Florida launches 46 new probes after over 7,100 suspect marijuana petitions were verified
FILE -On January 20, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched 46 new criminal investigations after discovering that more than 7,100 allegedly fraudulent marijuana‑petition signatures submitted by circulators working for Smart & Safe Florida were nonetheless validated by state election officials, prompting a statewide probe into why the organization failed to report over 21,000 questionable petitions and whether criminal liability extends beyond the individual collectors. (FL AG James Uthmeier)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — More than 7,100 petitions submitted by suspected fraudulent circulators were verified as valid by Florida election officials, a shocking discovery that prompted Attorney General James Uthmeier on Tuesday to launch 46 new criminal investigations and subpoena Smart & Safe Florida in an escalating probe into alleged marijuana petition fraud.
Uthmeier said newly obtained documents show Smart & Safe Florida was aware that dozens of petition collectors had turned in more than 21,000 questionable signatures but failed to notify law enforcement.
"Florida’s Constitution is not for sale, and we will not allow a mega marijuana corporation to hijack our state’s governing document," he said.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) reviewed records showing that about 50 circulators registered with Smart & Safe Florida collected petitions for the proposed Adult Personal Use of Marijuana amendment. Of the more than 21,600 petitions they submitted, over 14,500 were flagged for issues including mismatched signatures and other indicators of fraud and later invalidated by election officials.
But investigators say the most troubling finding is that 7,100 petitions submitted by the same circulators were accepted and validated, despite being tied to individuals now suspected of widespread petition fraud.
To date, nine petition circulators have been arrested or had warrants issued, with at least six additional cases pending. OSP expects more arrests as ongoing investigations near completion.
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The four criminal subpoenas issued Tuesday require Smart & Safe Florida and its contractors to turn over records related to their petition operations. Prosecutors say they are now examining whether potential criminal liability could extend beyond individual circulators and into the organizations overseeing the petition drive.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay also sent a formal letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement outlining the scope of the investigation and the specific documents being sought.
View the letter here:
