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The Florida Bar
651 E. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
(850) 561-5600
The Florida Bar
www.floridabar.org
Legal Aid in Florida Pamphlet
Table of Contents
LEGAL SERVICE - LEGAL AID
The American Constitution guarantees equal justice under the law, but those words mean little unless everyone has access to our legal system.
If you have a civil legal problem but cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you still may have access to the legal system through your local legal services-legal aid organization which provides free or low cost legal services to persons with low incomes.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF LEGAL AID?
Providing legal representation to those in need has been a tradition in this country. Earlier programs operated by volunteer lawyers from local bar associations were called Legal Aid societies.
Later, a federal effort to provide funds for legal counsel to the needy began in the mid-1960s. The federal government established, within the Office of Economic Opportunity, an Office of Legal Services to distribute federal money to local programs called Legal Services Organizations. These programs were transferred to the Legal Services Corporation, created by Congress in 1975.
In Florida, the attempt to provide legal services for those who could not afford a lawyer was given statewide support during the early 1970s when The Florida Bar, along with the governor's office, set up a nonprofit organization in Tallahassee to promote the expansion of legal services in Florida. That organization is Florida Legal Services, Inc.
HOW IS LEGAL AID FINANCED?
Today, in Florida and other parts of the U.S., legal aid societies and legal services organizations in various counties are multi-sponsored and funded by federal, state, and local governments, The Florida Bar Foundation, The Florida Bar, local bar associations, and special grants. Legal service/legal aid offices have expanded in number, in the size of paid staff lawyers and paraprofessionals, and in the number of volunteer lawyers who donate their time. They are working toward the common goal of equal justice and legal representation for all under the legal system.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS FOR LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES?
The Florida Bar has established as a guide several minimum standards for legal services organizations. Among the several standards developed, two are of prime importance to the public. First, every legal services organization should have a board of directors which represents the community as a whole. This means you, along with the lawyers in your community, have a voice in running the legal services program.
Second, The Florida Bar encourages every legal services organization to have a full-time staff. Eventually, it is hoped that every community in Florida will have lawyers working full time to provide legal services to those in need.
WHAT DO LEGAL SERVICES LAWYERS DO?
Lawyers in a legal services office provide the same legal services as any other attorney. They can advise and represent you in most areas of civil law, although each program has priorities for the type of cases they will take.
Because the number of people demanding legal services exceeds the amount of staff and money available to handle cases, legal services offices limit the types of cases taken.
Criminal cases are not handled because the state provides public defenders to represent persons accused of criminal actions who cannot afford private attorneys.
Also, the legal services offices generally do not deal with cases where a person is seeking money as a settlement. In such cases a private attorney will usually represent a client without any initial charge, collecting a fee only if the client's case is won. Then the attorney's fee is a percentage of the client's settlement. This is called a contingency fee.
You should check with the office in your community if you have questions about the types of cases handled.
WHAT CASES ARE HANDLED BY LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES?
The following are only a few examples of the types of cases usually handled.
WHAT WILL THE LEGAL SERVICES COST?
Most legal services offices offer their assistance free of charge to people who qualify. Some areas have Low-Fee Panels for persons with low fixed incomes.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR LEGAL SERVICES?
Free legal services are meant for persons of low income who cannot afford the services of an attorney. Many programs have different standards and you will have to check with your community office to find out if you qualify. Some offices base their eligibility only on income, while others will consider ownership of property and size of family. It is important that you call your legal assistance provider to learn whether or not you qualify.
WHERE ARE LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES LOCATED?
It is difficult to keep the list up to date, so if you should have a problem in contacting an office, consult your telephone directory, information or local bar association, which is usually listed by county.
