Florida has been at the forefront of Remote Online Notarization (RON) since it became legal in 2020, making it easier for buyers, sellers and lenders to complete closings without meeting in person. While RON offers convenience, it also introduces new cybersecurity risks, especially in the high-stakes world of real estate transactions. As cyber fraud becomes more sophisticated, it’s important to approach your online closing with caution and a clear checklist so your investment stays protected.

With RON, signers connect to a notary via secure audio-video technology, verify their identity electronically and sign documents digitally. It’s fast, paperless and can be done from anywhere. But these advantages also make it a target for hackers looking to intercept wire transfers, steal personal data or impersonate legitimate parties.

To protect yourself and your transaction, make sure you follow this closing checklist:

• Verify your notary and the platform they use. Confirm the notary is registered as a Florida Online Notary Public. Ensure the RON platform is state-approved and uses multi-factor authentication to provide extra layers of protection.
• Lock down your communication channels. Only use secure, verified email addresses and phone numbers for all transaction communications. Double check all phone numbers and email addresses to confirm they match those of the expected sender. Don’t click on links from unexpected messages since wire fraud often starts with phishing emails.
• Confirm wiring instructions in person or by verified calls. Never rely solely on email instructions when wiring funds. First, confirm the details directly with your title company or attorney, preferably in person. Otherwise, call the number you know for them, not a phone number listed in the email.
• Use strong, unique passwords to protect your email, RON account and banking logins. Turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Secure your Wifi network. Use a trusted, private internet connection and utilize updated antivirus software.
• Double check the final closing documents to ensure no unexpected changes or unauthorized pages have been added.

Questions about RON in Florida? Feel free to contact our offices in Pace (850) 994-3838, Pine Forest (850) 202-8518, or downtown Pensacola (850) 361-4029.