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Florida Promissory Notes

Create a legally compliant Florida promissory note that complies with state usury limits and includes all required provisions. Choose the note type that fits your lending situation, fill out the guided form, and download your professional PDF for $7.99.

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Florida Usury Law and Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 18%
Rate Description 18% for loans under $500,000; 25% for larger
Default Rate 12%
Penalty for Exceeding Usury Limit Forfeiture of double the interest (Fla. Stat. 687.04); over 25% is a criminal misdemeanor, over 45% a third-degree felony (687.071)
Statute of Limitations 6 years
Notarization Required Not required (recommended)
Witness Required Not required
Governing Agency Florida Circuit Courts

Verified against official Florida usury statutes and Florida Circuit Courts guidance. Last reviewed May 2026. How we verify our legal data.

A Florida promissory note is subject to Chapter 687 usury limits: 18 percent per year on loans of $500,000 or less, and 25 percent on larger loans. If the note does not state a rate, Florida's default legal rate applies.

Florida treats interest above 25 percent as criminal usury (a misdemeanor up to 45 percent and a felony above that), and a civil usury violation can cost the lender double the interest charged. The statute of limitations to sue on the note itself is six years under the Uniform Commercial Code. Our documents include a usury savings clause and the terms that keep a Florida note enforceable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in Florida?

Florida caps the maximum interest rate at 18% (18% for loans under $500,000; 25% for larger). Exceeding this limit may result in penalties: Forfeiture of double the interest (Fla. Stat. 687.04); over 25% is a criminal misdemeanor, over 45% a third-degree felony (687.071). If no rate is specified, the default legal rate is 12%. Our documents include a usury savings clause for additional protection.

Does a promissory note need to be notarized in Florida?

Notarization is not legally required in Florida, but it is strongly recommended. A notarized note is easier to enforce in court and helps verify the identities of all parties. While not required, having 2 witnesses is recommended.

How much does a Florida promissory note cost?

Each promissory note costs $7.99. Choose your note type, fill in your details through our guided form, and download your completed, Florida-compliant PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.

What is Florida's maximum interest rate for a private promissory note?

Florida Statute §687.02 sets the usury limit at 18% per year for loans under $500,000 and 25% per year for loans of $500,000 or more. Charging above the 18% limit is civil usury (forfeiture of excess interest). Charging above 25% is criminal usury - a third-degree felony. For a promissory note, Florida applies the Uniform Commercial Code six-year period (Fla. Stat. 673.1181). Seller-financed mortgages and certain business loans have different rate rules.

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