Alachua
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 372-0519, www.trls.org
Baker (see Alachua or Duval Counties)
Bay
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Panama City, (850) 769-3581, www.lsnf.org
Bradford (see Alachua County)
Brevard
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc. - Rockledge, (321) 631-2500, www.brevardcountylegalaid.org
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Broward
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. - Plantation, (954) 736–2400, www.legalaid.org
FIU College of Law Educational Advocacy Clinic – Miami, (305) 348-7541, www.fiu.edu
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami Office - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. - Plantation, (954) 765-8950
Calhoun
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Quincy, (850) 875-9881, www.lsnf.org
Charlotte
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Punta Gorda, (941) 505-9007, www.frls.org
Citrus
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Inverness, (352) 726-8512, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Clay
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Green Cove Springs, (904) 284-8410, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Collier
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Legal Aid Society of Collier County, Inc. - Immokalee, (239) 657-7442
Legal Aid Society of Collier County, Inc. - Naples, (239) 775-4555
Columbia
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Lake City, (386) 752-5960, www.trls.org
DeSoto
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Dixie (see Columbia County)
Duval
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Escambia
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-8222, www.lsnf.org
Northwest Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-2336, www.nwfls.org
Flagler
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Bunnell, (386) 437-8485, www.clsmf.org
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Palatka, (386) 328-8361, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Franklin
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Gadsden
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Quincy, (850) 875-9881, www.lsnf.org
Gilchrist (see Alachua County)
Glades
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Gulf (see Bay County)
Hamilton (see Columbia County)
Hardee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Bartow, (863) 519-5663
Hendry
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Belle Glade, (561) 993-0003, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Hernando
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Brooksville, (352) 796-7238, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Highlands
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Sebring, (863) 519-5663
Hillsborough
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 864-2280, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Plant City, (813) 752-1335, www.bals.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Holmes (see Bay County)
Indian River
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Jackson (see Gadsden County)
Jefferson
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Lafayette (see Columbia County)
Lake
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Tavares, (352) 343-0815, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Lee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Fort Myers, (239) 334-6118
Leon
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar Association, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 222-3004
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Levy (see Alachua County)
Liberty (see Gadsden County)
Madison (see Columbia County)
Manatee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Bradenton, (941) 746-6151, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Bradenton, (941) 747-1628
Marion
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Ocala, (352) 629-0105, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida - Ocala, (352) 629-0105
Martin
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Miami Dade
FIU College of Law Educational Advocacy Clinic - Miami, (305) 348-7541, www.fiu.edu
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Guardianship Program for Dade County, Inc. - Miami, (305) 592-7642, www.guardianshipprogram.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami, (305) 579-5733, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Florida City, (305) 247-3353, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Homestead, (305) 247-9562, www.Dadecountybar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami Beach, (305) 673-7426, www.Dadecountybar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami, (305) 349-6013, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Miami, (305) 232-9680, www.lsgmi.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Florida City, (305) 576-0080, www.lsgmi.org
Monroe
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Key West, (305) 292-3566, www.lsgmi.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Miami, (305) 576-0080, www.lsgmi.org
Nassau
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. – Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Okaloosa
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Fort Walton Beach, (850) 862-3279, www.lsnf.org
Okeechobee
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Orange
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Orlando, (407) 841-7777, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. - Orlando, (407) 841-8310, www.legalaidocba.org
Osceola
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Kissimmee, (407) 847-0053, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Palm Beach
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Belle Glade, (561) 993-0003, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - West Palm Beach, (561) 820-8902, www.frls.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - West Palm Beach, (561) 655-8944, www.legalaidpbc.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - Belle Glade, (561) 993-3836, www.legalaidpbc.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - West Palm Beach, (561) 833-5787, www.legalaidpbc.org
Pasco
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Dade City, (352) 567-9044, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - New Port Richey, (727) 847-5494, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Pinellas
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - St. Petersburg, (727) 490-4040, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Community Law Program - St. Petersburg, (727) 582-7402, www.lawprogram.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Clearwater, (727) 443-0657, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - St. Petersburg, (727) 821-0726, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Polk
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Bartow, (863) 519-5663
Putnam (see Flagler County)
Saint Johns
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - St. Augustine, (904) 827-9921, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Saint Lucie
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Santa Rosa
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-8222, www.lsnf.org
Northwest Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Milton, (850) 432-2336, www.nwfls.org
Sarasota
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Sarasota, (941) 366-1746, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Sarasota, (941) 366-0038
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Venice, (941) 492-4631
Seminole
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Sanford, 407-322-8983, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Longwood, 407.834.1660, www.scbalas.org
Sumter (see Citrus County)
Suwanee (see Columbia County)
Taylor (see Columbia County)
Union (see Alachua County)
Volusia
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Wakulla
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Walton (see Okaloosa County)
Washington (see Bay County)
The material in this pamphlet represents general legal advice. Since the law is continually changing, some provisions in this pamphlet may be out of date. It is always best to consult an attorney about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your particular case.
| Legal Service - Legal Aid
What Is The History Of Legal Aid? What Are The Standards For Legal Services Offices? | What Will The Legal Services Cost?
Who Can Apply For Legal Services? |
LEGAL SERVICE - LEGAL AID
The American Constitution guarantees equal justice under the law, but those words mean little unless everyone has access to our legal system.
If you have a civil legal problem but cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you still may have access to the legal system through your local legal services-legal aid organization which provides free or low cost legal services to persons with low incomes.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF LEGAL AID?
Providing legal representation to those in need has been a tradition in this country. Earlier programs operated by volunteer lawyers from local bar associations were called Legal Aid societies.
Later, a federal effort to provide funds for legal counsel to the needy began in the mid-1960s. The federal government established, within the Office of Economic Opportunity, an Office of Legal Services to distribute federal money to local programs called Legal Services Organizations. These programs were transferred to the Legal Services Corporation, created by Congress in 1975.
