(1) The Governor may appoint commissioners of deeds to take acknowledgments, proofs of execution, or oaths in any foreign country, in international waters, or in any possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States outside the 50 states. The term of office is 4 years. Commissioners of deeds shall have authority to take acknowledgments, proofs of execution, and oaths in connection with the execution of any deed, mortgage, deed of trust, contract, power of attorney, or any other writing to be used or recorded in connection with a timeshare estate, personal property timeshare interest, timeshare license, any property subject to a timeshare plan, or the operation of a timeshare plan located within this state; provided such instrument or writing is executed outside the United States. Such acknowledgments, proofs of execution, and oaths must be taken or made in the manner directed by the laws of this state, including but not limited to s. 117.05(4), (5)(a), and (6), Florida Statutes 1997, and certified by a commissioner of deeds. The certification must be endorsed on or annexed to the instrument or writing aforesaid and has the same effect as if made or taken by a notary public licensed in this state. (2) Any person seeking to be appointed a commissioner of deeds must take and subscribe to an oath, before a notary public in this state or any other state, or a person authorized to take oaths in another country, to well and faithfully execute and perform the duties of such commissioner of deeds. The oath must be filed with the Department of State prior to the person being commissioned.
(3) Official acts performed by any previously appointed commissioners of deeds, between May 30, 1997, and the effective date of this part, are declared valid as though such official acts were performed in accordance with and under the authority of this part.
