Florida's Notary Advertising Crackdown: Navigating HB 915 and Avoiding Legal Trouble in Orlando (2025)
- Olivia Sterling
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
For Notaries Public in Florida, understanding and adhering to state regulations is paramount. With the upcoming House Bill 915 (HB 915), effective July 1, 2025, significant changes are coming to how notaries can advertise their services, particularly concerning immigration-related terms. This new law aims to protect consumers, especially immigrant communities, from misleading claims and unauthorized legal advice. If you're an Orlando notary or seeking notary services, it's crucial to be aware of these vital updates to ensure compliance and avoid severe legal repercussions.
💡 Key Takeaways
HB 915 Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Key Restriction: Prohibits non-attorney notaries from using misleading legal terms like "notario público" or "immigration consultant" in advertising.
Purpose: To prevent the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and protect the public, particularly immigrants, from fraud.
Consequences: Non-compliance can lead to disciplinary action against the notary's commission and civil penalties.
Action: Notaries must update all advertising materials (online, signage, etc.) for compliance before the July 2025 deadline.
The "Notario Público" Confusion: Why This Law Matters
In many Latin American countries, a "notario público" is a highly trained legal professional, often an attorney, authorized to draft legal documents and provide legal advice. However, in the United States, a Notary Public serves a different, more limited role as an impartial witness to signatures. This difference in terminology has unfortunately led to widespread confusion and, in some cases, exploitation of individuals seeking immigration assistance.
Scam artists have historically leveraged this linguistic misunderstanding to defraud vulnerable individuals by implying they possess legal expertise they do not have. HB 915 directly addresses this issue by clearly defining what non-attorney notaries can and cannot claim in their advertising.
⛔ Prohibited Terms and Phrases in Florida Notary Advertising
Under HB 915, a Notary Public who is not authorized to represent a person in an immigration matter (i.e., not a licensed attorney) is explicitly prohibited from using the following terms when advertising their notary services:
Notario público
Notario
Immigration assistant
Immigration consultant
Immigration specialist
Furthermore, the law prohibits the use of any other designation or title, in any language, which conveys or implies that the notary possesses professional legal skills in immigration law. This broad language is designed to close loopholes and ensure comprehensive protection for consumers. For notaries advertising in a language other than English, a specific disclaimer must also be published: "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 services."
The Reasoning: Preventing Unauthorized Legal Advice and Protecting Consumers
The primary motivation behind HB 915 is to safeguard the public, particularly immigrant communities, from the unauthorized practice of law and fraudulent schemes. By restricting these specific terms, Florida aims to:
☑️ Prevent Misrepresentation: Ensure that individuals understand the precise scope of a notary's services.
☑️ Combat Fraud: Reduce instances where non-attorney notaries mislead clients into believing they can offer legal immigration advice or services.
☑️ Uphold Professional Standards: Maintain the integrity of the notary profession by clearly distinguishing between notarial acts and legal counsel.
This law brings Florida in line with many other states that have long had similar prohibitions, acknowledging the critical need for consumer protection in this sensitive area.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Starting July 1, 2025, notaries in Orlando and across Florida who fail to comply with HB 915 face serious consequences. Non-compliance can lead to:
📛 Disciplinary action against their notary commission: This could range from fines to suspension or even revocation of their ability to act as a notary public in Florida.
📛 Civil penalties and lawsuits: Victims of misleading advertising or fraudulent legal advice may seek justice and compensation through civil action.
📛 Other legal troubles: Depending on the severity and nature of the non-compliance, additional legal ramifications could apply.
It is imperative for all Florida notaries to proactively review their advertising, signage, business cards, and online presence to ensure full compliance before the law takes effect. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and the penalties can be significant.
Florida's HB 915 is a crucial step in protecting consumers and clarifying the role of Notaries Public. As we approach the July 1, 2025, effective date, all notaries in Orlando must take the time to understand these new advertising restrictions. Don't wait until it's too late to adjust your practices. Review your current ads and signage for compliance! Need a Notary who understands these rules and provides ethical, compliant service for your important documents? Contact us today for reliable, professional notary assistance.
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