Where Can You Complain Besides Your Lawyer?

Sometimes people need more than redress in civil court, as victims of crimes must inform authorities so justice can be pursued in criminal court as well. Also, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when financial constraints may prevent people from hiring an attorney. However, justice is not out of reach. Many public government entities at the state and federal levels are available to help you, whether your issue involves fraud, theft, professional misconduct, environmental concerns, or just annoying phone calls.

Please note: This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a retainer agreement has been signed. This guide serves as a resource that may be able to assist you in seeking justice, and/or assist you in reporting injustice.

Florida Agencies

1. Local Law Enforcement

• Sheriff’s Office: If you are a victim of a crime such as theft, assault, or harassment, your local sheriff’s office is your first point of contact.
• Sheriff’s Office Directory: www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC/Documents/Agency-Addresses/Sheriff-s-Office-Directory.aspx
• Florida Sheriffs Association: www.flsheriffs.org/staff-type/sheriff/

2. State Attorney General

• The Florida Attorney General’s Office handles a wide range of issues, including consumer protection, fraud, and civil rights violations.
• Website: www.myfloridalegal.com
• Phone: 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226)
• File a Complaint: www.myfloridalegal.com/how-to-contact-us/file-a-complaint

3. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• If your complaint involves a licensed professional, such as a contractor or real estate agent, the DBPR is the agency to contact.
• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
• Phone: 850-487-1395
• File a Complaint: www2.myfloridalicense.com/file-a-complaint/

4. Florida Department of Financial Services

• This department can assist with issues related to insurance fraud, financial fraud, and unclaimed property.
• Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
• Phone: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236)

5. Florida Commission on Human Relations

• If you experience discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations, the Florida Commission on Human Relations can investigate your case.
• Website: www.fchr.myflorida.com
• Phone: 850-488-7082
• File a Complaint: www.fchr.myflorida.com/file-a-complaint-page

6. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

• DCF investigates cases involving child abuse, elder abuse, and neglect.
• Website: www.myflfamilies.com
• Phone: 1-800-962-2873 (Florida Abuse Hotline)
• Report Abuse Portal: https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/

7. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

• FDACS handles consumer complaints related to agriculture, food safety, and more.
• Website: www.fdacs.gov
• Phone: 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)
• File a Complaint: www.fdacs.gov/Contact-Us/File-a-Complaint

8. Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR)

• The OFR regulates financial institutions and can assist with banking, securities, and financial fraud complaints.
• Website: www.flofr.gov
• Phone: 850-487-9687
• Submit a Complaint or Tip: www.flofr.gov/sitePages/fileacomplaint.htm

Federal Agencies

1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• For serious criminal matters, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and human trafficking, the FBI is the appropriate federal agency to contact.
• Website: www.fbi.gov
• Phone: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
• Electronic Tip Form: https://tips.fbi.gov/home

2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• The EPA handles violations of environmental laws, such as illegal dumping or pollution.
• Website: www.epa.gov
• Phone: 1-800-424-8802 (National Response Center)
• Report an Environmental Violation: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations
• Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse: www.epaoig.gov/epa-oig-hotline-complaint-form

3. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• If you’ve been a victim of consumer fraud or identity theft, the FTC is your resource for reporting and seeking help.
• Website: www.ftc.gov
• Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
• Report Fraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• National Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov/

4. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

• The DOL can assist with wage disputes, workplace safety issues, and labor rights violations.
• Website: www.dol.gov
• Phone: 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages

5. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

• For civil rights violations and federal criminal matters, the DOJ provides various resources and complaint avenues.
• Website: www.justice.gov
• Phone: 1-202-514-2000
• Report a Crime or Submit a Complaint: www.justice.gov/action-center/report-crime-or-submit-complaint

6. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

• The CFPB protects consumers in the financial sector, including issues with loans, credit, and banking practices.
• Website: www.consumerfinance.gov
• Phone: 1-855-411-CFPB (1-855-411-2372)
• Submit a Complaint: www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

Other Agencies

1. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

• While not a government agency, the BBB can help resolve disputes between consumers and businesses.
• Website: www.bbb.org
• Scam Tracker: www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Final Thoughts

If you feel powerless, don’t fret—remember that these agencies are here to help. Filing a complaint can set the wheels of justice in motion and lead to meaningful change. While the process can be daunting, perseverance often pays off, and it’s important to alert agencies and other citizens of scams, frauds, and crimes so these don’t go unpunished. If you need further assistance or legal guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina, P.A.

Hypothetical Situations (Examples)

Disclaimer: The following examples are hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only. Any similarity to real-life situations is purely coincidental. If you have an emergency contact authorities and/or dial 911.

• Injury at Daycare
• Sarah recently enrolled her 4-year-old daughter, Emily, in a local daycare. One day, Sarah noticed a bruise on Emily’s arm, and when she asked her daughter about it, Emily hesitantly mentioned that a teacher had grabbed her arm roughly. Sarah was deeply concerned and wanted to ensure this incident was properly investigated.
• Where to Complain: Sarah should contact her local Sheriff’s Office to report the suspected abuse. She could also file a report with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure a thorough investigation.

• Online Purchase Gone Wrong
• John ordered a new laptop online from what appeared to be a reputable retailer. However, weeks passed, and the laptop never arrived. When he finally received a package, it contained a different, much cheaper item. The company refused to refund his money or send the correct item.
• Where to Complain: John should file a consumer complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the fraudulent transaction.

• Altered Odometer on a Purchased Car
• Lisa purchased a used car from a dealership, believing it had only 30,000 miles on it. However, after a visit to her mechanic, she discovered that the odometer had been tampered with and the car likely had over 100,000 miles.
• Where to Complain: Lisa should report the fraud to the Florida Department of Financial Services and consider filing a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if there is evidence of interstate fraud.

• Service Not Rendered
• Tom hired a company to remodel his kitchen, paying a significant deposit upfront. Months passed, and the company made no progress and eventually stopped returning his calls. They refused to refund his deposit.
• Where to Complain: Tom can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) since the company is likely licensed through them. He may also consider reporting the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Discrimination
• Maria, an experienced accountant, applied for a job at a prominent firm. Despite her qualifications, she was told she wouldn’t be a “good fit” after the interview. Later, Maria discovered that the firm had a history of not hiring individuals of her ethnicity.
• Where to Complain: Maria can file a discrimination complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for civil rights violations.

• Poor Car Repair Service
• Michael took his car to a mechanic to fix a recurring issue. The mechanic charged him a large sum but did not fix the problem. When Michael confronted the mechanic, he was told that additional work would be needed, at an extra cost.
• Where to Complain: Michael should file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and consider contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to report the poor service.

• Unreasonable Bank Fees
• Karen noticed that her bank was charging her multiple fees that she hadn’t agreed to. Despite contacting the bank, they refused to refund the fees or provide a satisfactory explanation.
• Where to Complain: Karen can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR).

• Unwanted Marketing Calls
• Mark is constantly receiving telemarketing calls, despite his efforts to opt-out and block the numbers. The calls are becoming intrusive, and he wants them to stop.
• Where to Complain: Mark should report the unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and register his number with the National Do Not Call Registry.



Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No action should be taken based on the content of this blog post without first consulting qualified legal counsel. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina, P.A. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information for any purpose. Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina, P.A. will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina, P.A. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this blog post to the fullest extent permitted by law. This post does not cover every possible situation, and you should always consult with an attorney or the relevant agency before taking any action. By using this site and relying on the information provided, you agree that Quattrochi, Torres & Taormina, P.A., its partners, employees, and affiliates, shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages or losses, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in this blog post.