What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?

Oaths and Affirmations: The promise to tell the truth.

The difference between an affirmation and an oath is that an affirmation is a solemn promise that is made without any reference to a higher power or authority but is instead on the person’s personal honor.

An oath is a solemn promise that is made while invoking a higher power or authority, such as God.

Both oaths and affirmations are “binding” and effectively compel a person to tell the truth or to fulfill a certain obligation.

Pursuant to F.S. 117.03, “Administration of oaths. — A notary public may administer an oath and make a certificate thereof when it is necessary for the execution of any writing or document to be published under the seal of a notary public. The notary public may not take an acknowledgment of execution in lieu of an oath if an oath is required.”.

Pursuant to F.S. 117.04, "Acknowledgments. — A notary public is authorized to take the acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments of writing for record, as fully as other officers of this state.”.