If you're lending or borrowing money in Florida and want a clear, enforceable agreement, a well-drafted promissory note is essential. As a business attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of promissory notes for Florida clients over the past twelve years, I created this completely free promissory note template Florida residents and businesses can download and use immediately. This Florida promissory note template complies with Florida Statutes Chapter 687 (interest and usury) and Florida contract law as of 2025.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about Florida promissory note requirements, when to use secured vs. unsecured notes, interest rate limits, and how to make your note legally binding. You'll also get my battle-tested sample promissory note Florida template at the end—100% free in both Word and PDF formats.
A promissory note is a written, unconditional promise by one party (the borrower/maker) to pay a specific sum of money to another party (the lender/payee) either on demand or at a fixed future date. In Florida, while a promissory note doesn't have to be recorded with the county (unless it's secured by real estate), it must contain certain elements to be enforceable under Florida law.
Over my career, I've seen countless disputes avoided simply because the parties used a proper Florida-specific promissory note instead of a generic online form. Florida's usury laws (Fla. Stat. § 687.02–687.04) are stricter than many states, and failing to comply can make your entire note unenforceable or even expose you to criminal penalties.
According to Florida law and my experience enforcing these documents in court, every valid promissory note in Florida must include:
Florida's usury limits are among the most complex in the nation. As of 2025, the general maximum interest rates per Fla. Stat. § 687.03 are:
| Loan Amount | Maximum Interest Rate | Criminal Usury Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500,000 | 18% per year simple interest | Over 25% |
| $500,000 and over | 25% per year simple interest | Over 45% |
Source: Florida Statutes § 687.03 and IRS Topic No. 505 regarding imputed interest rules for loans under $10,000.
Important: Even family loans must comply. If you charge no interest or below-market interest on loans over certain amounts, the IRS may impute interest under the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR).
In my practice, I always ask clients: "What happens if they don't pay?" Your answer determines whether you need a secured or unsecured note.
For real estate-secured notes (mortgages), you must record the mortgage with the county clerk and include specific Florida mortgage language.
After reviewing hundreds of cases and drafting notes that have held up in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, and Hillsborough County courts, I've refined this template to include every protection Florida law allows.
Download Free Florida Promissory Note Template (Word .docx)
Download Free Florida Promissory Note Template (PDF)
Here's how a completed note using my template looks:
PROMISSORY NOTE (SECURED)
$75,000.00 Miami, Florida November 19, 2025
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, JOHN A. BORROWER, an individual residing at 123 Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida 33139 ("Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of JANE B. LENDER, an individual residing at 456 Palm Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 ("Lender"), the principal sum of SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($75,000.00) with interest...
(Full 5-page sample available inside the download)
In my experience representing lenders trying to collect:
Does a promissory note have to be notarized in Florida?
No, but notarization creates a strong presumption of authenticity under Fla. Stat. § 695.03.
Can I charge late fees in Florida?
Yes—late fees up to 5% of the overdue payment are generally enforceable.
Is a handwritten promissory note legal in Florida?
Yes, as long as it contains the essential elements and is signed.
What if the borrower files bankruptcy?
Your claim becomes part of the bankruptcy estate, but a properly perfected security interest survives.
Whether you're lending $5,000 to a friend or $500,000 to a business partner, using my free promissory note template Florida edition gives you the same level of protection my paying clients receive—without the attorney fees.
Download your template today and have peace of mind knowing your loan is documented correctly under Florida law.
→ Click Here to Download Free Florida Promissory Note Template (Word)
→ Click Here to Download Free Florida Promissory Note Template (PDF)
Disclaimer: This free promissory note template Florida version is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and your specific situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney before lending significant sums. Information accurate as of November 2025.