What is a declaration by a person that their signature is a voluntary act, made before an authorized person?

The correct answer is the acknowledgment, which refers to a formal declaration made by an individual affirming that their signature is genuine and that it was executed voluntarily. This process typically occurs in the presence of an authorized person, such as a notary public, who witnesses the individual declare that they understand what they are signing and are doing so of their own free will. By providing this verification, the acknowledgment helps ensure the integrity of the document and can be critical in legal contexts, such as mortgage documents, where the authenticity of the signature can determine the validity of the agreement.

In real estate and mortgage transactions, obtaining proper acknowledgments is essential for enforcing contracts and ensuring all parties are bound to the terms they have agreed upon. This is especially important in Florida's legal framework, where proper acknowledgment can protect against potential claims of fraud or coercion regarding the signing of documents.