Florida law to require citizenship status on driver’s licenses, candidates to disclose stocks

A new Florida law will require driver’s licenses to indicate citizenship status and congressional candidates to disclose stock trading intentions, sparking debate among voters and officials.

Former state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, who authored the bill, explained that one part of the law taking effect this year involves candidate oaths for congressional office.

“That requires all candidate oaths for congressional office to now include a statement whether that person intends to trade stocks,” Persons-Mulicka said.

The bill includes a provision requiring candidates for Congress to openly admit to trading on the stock market. Florida state Sen. Jonathan Martin emphasized the importance of transparency.

“The people deserve trust. They have a right to know if we plan on using the office for financial gain or if we plan using the office to serve the people who elected us,” Martin said.

Republican political consultant Terry Miller called the issue a “hot button” topic, citing past controversies involving insider trading.

“We’ve got a candidate running for Congress that has already been in prison for insider trading. These are felony charges,” Miller said.

Miller referred to former New York Congressman Chris Collins, who pleaded guilty to insider trading, served time in prison, and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.

“It’s a matter of transparency,” Miller said.

Another part of the bill, set to take effect next year, will require all driver’s licenses to indicate citizenship status. Persons-Mulicka clarified the timeline for implementation.

“What this bill does is say all ID cards and driver’s licenses starting July 1, 2027, must notate they are a citizen,” she said.

Some voters are questioning the necessity of the change.

“Do you want to see whether you’re a citizen or non-citizen stamped on there? No, I do not. I don’t feel it’s necessary. That’s over the border,” said Pasquale Mastriano of North Fort Myers.

Craig Barise of Fort Myers shared similar concerns.

“I don’t see what the point of it is. It just seems like one more way to track people,” Barise said.

Immigration attorney Indera DeMine warned that the marking could lead to complications for legal residents.

“It could be used as a way for people who are stopped by the police to be questioned even further and having ICE or immigration called,” DeMine said.

Persons-Mulicka defended the measure, stating it is necessary and will be implemented gradually. Once the law takes effect, residents will not need to update their licenses until their current ones expire.