Florida Unsecured Promissory Note (2026)
A personal promise to repay, with no property pledged — common between friends and family. Interest limit in Florida: 18% per year simple interest (Fla. Stat. §687.02); for loans over $500,000 only the criminal limit applies. Charging more than 25% is a crime (Fla. Stat. §687.071).
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Florida promissory note: key facts
- Maximum interest (usury limit)
- 18% per year simple interest (Fla. Stat. §687.02); for loans over $500,000 only the criminal limit applies. Charging more than 25% is a crime (Fla. Stat. §687.071).
- Legal rate when the note sets none
- The judgment interest rate set quarterly by the Chief Financial Officer (Fla. Stat. §55.03): 7.87% per year from October 1, 2026.
- Time limit to sue
- Florida: 5 years for an action on a written instrument (Fla. Stat. §95.11(2)(b)).
- Notary required?
- No requirement was found for a simple promissory note; notarizing is optional. A lien on real estate needs a separate mortgage or deed of trust.
Official sources: Florida Statutes, Chapter 687 · Florida CFO — Judgment interest rates · Florida Statutes §95.11 · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum interest rate on a personal loan in Florida?
- 18% per year simple interest (Fla. Stat. §687.02); for loans over $500,000 only the criminal limit applies. Charging more than 25% is a crime (Fla. Stat. §687.071). Our form blocks rates above the safe limit for your state.
- Does a promissory note need to be notarized in Florida?
- No requirement was found for a simple promissory note; notarizing is optional. A lien on real estate needs a separate mortgage or deed of trust.
- Secured or unsecured: which one do I need?
- Use a secured note when the borrower pledges property, such as a car or equipment, that the lender can enforce against after a default. Use an unsecured note for a simple personal promise to repay.
- How long do I have to sue on an unpaid note in Florida?
- Florida: 5 years for an action on a written instrument (Fla. Stat. §95.11(2)(b)).
- Can I get it in Spanish?
- Yes. You sign the English note and also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish instructions.
DoneDoc provides self-help forms and is not a law firm. We recommend having your document reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before signing.
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