people assume only the renter can access its contents. But what happens if the rental fees aren’t paid and the bank needs to reclaim the box?

Verifying Contents in a Safety Deposit Box

That’s where a Florida notary public steps in.

Let’s walk you through how the process works, what’s required by law, and how a notary ensures everything is handled with accuracy, integrity, and professionalism.

Florida Law: Safe-Deposit Box Openings & Notary Involvement

According to Florida Statute § 655.94(1), if rental fees for a safe-deposit box go unpaid—and proper legal notice has been given—a financial institution has the right to open the box.

But it can’t do so alone.

The law requires that a Florida notary public be present during the opening. The notary’s role? To:

• Witness the opening of the box

• Inventory the contents (but not assign any value)

• Certify the event with a formal statement or certificate

This safeguard protects everyone involved—from the financial institution to the original renter—by providing a neutral, state-authorized witness to the event.

Who Must Be Present?

When a safe-deposit box is opened due to nonpayment:

• A notary public must be present

• An officer of the financial institution must also attend

• The notary must not be an employee, officer, director, or stockholder of the institution

Notary and Parties Present at Financial Institution

This separation ensures impartiality and trust in the certification process.

What the Notary Does

Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during the certification:

1. Inventory the Contents

The notary reviews and documents every item inside the box. No appraisals or estimates of value are made—just a detailed, factual listing.

2. Prepare the Certificate

The notary creates a certificate that includes:

• The name of the lessee (person who rented the box)

• The date of the box opening

• A list of the contents

While Florida law doesn’t mandate a specific format, the Florida Notary Section has a widely accepted template that meets legal requirements.

3. Seal and Label the Package

The notary:

• Places the contents and the original certificate into a sealed package

• Writes the lessee’s name and date of opening on the outside of the package

• Leaves the sealed package with the financial institution, along with a copy of the certificate

4. Record the Event (Optional but Recommended)

If the notary uses a journal or record book, it’s wise to:

• Log the safe-deposit box opening

• Have all parties (bank officer, witnesses) sign the entry

This adds an extra layer of professionalism and documentation to the service.

Cost of Notary Services

As with many notarial acts in Florida, the maximum fee for certifying the contents of a safe-deposit box is $10.

It’s a modest price for peace of mind, legal compliance, and proper documentation.

Need a Notary for a Safe-Deposit Box Opening?

As a certified Florida Notary Public, I am authorized—and experienced—in providing reliable, impartial witnessing for safe-deposit box openings.

✅ Legally compliant

✅ Accurate inventory documentation

✅ Sealed and properly certified contents

If you’re a bank or credit union, or you’ve received notice regarding a past-due rental box, I’m here to help with mobile notary services across Florida.

Serving Financial Institutions Across South Florida

I proudly offer in-person notary services for safe-deposit box certifications in:

• St. Lucie County

• Indian River County

• Martin County

• Palm Beach County

• Broward County

• Miami-Dade County

Let’s ensure every safe-deposit box opening is documented accurately, legally, and professionally.

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Have questions? Let’s chat—we’re just a call or message away.