New Florida Law Regulates Advertising of Notary and Immigration Services

With the goal of preventing confusion and protecting consumers, the Florida State Legislature has passed HB 915, a law that introduces new restrictions on the advertising of notarial and immigration services. This law, which will go into effect on July 1, 2025, sets strict guidelines on how notaries who are not attorneys and individuals offering immigration services without a legal license can advertise.

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What Does HB 915 Establish?

This regulation modifies and creates new sections within the Florida Statutes:

1. Advertising by Notaries Public

• Ban on misleading translations: It is prohibited to translate the term “Notary Public” literally into Spanish as “Notario Público,” since it may falsely suggest that the person has legal powers similar to an attorney.
• Term restrictions: A notary who is not a licensed attorney in the United States and is not authorized to represent others in immigration matters may not use terms such as: Notario, Notario Público, Immigration Assistant, Immigration Consultant, or Immigration Specialist in any language.
• Mandatory disclaimers in ads: All advertisements in languages other than English must include a clear disclaimer stating: “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Florida and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.”

2. Advertising of Immigration Services

Anyone or any business offering immigration services without being a licensed attorney or federally accredited representative must post a visible disclaimer in all the languages in which services are offered, both online and in physical locations. The disclaimer must read:

“I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. I am not accredited to represent you in immigration matters.”

What Are the Consequences for Noncompliance?

Any person affected by violations of these provisions may file a civil lawsuit seeking:

• Injunctive or declaratory relief
• Compensation for actual damages
• Recovery of attorney’s fees and legal costs

These tools are intended to ensure consumer protection, particularly in vulnerable communities that could be misled by inaccurate or ambiguous terminology.

Who Is Affected by This Law?

This legislation primarily impacts:

• Notaries public who are not licensed attorneys
• Businesses or individuals offering immigration services without proper accreditation
• Immigrant individuals or legal service seekers who may misunderstand the authority of those advising them

Recommendations for Compliance

• Review your advertising materials: Ensure that all your print and digital ads comply with the new legal requirements.
• Avoid misleading titles: Do not use terms that imply legal authority if you are not authorized to practice immigration law in the U.S.
• Inform your clients properly: Post mandatory disclaimers in all the languages in which you offer services.
• Seek legal advice: Consult an attorney if you have questions about the law’s scope or how to comply with it in your specific case.

Conclusion

The new HB 915 law marks an important step toward clarity and consumer protection in Florida, especially in sensitive areas such as legal and immigration services. Complying with these new provisions is not only a legal obligation, but also a demonstration of responsibility and transparency to the public.

From: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/915

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