From Wesley Chapel, Florida to the World: How One Missing Stamp Almost Ended a Global Business Deal
Carter & Lane Imports had spent the past eight years building a reputation for bringing hard-to-find specialty foods into Florida. Their gourmet olive oils, spices, and artisan chocolates lined boutique grocery shelves from Tampa to Orlando.
This year was different. After months of negotiation, a European retail chain had offered them an exclusive, multi-year contract. It was the kind of deal that could take them from regional success to a global brand.
Owners Mark Carter and Angela Lane were buzzing with excitement. They could already picture their products being unpacked in Paris and Rome. Their staff was gearing up for bigger orders, suppliers were on standby, and even their banker was celebrating with them.
Then came the email from the retailer’s legal department: “We cannot finalize this agreement without an apostilled Certificate of Incorporation.”
Mark frowned. “Apostilled? What’s that?”
Angela pulled out her phone. A quick Google search for Apostille services near me led them to Notary Near Me Florida in Zephyrhills.
What They Learned About Apostilles
An apostille is an official certification that confirms a document is authentic and ready for use in another country. It’s issued by the Secretary of State where the document originated, or in some cases, by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
For Carter & Lane, this meant their Florida-issued Certificate of Incorporation needed to go to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee.
The Process We Managed for Them
We reviewed their certificate to make sure it was eligible, prepared the required cover letter and payment, and arranged overnight FedEx delivery to our trusted Tallahassee courier. The courier hand-delivered the documents to the Secretary of State’s office the next day.
Processing took two business days. The courier then picked up the completed apostille and shipped it back overnight to our office. By the end of the week, Carter & Lane had their apostilled certificate in hand — just in time to sign the contract and secure the deal.
Why Businesses Keep Coming Back
Carter & Lane’s story isn’t unique. Many companies that expand internationally need apostilles for:
- Partnership agreements
- Articles of Incorporation or Certificates of Good Standing
- Intellectual property filings
- Export and import documentation
And these needs don’t stop after one deal. Businesses often require multiple apostilles over time — for new contracts, renewals, or additional markets. That’s why many of our business clients keep our number handy.
If your company is in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, New Tampa, Dade City, or the greater Tampa Bay area, let Notary Near Me Florida handle all your apostille needs — from your first overseas contract to every future opportunity.
Call or text 813-239-4117
Visit NotaryNearMe-Florida.com to get started today.
Trusted for life’s documents, chosen for life’s moments.
