How to File a Foreclosure Complaint with the Florida Attorney General

If you have been scammed, overcharged, or mistreated during the foreclosure process in Florida, the Attorney General's office is one of your most powerful allies. The Florida AG investigates foreclosure fraud, mortgage servicer abuse, and deceptive business practices — and they have the authority to shut down bad actors, impose penalties, and order restitution.

Filing a complaint is free, takes about 15 minutes, and can be done entirely online. This guide walks you through every step — when to file, how to file, what information to include, and what to do if the AG complaint alone is not enough.

When Should I File a Foreclosure Complaint with the Florida AG?

File a complaint whenever you experience or witness any of the following:

• Foreclosure rescue scams: A company charged you upfront fees for foreclosure help (illegal under FL §501.1377), guaranteed results, or disappeared after taking your money.
• Deed theft: Someone forged your signature on a deed, tricked you into signing a deed transfer, or used power of attorney to transfer your property without authorization. See our deed theft guide.
• Fake loan modification companies: A company took fees for loan modification services they never performed.
• Mortgage servicer abuse: Your servicer is dual tracking (pursuing foreclosure while reviewing your loss mitigation application), losing your documents, or refusing to communicate.
• Predatory lending: Your original loan contained predatory terms like hidden fees, balloon payments, or steering to an unfavorable loan.
• "We buy houses" scams: A buyer used deceptive practices, hidden contract terms, or lowball tactics. See our "we buy houses" scam guide.

How Do I File a Complaint Online at MyFloridaLegal.com?

The online process is straightforward. Here is exactly what to do:

1. Go to myfloridalegal.com.This is the official website of the Florida Attorney General's office.
2. Click "File a Complaint."This is typically on the homepage or under the "Consumer Protection" section.
3. Select the complaint type.Choose the category that best matches your situation — "Mortgage/Foreclosure" or "Fraud/Scam" are the most common for foreclosure-related complaints.
4. Complete the form.You will need to provide your contact information, the company or individual's information (name, address, phone, website), a detailed description of what happened, and the amount of money involved.
5. Upload supporting documents. Attach copies of contracts, receipts, emails, text messages, mailers, and any other evidence. The more documentation you provide, the stronger your complaint.
6. Submit and save your confirmation number. Keep the confirmation number for your records. You may need it to check the status of your complaint later.

If you prefer not to file online, you can also call the AG's Consumer Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

What Information Should I Include in My Complaint?

A detailed, well-documented complaint is far more effective than a vague one. Barrett Henry, a REALTOR with 23+ years of real estate experience and Broker Associate at REMAX Collective, recommends including these elements:

• Your full name and contact information.The AG's office may need to contact you for additional details.
• The company or individual's full name and any known aliases.Scam companies frequently change names. Include any business name, individual name, website, email, phone number, and physical address you have.
• A chronological account of what happened. Start from your first contact with the company. Include dates, what was said, what was promised, and what actually occurred.
• The amount of money you paid and how you paid it (credit card, check, wire transfer, cash).
• Copies of all documents. Contracts, receipts, emails, text messages, letters, marketing materials. If you signed anything, include copies.
• Names of any witnesses or other people who interacted with the company.
• Other agencies you have contacted about the same complaint (FTC, CFPB, police).

What Happens After I File a Complaint?

After you submit your complaint, the AG's office reviews it and enters it into their consumer complaint database. Here is what the typical timeline looks like:

• Acknowledgment (1-2 weeks): You should receive a confirmation that your complaint was received and a case number.
• Initial review (2-4 weeks):The AG's staff reviews the complaint and supporting documents to determine if it falls within their jurisdiction.
• Contact with the company (varies): The AG may contact the company on your behalf. Some companies resolve complaints quickly once they know the AG is involved.
• Investigation (if warranted):If the AG's office receives multiple complaints about the same company or identifies a pattern of fraud, they may open a formal investigation. This can lead to legal action, injunctions, fines, and restitution orders.

Important: the AG's office cannot represent you as your personal attorney. They protect the public interest. If you need individual legal representation, you should also consult a licensed foreclosure attorney.

Should I Also File a CFPB Complaint?

Yes. Filing with both the Florida AG and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) gives you the strongest protection. The CFPB handles mortgage-related complaints at the federal level and has direct authority over mortgage servicers and lenders.

To file with the CFPB, go to consumerfinance.govand click "Submit a Complaint." The CFPB's process is particularly effective for mortgage servicer issues because:

• The CFPB forwards your complaint directly to the company
• The company is required to respond within 15 days
• You receive the company's response and can dispute it if unsatisfactory
• Complaints are tracked publicly, creating accountability

For more on CFPB protections, see our guide on CFPB mortgage protections.

How Do I File a DBPR Complaint for Licensed Professionals?

If the person involved claims to be a licensed professional (real estate agent, broker, appraiser) or if someone is performing professional services without a license, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Go to myfloridalicense.com and look for the complaint filing section. The DBPR investigates:

• Unlicensed real estate activity
• Licensed professionals who violate their professional standards
• Fraudulent use of professional titles or credentials
• Mishandling of client funds by licensed professionals

For unlicensed practice of law, also contact the Florida Bar at floridabar.org. Practicing law without a license is a felony, and the Bar actively investigates these reports.

What Other Agencies Accept Foreclosure-Related Complaints?

Cast a wide net. The more agencies that receive your complaint, the higher the chance of enforcement action:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov — for deceptive business practices and MARS Rule violations
• Local law enforcement: File a police report for fraud, forgery, or theft. Get a case number.
• Florida Department of Financial Services: myfloridacfo.com — for insurance and financial fraud
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov — if the scam involved internet communications or wire fraud
• Your local State Attorney's Office: For criminal prosecution of fraud in your county

How Do I Protect Myself Going Forward?

After filing your complaints, take these steps to protect yourself from future scams:

• Only work with verified professionals — check credentials at floridabar.org, myfloridalicense.com, and hud.gov before engaging anyone. Read our verification guide.
• Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free, legitimate foreclosure help.
• Document everything. Save every email, text message, letter, and contract related to your foreclosure. Keep copies in a safe place.
• Sign up for your county's property fraud alert service to prevent deed theft.

Need help navigating the complaint process or finding legitimate foreclosure assistance? Contact us for a free consultation. We help Florida homeowners protect their rights and connect with trusted professionals.