Florida · Notario fraud
Notario fraud in Florida
If a non-lawyer took your money in Florida — under the guise of notario fraud — Florida law is on your side. Here's how the claim works.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
Why this is illegal in Florida
A U.S. 'notario' is not a lawyer. When they charge for immigration or legal work, it's a crime — and every dollar you paid is recoverable, plus damages.
Florida's UPL statute: Fla. Stat. § 454.23; The Florida Bar UPL Rules (Ch. 10, R. Regulating Fla. Bar)
Practicing law in Florida without being a member of The Florida Bar is a third-degree felony. The Florida Bar's UPL Department can pursue injunctions, restitution, and criminal referrals.
Penalties in Florida
Third-degree felony — up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, plus civil injunctions and restitution.
What you can recover
- A full refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory or civil damages under Florida's consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in most cases — often no out-of-pocket cost.
- Referral to a licensed Florida attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report notario fraud in Florida
- File with The Florida Bar — the state bar's UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the Florida Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free confidential review with a licensed Florida attorney who handles UPL recovery.
Related resources
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