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Consumer Rights & Legal Help

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Address Confidentiality Program

The Address Confidentiality Program, administered by the Florida Attorney General, helps protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence, and similar crimes by providing a substitute mailing address to keep their physical location confidential. Participants can use this designated address for public records, government services, and other official purposes, helping reduce the risk of being located by an abuser. The program also forwards mail to participants and supports their safety while they work to maintain privacy and rebuild stability.

Phone: 1-866-966-7226

Website: myfloridalegal.com/victim-programs

American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit organization that works to protect individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. It focuses on issues such as free speech, due process, equal protection, and privacy, and provides legal advocacy, public education, and litigation support. The ACLU also offers resources and guidance to individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated.

Phone: 786-363-2700
Website: aclufl.org

Animal Cruelty & Abuse

Primary channels for reporting animal neglect, abuse, or abandoned pets. For active cruelty in progress or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Broward County:
Call: 954-831-4000
After-hours: 954-764-4357

Miami-Dade County:
Call: 305-468-5900
After-hours: 305-743-7433
Online: 311 Direct

Please note: Cities may use their own local animal control units. If the abuse is regarding wildlife, please contact the Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-404-3922.

Anonymous Crime Tips

Anonymous reporting systems for information on criminal activity, missing persons, or wanted fugitives. Tips leading to an arrest or filing of charges may be eligible for cash rewards. For crimes in progress or immediate danger, call 911.

Broward County Crime Stoppers: Call: 954-493-8477
Submit a Tip Online

Miami-Dade & The Keys Crime Stoppers:
Call: 305-471-8477
Submit a Tip Online

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that helps people find trustworthy businesses and resolve disputes between consumers and companies. It provides business ratings, customer reviews, and complaint resolution services to promote transparency and ethical business practices. Consumers can use the BBB to check a company’s reputation, file complaints, or seek mediation when issues arise with products or services.

Website: BBB.org
South Florida Office: 561-842-1918

Broward State Attorney Victim Advocate Unit

The Victim Advocate Unit provides support to victims of crimes being prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office in Broward County. Advocates offer court accompaniment, crisis intervention, and guidance through the criminal justice process to ensure victims understand their rights. They also assist with filing for Victim Compensation, provide referrals to community resources, and act as a liaison between victims and prosecutors.

Phone: 954-765-4133
Online: browardsao.com/victim-advocate-unit/

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is a 24 hour confidential hotline that provides support, crisis intervention, and resources for children, teens, and adults concerned about child abuse or neglect. Trained counselors are available to help individuals report suspected abuse, seek guidance, and connect with local child protection and support services. The hotline also offers emotional support and information to help ensure the safety and well being of children across the United States.

Call or Text: 1-800-422-4453
Live Chat: ChildhelpHotline.org

Emergencies: Dial 911.

FBI Hate Crime Reporting

The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating hate crimes, defined as criminal acts motivated by bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. Reporting to the FBI ensures that incidents are tracked at the federal level and helps the Bureau allocate resources to combat domestic threats. While you can submit tips directly to the FBI, they strongly advise victims to first report the incident to local law enforcement to ensure immediate safety and evidence collection.

Phone: 1-800-225-5324
Online: tips.fbi.gov

Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

The Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection Division helps protect residents from fraud, scams, deceptive business practices, and unfair treatment in the marketplace. It investigates consumer complaints involving issues such as price gouging, identity theft, telemarketing scams, misleading advertising, and problems with goods or services, and more. The division may take enforcement action against violators and also provides education and resources to help consumers avoid fraud and make informed decisions.

Phone: 850-414-3300
Fraud Hotline: 1-866-966-7226
Lemon Law Hotline: 1-800-321-5366

Submit a Consumer Complaint

Florida Commission on Human Relations

The FCHR is the state agency authorized to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Fair Housing Act. It investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, as well as cases of whistleblower retaliation. The Commission handles allegations based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. If a violation is found, the agency can facilitate mediation, conduct a full investigation, and issue a determination to help victims seek legal or administrative remedies.

Phone: 1-800-342-8170
Online: fchr.myflorida.com

Food Safety & Health Code Violations

Official portal for reporting health and safety violations at public food service establishments (restaurants, mobile food vehicles, caterers) and lodging facilities.

File a Complaint: Use the DBPR Online Complaint Portal to report foodborne illnesses, unsanitary conditions, or pest infestations.

Jurisdiction: The Division of Hotels and Restaurants regulates restaurants and hotels.

For Schools, Nursing Homes, or Jails: Contact the Florida Department of Health (850-245-4250).

For Grocery Stores or Bakeries: Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (1-800-HELP-FLA).

Consumer Contact Center: Call 850-487-1395 for assistance with filing a report or checking a license status.

Fraud and Scams

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or a scam, report it to state and federal agencies as well as local law enforcement. Reporting helps track criminal activity, protect others, and support investigations. Different agencies handle different types of fraud, so you may need to file more than one report depending on the situation.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Reports internet-based fraud and cybercrime in partnership with the FBI.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Handles complaints involving banks, credit cards, debt collection, and financial fraud.

Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Handles complaints involving fraud, scams, price gouging, identity theft, telemarketing violations, and deceptive business practices.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Statewide consumer complaint clearinghouse for fraud and business disputes.

