FL S2104

Requires first-time notary applicants to complete Department of State-approved interactive or classroom instruction within 1 year before application, covering notary duties including electronic notarization.

Transfers notary application processing, education, and complaint investigation from Executive Office of Governor to Department of State, while Governor retains appointment and suspension authority.

Allocates surcharge fees from notary applications: $1.65 to Governor's office for commissions and suspensions, and $2.35 to Department of State for application processing, education, and complaint investigations.

Establishes new complaint process where Department of State investigates alleged violations and submits findings to Governor, and requires bonding entities to submit annual reports by January 1 or face refusal of their bonding certificates.

Clarifies that notarizing a signature when the person is not present violates law and constitutes grounds for suspension; provides $1.35 million nonrecurring transfer from Governor's office to Department of State for implementation.