New Florida Law Cracks Down on Misleading Immigration Services Advertising: What Florida Notaries Need to Know

Florida Notaries, pay close attention: a significant new law, House Bill 915, has changed the rules on how you can advertise your services—especially if your business touches on immigration assistance. This legislation is designed to protect immigrants from misleading claims and ensure Notaries operate within their legal authority.

At INK Notary Services LLC, we believe staying informed is crucial not only to protect your business but also to serve your clients ethically and confidently. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Changing for Florida Notaries?

 House Bill 915 amends Sections 117.05, 117.051, and 501.1391 of the Florida Statutes. The main goal: prevent confusion about the legal authority of Notaries and non-legal immigration service providers.

Key points for Notaries:

• Prohibited terminology: If you are a Notary Public and are not authorized to provide immigration legal services, you cannot use terms like:

  • “notario público”

  • “notario”

  • “immigration assistant”

  • “immigration consultant”

  • “immigration specialist”…or any other title, in any language, that implies you can give legal immigration advice.

    
    

• New penalties: Failure to comply can result in lawsuits for damages, attorney fees, or other expenses. Additionally, Florida already requires a disclaimer when advertising in foreign languages (FS 117.05[10]); non-compliance here can also trigger liability.

  
  

How It Affects Non-Legal Immigration Services

If your business provides non-legal immigration support—like form preparation, translation, or clerical assistance—you must now:

• Post a conspicuous notice at your physical location and on your website.

• Include the notice in every language you use for services.

• Clearly state that you are not a licensed attorney, cannot provide legal advice, and cannot accept fees for legal advice or represent clients in immigration matters.

Businesses that fail to include these disclosures can face liability for damages.

Why This Change Matters

The law addresses confusion caused by terms like “notario público,” which in many countries imply a level of legal authority far beyond what a U.S. Notary holds. Florida is aligning with other states that recognized years ago that misuse of these terms can mislead immigrants into thinking they are receiving legal counsel.

At the same time, House Bill 915 protects the role of businesses providing essential non-legal immigration support. Services like helping clients fill out forms, translating documents, or offering guidance on where to submit paperwork remain legal—as long as transparency is maintained.

Key Considerations for Florida Notaries

House Bill 915 brings important changes for advertising and providing non-legal immigration services. While this does not constitute legal advice, here are some points Florida Notaries may want to be aware of:

• Advertising terminology: The law restricts the use of certain terms, such as “notario público” or “immigration consultant,” for Notaries who are not licensed to practice immigration law. Awareness of these restrictions can help prevent potential misunderstandings.

• Disclosures: The law requires businesses offering non-legal immigration assistance to include specific statements about the scope of their services, particularly when communicating in languages other than English.

• Team awareness: Anyone representing your business should be aware of these general advertising guidelines to maintain clarity with clients.

• Stay informed: Florida laws and rules regarding Notary advertising and non-legal immigration services may evolve. Monitoring updates from the Florida Department of State, Notary Division, and other reputable sources can help you remain aware of changes.

By taking these steps, you protect your business from liability, maintain your professional reputation, and help the communities you serve navigate the immigration process safely and legally.

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Disclaimer: INK Notary Services, LLC is a private business providing support services and is not an attorney, does not provide legal services, and is not affiliated with the Florida Department of State. This material is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. INK Notary Services, LLC is not liable for your use of this content. Always consult a licensed attorney, accountant, or tax professional for official guidance. State-specific requirements may vary, so verify all rules with your local authorities, including your state’s notary division, before performing services.

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