Florida Abuse Hotline (DCF)
Reports abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Local Law Enforcement
Report fraud and scams to your local police or sheriff’s office.

Medical Provider or Facility Concerns

If you have concerns about a doctor, nurse, hospital, clinic, or other medical provider, you can report issues such as unsafe care, professional misconduct, billing problems, HIPAA privacy violations, or unlicensed practice. Complaints are reviewed by state and federal agencies to protect patient safety, enforce medical standards, and investigate violations.

Florida Department of Health
Regulates and investigates licensed medical professionals and healthcare providers in Florida, including complaints about misconduct and unsafe practice.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Oversees hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and investigates complaints related to healthcare facility care and safety.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Handles complaints for massage therapists, cosmetologists, nail salons, barbers, tattoo artists, and various additional professions.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office for Civil Rights
Enforces HIPAA privacy and security rules and investigates complaints involving improper disclosure of medical information, denial of access to records, and healthcare discrimination.

Miami-Dade Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC)

CVAC is a one-stop center in Miami-Dade County that provides coordinated services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. By housing multiple government and non-profit agencies in one location, the center streamlines access to emergency legal advocacy, injunctions for protection, and relocation assistance. Survivors can also receive individual or group counseling, forensic imaging, and referrals to emergency shelters and financial aid.

Address: 2400 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33133

Main Phone: 305-285-5900

Domestic Violence Hotline: 305-679-0303

Online: Miami-Dade CVAC Website

Miami-Dade State Attorney Victim Assistance

This unit assists victims and witnesses through the criminal justice process, ensuring they are informed of their rights under Florida’s Constitution. Advocates provide criminal court navigation, case status updates, and assistance with filing for Victim Compensation. They also offer crisis intervention and referrals to specialized community resources for domestic violence, sexual battery, and elderly abuse.

Phone: 305-547-0100
Online: miamisao.com

Nancy J. Cotterman Center

The Nancy J. Cotterman Center serves as Broward County’s sexual assault and child advocacy center, providing 24-hour crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and forensic medical exams. The center offers specialized counseling and support for survivors of sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, as well as their families. All services are free, confidential, and available in English, Spanish, and Creole.

Crisis Hotline: 954-761-7273 (RAPE)

Main Office: 954-357-5775

Online: broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter

National Crime Victim Hotline

The National Crime Victim Hotline, operated through the Office for Victims of Crime, provides confidential support, information, and referrals for individuals affected by crime. It helps victims understand their rights, access compensation programs, and connect with local services such as counseling, legal aid, and emergency assistance. The hotline offers guidance and emotional support to help victims navigate the aftermath of crime and recovery resources.

Call: 1-800-627-6872
Website: ovc.ojp.gov

Price Gouging Hotline

The Florida Price Gouging Hotline allows residents to report excessive price increases on essential goods and services during a declared state of emergency, such as after hurricanes or other disasters. The Attorney General’s Office investigates complaints involving items like food, fuel, water, lodging, and emergency supplies to help prevent unfair pricing during crises. Reports can also be submitted online to support enforcement and consumer protection efforts.

Phone: 1-866-966-7226
Website: myfloridalegal.com

Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center

Located at Jackson Memorial Hospital, this center provides 24/7 comprehensive care for survivors of sexual assault in Miami-Dade County. It offers immediate crisis intervention, forensic medical examinations, and specialized therapy for victims of all ages. Advocacy services include legal guidance, court accompaniment, and support groups to assist survivors through the recovery and judicial process.

24/7 Hotline: 305-585-7273
Main Office: 305-585-5103
Center Website

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit civil rights organization that tracks hate groups and extremist activity, while also advocating for racial justice and equality through legal action, education, and research. It provides public resources on hate and extremism trends, supports litigation in civil rights cases, and works to promote tolerance and protect vulnerable communities across the United States.

Phone: 334-956-8200
Website: splcenter.org

Stop Spam Calls (DoNotCall.gov)

Official government registry to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls. Registration is free and does not expire.

Registration: Dial 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or visit DoNotCall.gov.

Report Violations: If you receive a sales call after being on the registry for 31 days, you can file a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Note: The registry limits sales calls from legitimate companies; it does not stop calls from charities, political groups, debt collectors, or illegal scammers.

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division enforces federal laws that protect individuals from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, and other protected traits. It investigates reports involving discrimination in housing, schools, employment, voting rights violations, police misconduct, and hate crimes, and may take legal action to enforce federal civil rights laws.

Phone: 202-514-2000
Website: civilrights.justice.gov

Note: Hate crimes should be reported to local law enforcement as well.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency that enforces workplace anti discrimination laws based on race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It investigates complaints, mediates disputes, and may take legal action in serious cases. The EEOC also provides resources to help workers understand their rights and employers comply with federal law.

Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Website: eeoc.gov

Women In Distress of Broward County

Women In Distress is the state-certified domestic violence center for Broward County, providing victims with confidential emergency shelter, safety planning, and crisis intervention. The agency offers comprehensive support services, including individual and group counseling, victim advocacy, and legal assistance with injunctions for protection. All programs are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages to support survivors and their children.

24-Hour Hotline: 954-761-1133
Website: widbroward.org