Can a Notary Come to Me?
What You Need to Know About Mobile Notary Services in Tampa Bay and Zephyrhills
When people think of notarizations, they often picture a trip to the bank or UPS store. But what if your work hours—and theirs—don’t align? Or what if the person needing the notarization can’t easily leave their home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility? Even if you can make it to one of those locations, you may find that certain documents—such as Powers of Attorney, estate documents, or advanced directives—are not notarized by banks or shipping stores due to liability concerns or policy restrictions. That’s where a mobile notary in Tampa Bay can make all the difference.
Recently, I received a call from a man whose father was recovering in a local rehab center in Zephyrhills. His father wanted to have a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) notarized—while he was still of sound mind, as he put it. It was important to him, and understandably so. Certain documents carry significant legal weight and emotional meaning, especially when planning for the future.
Note
A Power of Attorney must be signed while the person granting the power is mentally competent. Too often, families wait until it's too late—when a loved one is no longer able to legally sign the document. A notary’s role includes verifying that the signer appears to be of sound mind at the time of signing. Granting someone Power of Attorney does not take away the signer's right to make their own decisions. It simply authorizes a trusted person to act on their behalf if and when they are no longer able to do so. It's a safeguard—not a surrender of independence.
This particular POA required two witnesses, and not just any two people. Florida law is clear: witnesses cannot be individuals who might benefit financially or otherwise from the document. They also must present valid identification. The son asked if his father's roommate could serve as one witness, but unfortunately, he didn’t have any identification. He then asked if one of the staff members at the rehab center could help—but in many facilities, including this one, staff are prohibited by employer policies from serving as witnesses. The son did have a friend available, but they still needed one more. That’s when I let him know I also offer witness services for an additional fee, which gave him peace of mind and allowed us to move forward. We coordinated everything for a Saturday visit to the facility. The witness and I arrived at a
time that worked for everyone. I confirmed identities, ensured the signer was willing, appeared to be of sound mind, and was not signing under duress. I also verified that the document was complete and free of blank spaces—a key step before notarization. As a Florida notary public, I do not provide legal advice, interpret documents, or assist in completing them. I also cannot supply legal forms or templates. My role is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to confirm the identity and willingness of the signer. His father was relieved. His son was grateful. And I was glad to be of service.
When Might You Need a Mobile Notary in Tampa Bay or Zephyrhills?
- A loved one is in the hospital, rehab, or assisted living facility
- You need notary services after hours or on holidays
- You're a busy professional who can’t get away during the day
- You're caring for aging parents or handling family affairs
- You need multiple parties to sign, but they’re not in the same location
- You want the convenience of meeting at a public location, such as a coffee shop
What Documents Can Be Notarized On-Site?
- Powers of Attorney (POA)
- Living Wills
- Healthcare Directives
- Real Estate Documents
- Financial Agreements
- Estate and Trust Documents
- Parental Consent Forms
Need Witnesses? I Can Help.
Some documents—especially legal and estate-related ones—require one or two impartial witnesses. If you don’t have someone available who meets the legal criteria, I can provide witness services (with advance notice) for an additional fee.
Helpful Tip:
Need a document but don’t have one yet? While I cannot provide legal forms or documents, many common templates—such as powers of attorney or parental consent forms—can often be found online and printed. Be sure to verify that the document meets your needs and complies with Florida requirements. If you're unsure, it’s always best to consult an attorney.
Serving the Tampa Bay Area with Professionalism and Integrity
As a mobile notary serving Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, and the greater Tampa Bay area, I meet clients where they are. Whether you're at home, in a medical facility, your workplace, or a public location like a coffee shop, I bring professional, courteous, and confidential services to you.
Call or text me today at 813-239-4117 to set up a convenient time.
