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  Division of Securities

How to File a Consumer Complaint


The Division of Securities (Division) regulates the securities industry by protecting the investing public from illegal securities activity while facilitating the efficient creation of capital in the State.  The Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with Chapter 517, Florida Statutes, the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act.  The anti-fraud provisions of the Act make it unlawful for a person to engage in any fraudulent conduct when rendering investment advice or in connection with the offer, sale or purchase of any investment or security.  We regulate entities and individuals conducting securities business in, to or from the State of Florida, including the following:

  • Securities Issuers

  • Securities Dealers

  • Investment Advisers

  • Branch Offices

  • Associated Persons of Dealers and Investment Advisers

The Division focuses primarily on protecting individual investors by investigating complaints and abusive sales practices, and raising consumer awareness.  The Division only has authority to issue administrative actions and seek injunctive relief against violators of Florida Statutes under its jurisdiction.  The Division cannot act as an advocate on your behalf. 

What We Will Do

Our review will include a thorough review and analysis of your complaint, information and documentation provided by you and the firm, and written or oral statements of the parties involved.  We may conduct a follow-up examination at the firm to obtain additional documents and make a determination as to whether further steps (legal or otherwise) are warranted. 

Once the facts of the case are established and the related documentation is analyzed, you will be notified of the Division’s findings and whether any violation of the Florida statutes or rules has occurred.  Please note that after careful consideration of the information provided by you, the firm, and other sources, we may be unable to substantiate a violation of Florida Statutes. 

As a regulatory agency, the Division does not adjudicate civil matters or disputes of fact between parties.  Although we may not be able to render any factual or legal determination at that time, all documentation will be retained for future reference should any additional details and/or information concerning your complaint be obtained. 

Procedures For Filing A Complaint

To ensure that that your inquiry is worked as quickly as possible, the following information should also be provided upon sending the complaint:

·      A Summary of Complaint detailing its nature, name of the firm and individual(s) involved, and what was said or done that resulted in a complaint being filed.

·      Copies of documents including contracts/agreements, account statements, disclosure documents, cancelled checks or money wires, sales materials, and advertisements.

·        Correspondence with the parties involved.


Note:  Pursuant to ss. 119.07(1) and 517.2015, F.S. - information received by the Office regarding consumer complaints is confidential.

How Do You Want to File Your Complaint?

 

 


Return: Securities

Updated Nov-07

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