Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed into law a measure that imposes new restrictions on how notaries public and unlicensed individuals advertise immigration-related services, aiming to prevent consumer deception and unauthorized practice of law.

The measure, HB 915, bars notaries who are not licensed attorneys or otherwise federally authorized to represent individuals in immigration matters from using titles such as “notario público,” “immigration consultant,” or any similar designation that implies legal expertise.

The restriction applies to advertisements in any language and is intended to curb the misuse of legal-sounding terminology that can mislead non-English-speaking residents, particularly within immigrant communities.

The legislation also strengthens existing disclosure requirements by mandating that notaries who advertise in a language other than English must include a clear disclaimer in both English and the language of the advertisement.

The notice must state: “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 advice.”

In addition, the law creates a new disclosure requirement for individuals and businesses offering immigration services without legal accreditation. These providers must now post conspicuous notices at their place of business and on their websites, again in English and in every language used to conduct services, stating: “I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. I am not accredited to represent you in immigration matters.”