Notary Public vs. "Notario":
What Hispanic Families in Florida Should Know
In many Latin American countries, a "notario público" is a licensed attorney with years of legal training. In the United States, a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal or immigration advice. Scammers use this confusion to take advantage of Spanish-speaking families.
The Difference Between a "Notario" and a U.S. Notary Public
| Feature | "Notario" in Latin America | Notary Public in Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Law degree required | No law degree required |
| Legal advice | Yes | No |
| Prepares legal documents | Yes | No |
| Represents in immigration matters | Varies by country | No |
| Primary function | Drafts and authenticates legal acts | Verifies identity and witnesses signatures |
What a Florida Notary Public Can Do
- Verify the identity of the person signing
- Witness the signing of documents
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Certify copies of certain non-recordable documents
- Perform marriage ceremonies in Florida
What a Florida Notary Public Cannot Do
- Give legal advice
- Choose or fill out legal forms for you
- Prepare immigration documents
- Represent you before immigration authorities or a court
- Charge fees for legal advice
- Advertise using the title "notario" or "notario público"
Why Florida Law Bans These Terms
Florida Statute §117.05(11) prohibits a notary public from using the terms "notario" or "notario público" in advertising. It also prohibits titles such as "immigration consultant" or "immigration specialist" for anyone not authorized to represent immigration cases.
The law exists because these terms lead people to believe they are speaking with an attorney.
Warning Signs of Fraud
Be cautious if someone:
- Introduces themselves as a "notario" and offers help with your immigration case
- Promises guaranteed results, such as a work permit or green card
- Asks you to pay for government forms that are free
- Keeps your original documents
- Asks you to sign blank forms or forms with false information
- Does not give you a receipt or copy of what you signed
- Tells you not to speak with an attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
Are a "notario público" and a U.S. notary public the same thing?
Can a notary public help me with my immigration case?
Can a notary public notarize immigration documents?
How do I verify that someone is a real attorney?
What should I do if I already paid a fake "notario"?
Need a Notary Public in Miami?
Notary Near Me Miami notarizes powers of attorney, travel consent letters, proof of life certificates, affidavits, and documents for apostille, in English and Spanish.
- • 24-hour mobile notary across Miami-Dade County
- • Offices on Biscayne Blvd and West Flagler, Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- • Online notarization by appointment
NO SOY ABOGADO CON LICENCIA PARA EJERCER LA LEY EN EL ESTADO DE FLORIDA, Y NO PUEDO DAR ASESORÍA LEGAL NI ACEPTAR HONORARIOS POR ASESORÍA LEGAL.
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.