Consumer Rights & Legal Help
← Back to Resource DirectoryAddress Confidentiality Program
The Florida Address Confidentiality Program helps protect the location of individuals who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, or who fear for their safety. The program provides a substitute mailing address that can be used for public records, helping participants keep their residential address confidential while maintaining access to important services and communications.
Phone: 1-866-966-7226
Florida Attorney General Website
American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union 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:
Call: 954-493-8477
Submit a Tip Online
Miami-Dade:
Call: 305-471-8477
Submit a Tip Online
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau 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.
Phone: 561-842-1918
Website: BBB.org
Broward County Consumer Protection Division
This regulatory division protects local residents from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices by investigating and mediating consumer complaints. They enforce local ordinances and handle a wide variety of marketplace issues, including disputes involving auto repairs, price gouging, towing companies, moving scams, and licensed contractors. Additionally, the division oversees specific county licenses for medical transport, child care facilities, and for-hire vehicles to ensure compliance with safety and consumer rights standards.
Phone: 954-765-1700
Website: broward.org/consumer
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
Victim Advocate Unit Website
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
Website: ChildhelpHotline.org
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
This non-profit law firm provides free civil legal services to low-income residents, seniors, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence in Broward County. They focus on securing fundamental needs such as health, safety, and economic stability by representing clients in matters involving family law, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer scams, and public benefits navigation. They also operate a Mobile Justice Squad to deliver on-site legal assistance directly to homebound elders and seniors at local community centers.
Phone: 954-736-2400
Website: coasttocoastlegalaid.org
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
Website: 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
This is the official reporting system for health and safety concerns at public food service and lodging facilities. Use these channels to report foodborne illnesses, unsanitary conditions, or pest infestations.
Restaurants, Food Trucks & Hotels: File a Report
Grocery Stores, Bakeries & Convenience Stores: File a Report
Hospitals and nursing homes:
File a Report
Schools, Jails, & Swimming Pools: File a Report
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.
Guardian Ad Litem
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides legal advocacy for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Appointed by a judge, a GAL is a trained volunteer or attorney who represents the "best interests" of the child. Unlike a traditional lawyer, they conduct independent investigations, speaking with teachers, doctors, and family, to provide the court with objective recommendations on the child’s safety and placement.
Broward County:
Phone: 954-831-6214
Website: galbroward.org
Miami-Dade County:
Phone: 305-679-2222
Website: guardianadlitem.org
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
This independent organization within the IRS acts as a voice for taxpayers to ensure they are treated fairly and understand their rights. It provides free assistance to individuals and businesses experiencing financial hardship or those facing systemic delays and technical issues that have not been resolved through normal IRS channels. Each taxpayer who qualifies for help is assigned a personal advocate who coordinates across IRS departments to reach a resolution.
Phone: 1-877-777-4778
Department Website
Legal Aid Service of Broward County
This firm provides civil legal advice, representation, and education to disadvantaged residents of Broward County. It operates specialized units for children’s advocacy, housing and eviction defense, immigration, and consumer protection. It also offers dedicated programs for veterans through Mission United, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, and legal support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Phone: 954-765-8950
Website: browardlegalaid.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami
This law firm provides free civil legal services to the low-income communities of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Its advocacy focuses on eliminating barriers to economic and social stability by ensuring access to basic essentials such as food, stable housing, healthcare, and education. Specialist units handle cases involving veterans' benefits, tenants' rights, and legal solutions for small businesses and other community-serving organizations.
Phone: 305-576-0080
Website: legalservicesmiami.org
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
The Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) provides centralized support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The center streamlines access to emergency services by housing multiple agencies in one location, offering immediate help with injunctions for protection, relocation assistance, and emergency shelter placement. Survivors can also access crisis counseling, financial aid for essentials, and assistance with documenting injuries for legal protection.
Main Phone: 305-285-5900
Hotline: 305-679-0303
Miami-Dade CVAC Website
Miami-Dade County Office of Consumer Protection
Operating under the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, this office works to maintain a fair and safe marketplace by investigating and mediating disputes between consumers and local businesses. They look into deceptive practices across industries like auto mechanics, towers, appliance repair shops, and locksmiths, while also investigating instances of price gouging or wage theft. In addition, the office enforces local consumer protection laws and manages the specialized licensing required for businesses operating within the county.
Phone: 786-469-2333
Miami-Dade County 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
Website: miamisao.com
Nancy J. Cotterman Center
The Nancy J. Cotterman Center is the certified rape crisis center and the accredited children’s advocacy center for Broward County. They provide specialized, comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault and child abuse. Their multidisciplinary team offers 24/7 crisis intervention, medical examinations, forensic interviews, and long-term therapy to help survivors and their families navigate the healing and legal processes..
Main Phone: 954-357-5775
Hotline: 954-761-7273
Center Website
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.
Phone: 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.
Main Office: 305-585-5103
Hotline: 305-585-7273
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.
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 also be reported to local authorities.
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.
Phone: 954-761-1133
Website: widbroward.org