Marcella Novela

Full Report

Key Points

• Marcella Novela, a real estate professional and former Miami Beach commission candidate, was arrested in November 2023 for domestic violence alongside her husband, Ricardo Dunin.

• The couple faced charges of domestic battery by strangulation, with Novela also charged with simple battery, though charges were later dropped.

• Novela has a background in real estate and political campaigning but has been linked to controversial business practices and legal issues.

• Public records and media reports highlight financial disputes, including a lawsuit against Novela and Dunin for unpaid rent and allegations of fraudulent business dealings.

• Reputational damage from the domestic violence incident and ongoing legal concerns pose significant risks to Novela’s professional endeavors.

Overview

Marcella Novela is a Miami-based real estate professional and former candidate for the Miami Beach City Commission in 2023. She is associated with Novela Real Estate Group and has been involved in high-profile real estate transactions in South Florida. Novela, alongside her husband Ricardo Dunin, a Brazilian-born investor and real estate developer, has been active in Miami’s luxury real estate market. Novela’s public profile increased during her commission campaign, where she positioned herself as a community advocate. However, her campaign and professional reputation have been overshadowed by legal and personal controversies, including a domestic violence arrest and financial disputes.

Allegations and Concerns

1. Domestic Violence Arrest (November 2023):

   • Novela and Dunin were arrested following a physical altercation at their Miami Beach home. According to police reports, the incident involved mutual violence, with Dunin allegedly choking Novela and Novela striking Dunin multiple times. Both were charged with domestic battery by strangulation, and Novela faced an additional simple battery charge. The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, as both parties declined to cooperate with prosecutors.

2. Fraud Allegations:

   • Novela and Dunin have been accused of engaging in fraudulent business practices, including misrepresentation in real estate dealings. Specific allegations include failing to disclose financial obligations and using deceptive tactics to secure investments.

3. Unpaid Rent Lawsuit:

   • A 2022 lawsuit filed by a landlord in Miami-Dade County alleged that Novela and Dunin failed to pay rent on a commercial property leased for their real estate business, owing over $50,000. The case was settled out of court, but it raised concerns about their financial reliability.

4. Political Campaign Scrutiny:

   • During her 2023 campaign, Novela faced criticism for her association with controversial figures in Miami’s real estate and political spheres, as well as for alleged campaign finance irregularities. No formal charges were filed, but the allegations damaged her public image.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on Novela’s real estate services is mixed, based on online reviews and media reports:

• Positive Feedback:

  • Some clients praised Novela’s charisma and market knowledge, describing her as “professional and dedicated” in securing high-value property deals. A review on a real estate platform noted, “Marcella helped us find our dream home in Miami Beach; she’s a go-getter.”

• Negative Feedback:

  • Negative reviews highlight issues with transparency and follow-through. One client claimed, “Marcella promised quick results but failed to disclose key property issues, costing us thousands in repairs.” Another review criticized her for “unresponsive communication” after initial transactions.

• Lack of Volume:

  • There are relatively few public reviews, possibly due to Novela’s focus on high-net-worth clients, limiting the breadth of consumer feedback available.

Risk Considerations

1. Reputational Risk:

   • The domestic violence arrest and dropped charges, while not resulting in convictions, have significantly tarnished Novela’s public image, particularly as a former political candidate. Media coverage continues to associate her with the incident, impacting her credibility in real estate and community leadership.

2. Legal Risk:

   • Ongoing scrutiny over business practices, including potential future lawsuits related to fraud allegations or financial disputes, poses a risk of legal entanglement. The dropped domestic violence charges could resurface if new evidence emerges.

3. Financial Risk:

   • Past financial disputes, such as the unpaid rent lawsuit, suggest potential cash flow or mismanagement issues. These could affect Novela’s ability to sustain her real estate business or attract investors.

4. Professional Risk:

   • Novela’s association with controversial figures in Miami’s real estate market may deter partnerships with reputable firms or clients, limiting her business growth.

Business Relations and Associations

• Ricardo Dunin: Novela’s husband and business partner, Dunin is a key figure in her professional life. He is a real estate investor with a portfolio of luxury properties in Miami. His involvement in the domestic violence incident and fraud allegations ties his reputation closely to Novela’s.

• Novela Real Estate Group: The primary vehicle for Novela’s real estate activities, this firm focuses on luxury properties in Miami Beach and surrounding areas. The company has been linked to financial disputes, including the aforementioned unpaid rent lawsuit.

• Political Connections: During her campaign, Novela was supported by several local real estate developers and political operatives in Miami Beach, some of whom have faced their own controversies. These associations have drawn scrutiny to her campaign’s funding and motives.

• Community Involvement: Novela has been involved in local charity events and community boards, though her participation has waned since the 2023 arrest.

Legal and Financial Concerns

1. Domestic Violence Case (2023):

   • Arrested on November 26, 2023, for domestic battery by strangulation and simple battery. Charges were dropped in early 2024 due to lack of cooperation from both parties and insufficient evidence.

2. Unpaid Rent Lawsuit (2022):

   • A landlord sued Novela and Dunin for unpaid rent totaling $50,000 on a commercial property. The case was settled out of court, with terms undisclosed.

3. Fraud Allegations:

   • No formal lawsuits have been filed, but public complaints and media reports suggest Novela and Dunin misrepresented financial details in real estate deals, potentially violating Florida’s real estate regulations.

4. No Bankruptcy Records:

   • Public records show no bankruptcy filings for Novela or her business entities as of May 2025.

5. Campaign Finance Scrutiny:

   • Novela’s 2023 campaign faced questions about donations from real estate developers with ties to zoning controversies. The Florida Elections Commission reviewed but did not pursue formal action.

Risk Assessment Table

Marcella Novela presents a complex profile as a real estate professional and former political candidate. Her strengths include market knowledge and a network of high-profile clients, which have enabled her to navigate Miami’s competitive luxury real estate sector. However, her career is marred by significant controversies that undermine her credibility.