Getting married abroad, working in another country, pursuing international studies, or adopting a child overseas are common reasons Florida residents need official document authentication. A Florida apostille certificate confirms the authority of the official or notary who signed the document, allowing Florida-issued records to be accepted in countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
Not every destination accepts an apostille. Florida authentication for non-Hague countries follows a longer legalization process, beginning with Florida Department of State authentication, then U.S. Department of State certification, and, when required, embassy or consular legalization. Federal documents follow a separate path and must be submitted directly to the U.S. Department of State because Florida offices do not have the authority to authenticate them.
