News Summary
Carolina Estevez, a psychologist in Orlando, is being sued for allegedly selling fraudulent Emotional Support Animal documentation. Activist Timothy Stevens claims Estevez runs a ‘letter mill’ operation, issuing ESA evaluations and letters without verifying clients’ mental health needs. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the legitimacy of ESA documentation and the potential misuse by individuals without disabilities. Estevez’s practices may violate Florida laws aimed at protecting access for those who genuinely require emotional support animals.
Orlando – Carolina Estevez, a psychologist based in Orlando, is currently embroiled in a legal battle following allegations of selling fraudulent Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation. Activist Timothy “Chaz” Stevens has filed a lawsuit claiming that Estevez runs a “letter mill” operation, supplying ESA evaluations and letters without proper verification of a client’s mental health needs.
Estevez reportedly offers ESA letters for $125 through Fiverr, a freelance services platform. These letters are designed to exempt pet owners from housing charges when presented to landlords. However, Stevens contends that Estevez provides these documents to individuals without disabilities, allowing them to circumvent pet fees.
In his investigation, Stevens acquired an ESA letter under a pseudonym, “Timothy Richard,” falsely claiming that he needed support for two imaginary dogs, named Max and Luna, citing autism and anxiety disorder. He received the letters within a day without any further inquiry into his identity or mental health status from Estevez. This lack of verification raises serious concerns over the legitimacy of AEA documentation provided by Estevez.
Estevez’s clinical practice is said to be located in Southwest Orlando. However, an investigation into the address has revealed only a medical spa and no evidence linking Estevez to the ownership or operation of the business. Stevens’s lawsuit targets Estevez’s operations and extends to other practitioners allegedly involved in similar fraudulent activities.
The lawsuit is based on a violation of a 2020 Florida law, which mandates that practitioners must ascertain a patient’s mental health history and genuine need for an ESA before issuing documentation. Violators of this law may face misdemeanor charges. Rep. Anna Eskamani, who co-sponsored the legislation, has voiced concerns that the misuse of ESA documentation complicates access for those with legitimate needs for emotional support animals.
Stevens’s initiative aims to raise awareness about fraudulent ESA documentation providers and advocate for their removal from online platforms. He is determined to hold these businesses accountable, ensuring that individuals seeking genuine support do not face additional barriers due to fraudulent activities.
The U.S. Department of Justice has clarified that online documents claiming to certify service animals do not grant rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing the importance of legitimate ESA evaluations and the dangers posed by fraudulent practices.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the focus remains on the implications of such fraudulent offerings for individuals requiring emotional support and the responsibilities of mental health practitioners in providing legitimate care. Stevens’s actions could prompt a broader examination of ESA documentation practices, potentially impacting regulations and enforcement in the field.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Union Bulletin
- Wikipedia: Emotional Support Animal
- Page Six
- Google Search: Emotional Support Animal
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emotional Support Animal
- iHeart
- Google News: Orlando Bloom Emotional Support Dog
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
