SPB 7208 - Notaries Public

• Requires first-time notary applicants to complete approved interactive or classroom instruction within 1 year before application, with the Department of State adopting rules for registration and approval of course providers and core curriculum.

• Transfers processing of notary applications, education, assistance, and complaint investigations from the Executive Office of the Governor to the Department of State, while Governor retains appointment and suspension authority.

• Reallocates the $4 surcharge on notary fees, directing $1.65 to the Governor's Grants and Donations Trust Fund for commission issuance and suspension processing, and $2.35 to the Department of State Operating Trust Fund for application processing, education, and complaint investigation.

• Requires entities issuing notary bonds to submit annual reports to the Department of State by January 1 documenting any claims paid; department may refuse bonding certificates from entities failing to submit reports.

• Makes notarizing a signature when the person is not present a civil infraction (penalty up to $5,000) and grounds for suspension, and requires conspicuous warnings on applications that false statements constitute a felony under s. 817.155.