Immigration Services - Regulations and Complaints

The Unlawful Immigration Services Ordinance requires Notary Publics to adhere to specific advertising criteria to lower the risk of confusion and potential for fraud affecting those seeking immigration assistance.

Regulations and Compliance

1. Only a person authorized to practice law can provide legal services in the area of immigration law.
2. Persons not authorized to practice law cannot draft, fill out, or otherwise assist in the creation of immigration forms or documents on behalf of another while representing themselves as knowledgeable in immigration law and practice.
3. A notary public who is not a lawyer cannot provide legal advice.
4. A notary public in Miami-Dade County who advertises must include in the advertisement that the notary is not a lawyer, and the notice must be in English, Spanish and Creole.
5. The phrase “notary public,” cannot be translated into a language other than English.
6. Failure to comply with this ordinance may result in civil penalties of $2,500 for a first offense.

Complaints

Any consumer seeking immigration services in Miami-Dade County can file a complaint in writing with the Consumer Mediation Center for any illegal, improper, or questionable act, including unauthorized law practice, regarding immigration services provided by a notary public in Miami-Dade. In addition, a complaint may also be filed for the use of specific language in advertisements that do not include that the notary is not a lawyer. Such language must be in English, Spanish, and Creole. 

Filing a Complaint with the Consumer Mediation Center

Complete the Consumer Complaint Affidavit Form and submit the completed form by email, mail, or fax (contact information is at the top of the form). Make sure to include a summary of the facts on which your allegations are based, as well as copies of any court papers, documents, letters or other materials that pertain to your claims. Do not send the original documents. 

All complaints received by the Consumer Mediation Center are first reviewed to determine whether this Division has jurisdiction to investigate the allegations. If so, the respondent notary public/non-lawyer will be sent a copy of your complaint as part of our investigation process, and your complaint may also be referred to other government agencies which may assist in our complaint handling process.

What to expect after you file a complaint

While each complaint may vary, please allow up to two or three business days for initial acknowledgment of your complaint.

Your assigned investigative analyst will review your complaint to determine if and how we can best assist you with your claim. A part of this process will include contacting the respondent immigration services provider, as well as attempting to attempt to find an amicable resolution (mediation) of your complaint. This may require multiple attempts and may take up to four or more weeks. 

If we are unable to successfully mediate your complaint, you will have the right to pursue the matter further in court and your assigned investigative analyst will provide you with the information and forms to do so.