A self-proving will is a will that, in addition to being signed and witnessed, includes a notarized certificate: the person making the will acknowledges it, and the two witnesses swear that they watched it being signed and signed in front of each other (§ 732.503). A self-proved will can usually be admitted to probate without further proof (§ 733.201), which saves time and avoids tracking down witnesses years later.
Self-proof does not make a will valid by itself. The will must still be properly signed and witnessed.
Florida’s signing requirements
A Florida will must be in writing and signed at the end by the testator (or by someone else at the testator’s direction and in their presence), in the presence of two attesting witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and of each other (§ 732.502). Self-proof can be added at the signing or later, by the acknowledgment and affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths, using the statutory form (§ 732.503).
Notarization may be in person or by online notarization. A purportedly self-proved electronic will is treated differently if the online notarization substantially failed to follow the required procedures (§ 733.201).
If the will is not self-proved
It can still be admitted, but someone has to prove it:
- An attesting witness may give an oath before a circuit judge, a court-appointed commissioner, or the clerk (§ 733.201(2)).
- If the witnesses cannot be found, have become incapacitated, or cannot testify within a reasonable time, the will may be admitted on the oath of the nominated personal representative, or of a person with no interest under the will, stating they believe it is the decedent’s true last will (§ 733.201(3)).
Wills signed in other states
A will made self-proved under the laws of the state where it was signed is treated as self-proved in Florida (§ 732.503(2)).
What changes the answer
- Whether the notary certificate follows the statutory form
- Whether the witnesses signed in each other’s presence
- Whether online notarization was used, and how
- Whether anyone contests the will’s validity, which self-proof does not prevent
An example
A woman signed her will in her attorney’s office in 2012, with two staff members as witnesses and a notary completing the self-proof certificate. When she dies in 2026, one witness has moved away and the other cannot be located. Because the will is self-proved, the court admits it on the original alone, and no one has to find the witnesses.
Common misunderstandings
- “Notarized means valid.” A notary does not replace the two witnesses.
- “Self-proved means it can’t be challenged.” It simplifies proof of signing; it does not prevent a challenge for undue influence or incapacity.
- “A handwritten will is fine if it’s notarized.” A will signed in Florida needs two witnesses; a notary’s stamp does not replace them, and Florida does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills.
What to gather
- The original will, including the last page with the notary certificate
- Names of the witnesses and the notary, if known
- Any codicils, each of which needs its own execution
Next step
Check the last pages of the original will for the notary certificate and both witness signatures. If either is missing, plan for proof by witness testimony.
Related guidance
- Does a will avoid probate?
- Can a will signed outside Florida be used?
- What if the original will is missing?
Sources: Florida Statutes § 732.502, § 732.503, and § 733.201 (2026). Checked on October 23, 2026.