Hispanic Floridians have played a pivotal role in building our state, and today their impact is stronger than ever. Increasing numbers of Hispanic families, business owners, seniors, retirees, and veterans call Florida home.

As our community grows, public policy must keep pace in protecting those most at risk.

Florida has a longstanding record of defending seniors, veterans, and retirees — from expanded homestead exemptions to laws guarding against elder abuse and financial exploitation. HB 427 and SB 266 build on that tradition by addressing a pressing problem: predatory public adjuster contracts targeting vulnerable residents after home damage.

When fires, plumbing disasters, or storms strike, seniors, retirees, and veterans often face pressure to sign complicated contracts quickly — sometimes while recovering from hospitalization or other emergencies.

Many Hispanic seniors face an additional hurdle: English is not their primary language, yet contracts are not required to be available in Spanish or other easy-to-understand formats.

Too often, elderly Hispanic residents are navigating these high-stakes decisions alone. Adult children may live far away and cannot assist immediately. Contracts must be reviewed and signed quickly, leaving residents exposed to confusing terms or high-pressure tactics.

HB 427 and SB 266 provide common sense relief. They allow seniors, retirees, and veterans to cancel public adjuster agreements — without penalty — if they are unable to fully understand the contract. This safeguard is especially important for Spanish-speaking residents and others facing language or comprehension challenges.

Ethical public adjusters have nothing to worry about. The bills target exploitative practices, not responsible business operations. They strike a balance: protecting Floridians while leaving legitimate professionals free to do their work.

At its core, this legislation is about fairness, clarity, and respect. It ensures that those who have contributed to Florida — Hispanics, seniors, retirees, and veterans alike — are not taken advantage of in moments of vulnerability.

Florida can once again demonstrate leadership in consumer protection. HB 427 and SB 266 offer practical, balanced reforms that reflect our values and protect those who need it most.

On behalf of Hispanic seniors, and all of Florida’s retirees and veterans, I urge lawmakers to act in support of these commonsense protections.

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Julio A. Fuentes is president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC).

Business leader John Harshman has entered the race for the Sarasota City Commission, running for an at-large seat in the city’s next municipal election.

Harshman, a longtime Sarasota commercial real estate executive, said decades of local business experience and civic involvement have prepared him for his bid for office. He faces incumbent Jen Ahearn-Koch, Flo Entler and Rob Rominiecki for two at-large seats.

“I fell in love with Sarasota and have built my career and life here,” Harshman said in a statement. “It would be my privilege to serve all members of our community on the city commission.”

Harshman, who moved to Sarasota more than five decades ago, founded Harshman & Co., Inc. in 1989. The firm has since grown into one of Southwest Florida’s top commercial real estate companies.

In his announcement, Harshman emphasized land-use policy and fiscal responsibility as core issues driving his candidacy. Harshman said he decided to run after completing a 45-day “listening tour,” during which he met with neighborhood leaders, business owners, arts organizations, environmental advocates and local government officials.

“The encouragement that I received from this very diverse group convinced me that my decades of living, working, and volunteering in the Sarasota community have prepared me for serving the citizens of the town I dearly love,” Harshman said.

Beyond his business career, Harshman has held leadership or volunteer roles with civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce; Association of Downtown Commercial Property Owners, Inc.; Downtown Sarasota Alliance, Girls, Inc.; The Pines of Sarasota, Inc.; Sarasota County Public Facilities Finance Advisory Board; Sarasota Community Redevelopment Advisory Board; Sarasota County Environmental Lands Oversight Committee; City of Sarasota Tree Advisory Committee; National Estuary Program Volunteer; Sarasota Ballet Board; and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Harshman is a graduate of the University of South Florida and a Leadership Sarasota alumnus. He is also an honorary alumnus of New College of Florida.

Outside of his professional and civic work, Harshman also taught Taekwondo to hundreds of local families and earned a fifth-degree black belt — winning several national championships as a competitor.