Owning a home in Florida while living elsewhere or having a vacant property you’re trying to sell can come with logistical headaches.
Traveling back to Florida for a real estate closing might not be practical. Maybe you’re handling an inherited home, managing a rental you no longer want, or trying to offload a property before the market shifts. Fortunately, there’s a streamlined, secure solution that doesn’t require a single flight: remote closing using a mobile or online notary.
Thanks to Florida’s flexible real estate and notary laws, homeowners can now close remotely from anywhere in the U.S. (or even overseas) all while protecting their identity, their proceeds, and their peace of mind.
Why Remote Closings Matter for Absentee and Vacant Property Owners
Whether you’re living out of state or your property is sitting empty, closing in person can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, or risks:
- Scheduling conflicts with buyers, agents, or title companies
- Travel expenses and time away from work or family
- Vacant homes left exposed to vandalism, squatting, or storm damage
- Difficulty coordinating documents with multiple heirs or co-owners
Remote closing removes all of those obstacles. With Remote Online Notarization (RON) or a mobile notary visit, you can close on your Florida property entirely online, without ever stepping foot in the state.
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows a licensed notary in Florida to verify your identity and notarize your documents via a secure video call, even if you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away. This process is fully legal and enforceable in Florida, and it’s governed by the Florida Remote Notarization Statute (Chapter 117).
Here’s how it works:
- A licensed Florida online notary hosts a live video session with you.
- You present your government-issued ID, which is electronically verified using credential analysis software and security questions.
- You sign your closing documents digitally.
- The notary applies their digital seal, records the session, and logs it per Florida law.
- The fully signed, notarized documents are sent to your title company to complete the transaction.
You can also choose a mobile notary, who brings paper documents to your location for in-person signing a great option if you’re more comfortable with physical paperwork.
Who Can Use Remote Closing?
Remote closing is ideal for:
- Out-of-state property owners
- Investors selling Florida real estate
- Heirs handling inherited homes
- Landlords exiting the rental market
- Sellers who can’t travel due to health or mobility concerns
Even if multiple owners are on the title, everyone can sign remotely as long as each person completes their notarization session separately.
This entire process is legally supported and recognized by Florida title companies, attorneys, and courts. For a deeper dive into the legality and convenience of this method, check out Florida Realtors’ Guide to Remote Closings.
Step-by-Step: How a Remote Closing Works
- Get a Cash Offer or Contract
You accept an offer from a buyer like a local cash buyer who can move quickly. - Title Company Prepares Closing Docs
You’ll receive your documents securely via email or a signing platform. - Schedule a Remote or Mobile Notary
The title company arranges for a RON session or mobile notary visit at your convenience. - Verify Your Identity
During a RON session, you’ll present ID on camera. The system confirms your identity using advanced tools outlined in this Florida Notary Bonding Guide to RON. - Sign Your Documents
You sign the required documents either digitally or in ink (mobile notary), while being observed live. - Funds Are Wired to You
After closing is finalized, your proceeds are wired directly to your bank account.
Remote Closing Is Safe But Beware of Wire Fraud
The biggest threat in any modern real estate transaction isn’t the paperwork — it’s wire fraud. Scammers frequently impersonate title companies or real estate agents to trick sellers into wiring their funds to the wrong account.
According to the American Land Title Association (ALTA), real estate wire fraud schemes cost victims hundreds of millions annually — and they’re growing more sophisticated every year.
Here’s how to protect yourself.
✅ Wire-Fraud Prevention Checklist
Before wiring your closing proceeds:
- Never trust last-minute wiring changes via email. Call the title company directly to confirm any updates using a phone number you know is valid.
- Only use encrypted, secure portals (not plain email) to send or receive wire instructions.
- Double-check the account name and number. Make sure it matches exactly what your title company provided.
- Verify the routing number belongs to a legitimate institution.
- If something feels off stop. Call your title rep before sending money.
These simple steps could protect you from losing your entire sale proceeds.
Identity Verification: How Florida Ensures Remote Closings Are Secure
Florida’s RON process is more than just a video chat. The state has implemented strict verification protocols to ensure the person signing is who they claim to be.
During your RON session:
- Your ID is scanned, analyzed, and authenticated in real time.
- You may be asked to answer knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions pulled from credit history or public records.
- The notary is trained to spot inconsistencies or signs of fraud.
- The entire session is recorded and securely stored.
These safeguards make RON closings just as secure if not more so than in-person transactions. If you want a clear explanation of how this process works in practice, Florida Title Closings has an excellent breakdown here.
Why Pair Remote Closing with a Cash Buyer?
Selling to a cash buyer simplifies the entire remote process even further:
- No lender delays
- No appraisals or financing contingencies
- No open houses or showings
- Close in as little as 7–14 days
- Sell as-is, even if the property needs work
For vacant or out-of-state homeowners, this means less stress, faster payment, and no need to travel.
FAQs About Remote Closings in Florida
Do I have to be in Florida to close on my home?
No. With RON, you can legally close from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.
Is online notarization really accepted in Florida?
Yes. It’s 100% valid under the Florida Remote Online Notarization law (Chapter 117).
What if I’m not good with technology?
You can request a mobile notary who will bring physical documents to you and walk you through the process in person.
What if there are multiple owners?
Each party can complete their notarization separately. The title company coordinates the logistics.
How do I know my money is safe?
Work with a reputable title company, follow the wire-fraud checklist, and confirm all instructions by phone.
Ready to Close Remotely? Let Us Help
If you’re an out-of-state homeowner or you’re dealing with a vacant property in Florida, we can help you close quickly and securely without ever leaving home. We’re experienced in remote closings, we work with trusted title companies, and we’ll walk you through every step.
📞 Call us at 850‑778‑2212 or
💻 Fill out our quick form at thepanhandlehomebuyer.com to get your no-obligation cash offer.
About Panhandle Real Estate Investments
I’m Peyton Saluto, founder of Panhandle Real Estate Investments. For over seven years, I’ve helped homeowners across the Florida Panhandle find fair and stress-free ways to sell their homes—no repairs, no commissions, and no pressure. My goal is always to put people first and make a real difference in our communities by restoring distressed properties and rebuilding neighborhoods. If you’re thinking about selling, reach out for a no-obligation cash offer. I’d love the opportunity to help you find the best path forward.