House Passes Bill Protecting Immigrants from Fraud

HB 915, sponsored by Rep. Johanna López (D-Orlando), achieved final passage (114-1) in the House on Thursday, April 24. The bill was sent to the Senate where the companion, SB 846, sponsored by Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), remains on the Special Order Calendar. 

The bill would address notary public fraud, particularly focusing on immigration matters and the misuse of professional titles by notaries. They would prohibit a notary public from using specified terms, such as “notario público,” or any designation or title, in any language, which conveys or implies that he or she possesses professional legal skills in immigration law.

Some immigrants have become victims of fraud by those who have misrepresented themselves as immigration attorneys or consultants, often paying them large sums of money. The measure would create a civil cause of action for aggrieved parties to seek damages and legal fees.