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Summary
A Florida Bar search for Bonnie Navin returns no active attorney license. The Florida Bar’s online directory — which tracks every lawyer licensed to practice in the state — shows no current or historical record under that name.
This matters because Florida Statutes Section 454.23 makes it a third-degree felony to practice law without a license. Anyone can call themselves a legal consultant or document preparer, but only members of The Florida Bar can represent clients in court, draft legal documents for compensation, or provide legal advice.
How to Verify a Florida Attorney’s License
The Florida Bar maintains a public database at floridabar.org. Search by last name, first name, or Bar number. The profile will show admission date, current status (active, inactive, delinquent, suspended), office address, and any public discipline.
Pay attention to status:
- Inactive means the attorney isn’t paying annual dues and can’t practice.
- Delinquent means they’re behind on continuing legal education or fees.
- Suspended means The Florida Bar took action — often for trust account violations, failure to communicate, or neglect.
If the search returns nothing, the person isn’t licensed in Florida. That doesn’t always mean fraud. They could be licensed in another state, retired, or working in a non-legal role. But they can’t represent you in a Florida court or closing.
What “Attorney” Means Under Florida Law
Florida Statutes Section 454.21 defines the practice of law. It includes giving legal advice, preparing documents that affect legal rights, and appearing in court on behalf of another person. The statute carves out narrow exceptions for things like self-help document assembly, but those exceptions don’t cover individualized advice or representation.
Real estate closings sit in a gray area. Florida doesn’t require an attorney at closing, and title companies handle thousands of transactions without one. But drafting a purchase agreement, negotiating contract terms, or advising a buyer on their rights under a contract — that’s practicing law. A non-attorney doing those things violates Section 454.23.
If someone markets themselves as a real estate attorney but isn’t licensed, they can’t file a lawsuit if the deal falls apart. They can’t represent you in a title dispute. And if they give you bad advice that costs you money, you have no malpractice claim because they were never your attorney. The Florida Bar’s Client Security Fund — which reimburses theft by lawyers — doesn’t cover non-lawyers either.
Common Scenarios Where Unlicensed Practice Happens
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Foreclosure rescue scams. Someone offers to negotiate with your lender, file paperwork to stop a sale, or “save your home” for an upfront fee. Florida Statutes Section 501.1377 specifically prohibits non-attorneys from charging advance fees for foreclosure consulting services. Violators face civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
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Landlord-tenant disputes. A property manager or paralegal tells a landlord they can draft an eviction notice or a lease addendum. Florida law allows property managers licensed under Chapter 475 to prepare certain standardized forms, but drafting custom clauses or advising on legal strategy crosses the line into unauthorized practice.
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Immigration and family law. Unlicensed “notarios” often exploit Spanish-speaking clients. In many Latin American countries, a notario is a licensed attorney. In Florida, a notary public is authorized only to witness signatures. The confusion is sometimes intentional and can be costly. Victims lose thousands on worthless paperwork and blown deadlines.
What to Do If You Hired Someone Who Isn’t Licensed
- Stop paying them.
- Get copies of everything they’ve done — emails, documents, contracts.
- Consult a licensed attorney to assess the damage. Some issues can be fixed; others cannot.
If they took your money and did nothing, file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s office and your local state attorney. If they filed documents in court, those filings are likely void. A licensed attorney will need to start over.
The Florida Bar’s unauthorized practice of law hotline accepts complaints at 850-561-5840. They investigate and can seek injunctions to stop the conduct, but they don’t get your money back. Recovering funds typically requires a separate lawsuit, and collecting a judgment from someone operating outside the system can be difficult.
Protect Your Rights. Call Eric Goldman.
Whether you are buying a home, dealing with a landlord dispute, or recovering from an injury, Eric Goldman can help. Serving clients throughout Florida.
Why This Matters in Real Estate and Personal Injury
Real estate transactions in South Florida move fast. For example, a buyer might discover a $30,000 lien two days before closing or find a seller’s disclosure was incomplete. The title company may claim it’s not their problem. An unlicensed “consultant” can’t file a lis pendens, negotiate a settlement, or sue for fraud. You risk losing the deal or closing with a clouded title.
Personal injury cases have strict deadlines. Florida’s statute of limitations for negligence is two years under Section 95.11(3)(a), but PIP benefits require treatment within 14 days of the accident under Section 627.736. Missing those windows can forfeit coverage or claims. A non-attorney giving you incorrect advice about deadlines doesn’t face malpractice liability because they never owed you a duty of care as an attorney.
If you’re looking for legal representation in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, start with The Florida Bar’s lawyer referral service or verify the person’s license yourself. It takes two minutes and can save you months and thousands of dollars fixing someone else’s mistakes.
