With a potential Category 3 hurricane expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week, The Florida Bar is reactivating its Disciplinary Hotline to address resident concerns over potential professional misconduct and unlawful solicitation by lawyers in the storm’s aftermath. Floridians who encounter such issues can report them by calling the hotline at 833-979-8225.

Bar rules strictly prohibit lawyers from soliciting clients in person, by phone, via cold call, or through third parties, unless the client is a family member or someone with whom the lawyer has a prior professional relationship. Additionally, lawyers are prohibited from sending direct mail solicitations to prospective clients within 30 days of an incident, including a hurricane or tropical storm.

“As Florida prepares for what could be the most significant storm of the 2024 hurricane season, we stand ready to protect our residents from unethical legal practices,” said Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr., Florida Bar President. “The Florida Bar is committed to ensuring that all of our members adhere to the highest professional standards, especially in times of crisis when Floridians are most vulnerable.”

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