What's the difference between a sworn statement and a declaration?
A sworn statement needs a notary's oath. Florida separately lets some documents skip notarization with a signed declaration instead — worth knowing before you book.
A sworn statement, also called an affidavit, is a jurat: you swear or affirm under oath that its contents are true, and a notary administers that oath and witnesses your signature (F.S. Chapter 117). Florida separately allows an unsworn written declaration under penalty of perjury as a substitute for notarization in many contexts (F.S. §92.525) — confirm which one whoever is requesting your document actually needs before booking.
What a sworn statement is
A sworn statement is a jurat: the signer swears or affirms, under oath, that the document's contents are true, and the notary administers that oath and witnesses the signature. Florida's notarial-certificate content requirements for a jurat are set out in F.S. §117.05(13).
The declaration alternative
Florida law separately lets many documents be verified with a signed declaration instead of a notarized affidavit, when the law, rule, or party requiring verification doesn't specifically demand an oath before a notary (F.S. §92.525). The declaration states, in the statute's own required language, "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing [document] and that the facts stated in it are true," followed by the signer's signature — no notary involved at all.
This can save a step, but only works when the requesting party or governing statute actually accepts it. Many still specifically require a notarized jurat instead — confirm which one you need before booking, since a declaration in place of a required notarization can get a document rejected.
Who signs
- The person swearing to or declaring the statement signs
- No additional witnesses are required beyond the notary, unlike a will, deed, or health care directive
Preparation checklist
- The completed, unsigned statement
- One current government-issued photo ID
- Confirm whether the recipient specifically requires a notarized jurat or accepts an unsworn declaration
Pricing
A routine sworn statement or affidavit is $45 total, covering the notarial act and coordination fee.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?
A jurat requires you to swear or affirm under oath that the document's contents are true — that's what most sworn statements and affidavits call for, and I administer that oath before you sign. An acknowledgment only confirms your identity and that you signed voluntarily, without swearing to the contents. Tell me which your document needs if you're not sure.
Can I use an unsworn declaration instead of notarizing my document?
Sometimes. Florida law (F.S. §92.525) allows a signed declaration under penalty of perjury in place of notarization for many documents — but only when the law, rule, or party requesting your document accepts that form. Many specifically require a notarized jurat instead. Confirm before booking.
Can EMC notarize a sworn statement remotely?
Yes, by RON, with the same legal weight as an in-person notarization.
Do you draft the sworn statement or declaration?
No. I don't draft affidavits or declarations, or advise on their wording — that's the unauthorized practice of law for a notary. Bring the completed, unsigned document.
How much does a sworn statement notarization cost?
A routine sworn statement or affidavit is $45 total, covering the notarial act and coordination fee.