Politics
Senator Tina Polsky, Representative Johanna López, and Representative Marie Woodson Take Action Against Notario Fraud
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – In a bid to crack down on notario fraud, Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) filed Senate Bill 846, while Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando), with Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) as a co-sponsor, introduced House Bill 915. The proposed legislation aims to protect immigrants from fraudulent practices by unqualified individuals posing as legal experts.
Notario fraud occurs when individuals—often presenting themselves as “notarios” or immigration consultants—offer legal services they are not qualified to provide. While a notario público in Latin American countries is a highly trained legal professional with authority similar to an attorney, a notary public in the U.S. is only authorized to witness document signings. This discrepancy often misleads immigrants, leading to mishandled visa, green card, work permit, and citizenship applications.
“Due to the high priority this Legislature and Governor has placed on immigration, I hope that our legislation will be a priority in this legislative session to address the ongoing issue of fraud and provide vital legal resources for our immigrant community,” said Senator Polsky. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, community advocates, and legal experts to bring this bill to life and make Florida a safer place for all who call it home.”
Representative López echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for the legislation. “Florida is home to millions of immigrants who contribute to our economy, culture, and communities. They are business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, and neighbors who enrich the fabric of our state. Ensuring they have access to legitimate legal representation and protection from fraud is not just a moral imperative—it is a matter of public safety and economic stability,” she stated.
Representative Woodson highlighted the loopholes that currently allow fraudulent practices to persist. “Despite existing laws that regulate the legal profession, notario fraud remains a persistent problem in Florida. Many victims, fearing retaliation or uncertainty about their rights, do not report these fraudulent practices, allowing bad actors to continue operating with impunity. That is why our proposed legislation seeks to require clearer disclosure requirements for non-attorneys offering immigration-related services,” she said.
What’s Next?
The bills are expected to be reviewed in the upcoming legislative session. Lawmakers, community advocates, and legal experts will collaborate to ensure the legislation effectively addresses the notario fraud issue and provides stronger protections for Florida’s immigrant communities.
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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