Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses. The testator signs or acknowledges in front of both, and they sign in front of the testator and each other.
"The attesting witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other."
- Beneficiary as witness
- A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (2018 edition of the statute).
"is not invalid because the will or codicil is signed by an interested witness."
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths. The statutory form has boxes for physical presence or online notarization.
"may be made self-proved at the time of its execution or at any subsequent date"
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized unless witnessed: a handwritten will needs the same two witnesses as any other will, per Nolo's Florida page (updated November 2023).
"Florida does not recognize nuncupative (oral) or holographic (handwritten) wills that are not witnessed"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized. A signature requirement can be met with an electronic signature. (Fla. Stat. 732.522)
"may be satisfied by an electronic signature"
- Remote witnesses
- Witnesses may appear by audio-video only when supervised by a notary in an online notarization session under chapter 117.
"witnesses being present and electronically signing by means of audio-video communication technology"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, or an emancipated minor, and of sound mind.
"Any person who is of sound mind and who is either 18 or more years of age or an emancipated minor may make a will."
Worth knowing
Florida says a handwritten will that is signed and witnessed under its execution rule isn't treated as a holographic will. The page we read doesn't say an unwitnessed one is valid, so we left that blank.
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Florida.
MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for signings in New Jersey (estate planning signings, the estate planning signing package, witness services). Elsewhere, a local notary can help with the self-proving affidavit.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. 732.502, Execution of wills (Florida Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 732.501, Who may make a will (Florida Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 732.504, Who may witness (Florida Senate, 2018 edition) (checked November 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 732.503, Self-proof of will (Florida Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 732.522, Method and place of execution (Florida Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Florida (Nolo, updated November 2023) (checked November 2026)
Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Have a lawyer prepare or review your will. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Rules change, and how a rule applies to one will is a question for a lawyer licensed in the state. A notary can't give legal advice or draft a will.
Common questions
How many witnesses does a will need in Florida?
2. Two witnesses. The testator signs or acknowledges in front of both, and they sign in front of the testator and each other.
Does a will need a notary in Florida?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths. The statutory form has boxes for physical presence or online notarization.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Florida?
A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (2018 edition of the statute). The statute: "is not invalid because the will or codicil is signed by an interested witness."
Is a handwritten will valid in Florida?
Not recognized unless witnessed: a handwritten will needs the same two witnesses as any other will, per Nolo's Florida page (updated November 2023).
Can will witnesses be remote in Florida?
Witnesses may appear by audio-video only when supervised by a notary in an online notarization session under chapter 117.
Are electronic wills allowed in Florida?
Authorized. A signature requirement can be met with an electronic signature. (Fla. Stat. 732.522)
All states: will witness requirements by state · District of Columbia · Georgia