In Florida, the attempt to provide legal services for those who could not afford a lawyer was given statewide support during the early 1970s when The Florida Bar, along with the governor's office, set up a nonprofit organization in Tallahassee to promote the expansion of legal services in Florida. That organization is Florida Legal Services, Inc.
HOW IS LEGAL AID FINANCED?
Today, in Florida and other parts of the U.S., legal aid societies and legal services organizations in various counties are multi-sponsored and funded by federal, state, and local governments, The Florida Bar Foundation, The Florida Bar, local bar associations, and special grants. Legal service/legal aid offices have expanded in number, in the size of paid staff lawyers and paraprofessionals, and in the number of volunteer lawyers who donate their time. They are working toward the common goal of equal justice and legal representation for all under the legal system.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS FOR LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES?
The Florida Bar has established as a guide several minimum standards for legal services organizations. Among the several standards developed, two are of prime importance to the public. First, every legal services organization should have a board of directors which represents the community as a whole. This means you, along with the lawyers in your community, have a voice in running the legal services program.
Second, The Florida Bar encourages every legal services organization to have a full-time staff. Eventually, it is hoped that every community in Florida will have lawyers working full time to provide legal services to those in need.
WHAT DO LEGAL SERVICES LAWYERS DO?
Lawyers in a legal services office provide the same legal services as any other attorney. They can advise and represent you in most areas of civil law, although each program has priorities for the type of cases they will take.
Because the number of people demanding legal services exceeds the amount of staff and money available to handle cases, legal services offices limit the types of cases taken.
Criminal cases are not handled because the state provides public defenders to represent persons accused of criminal actions who cannot afford private attorneys.
Also, the legal services offices generally do not deal with cases where a person is seeking money as a settlement. In such cases a private attorney will usually represent a client without any initial charge, collecting a fee only if the client's case is won. Then the attorney's fee is a percentage of the client's settlement. This is called a contingency fee.
You should check with the office in your community if you have questions about the types of cases handled.
WHAT CASES ARE HANDLED BY LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES?
The following are only a few examples of the types of cases usually handled.
- Civil Issues
- Consumer Housing
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Education
- Employment Discrimination
- Family Law
- Health Welfare
- Immigration Issues
- Landlord/Tenant
- Public Benefits
- Senior Benefits
- Social Security
WHAT WILL THE LEGAL SERVICES COST?
Most legal services offices offer their assistance free of charge to people who qualify. Some areas have Low-Fee Panels for persons with low fixed incomes.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR LEGAL SERVICES?
Free legal services are meant for persons of low income who cannot afford the services of an attorney. Many programs have different standards and you will have to check with your community office to find out if you qualify. Some offices base their eligibility only on income, while others will consider ownership of property and size of family. It is important that you call your legal assistance provider to learn whether or not you qualify.
WHERE ARE LEGAL SERVICES OFFICES LOCATED?
It is difficult to keep the list up to date, so if you should have a problem in contacting an office, consult your telephone directory, information or local bar association, which is usually listed by county.
Alachua
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 372-0519, www.trls.org
Baker (see Alachua or Duval Counties)
Bay
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Panama City, (850) 769-3581, www.lsnf.org
Bradford (see Alachua County)
Brevard
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc. - Rockledge, (321) 631-2500, www.brevardcountylegalaid.org
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Broward
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc. - Plantation, (954) 736–2400, www.legalaid.org
FIU College of Law Educational Advocacy Clinic – Miami, (305) 348-7541, www.fiu.edu
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami Office - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. - Plantation, (954) 765-8950
Calhoun
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Quincy, (850) 875-9881, www.lsnf.org
Charlotte
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Punta Gorda, (941) 505-9007, www.frls.org
Citrus
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Inverness, (352) 726-8512, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Clay
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Green Cove Springs, (904) 284-8410, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Collier
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Legal Aid Society of Collier County, Inc. - Immokalee, (239) 657-7442
Legal Aid Society of Collier County, Inc. - Naples, (239) 775-4555
Columbia
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Lake City, (386) 752-5960, www.trls.org
DeSoto
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Dixie (see Columbia County)
Duval
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Escambia
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-8222, www.lsnf.org
Northwest Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-2336, www.nwfls.org
Flagler
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Bunnell, (386) 437-8485, www.clsmf.org
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Palatka, (386) 328-8361, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Franklin
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Gadsden
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Quincy, (850) 875-9881, www.lsnf.org
Gilchrist (see Alachua County)
Glades
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Gulf (see Bay County)
Hamilton (see Columbia County)
Hardee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Bartow, (863) 519-5663
Hendry
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Belle Glade, (561) 993-0003, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - Immokalee, (239) 657-3681, www.frls.org
Hernando
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Brooksville, (352) 796-7238, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Highlands
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Sebring, (863) 519-5663
Hillsborough
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 864-2280, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Plant City, (813) 752-1335, www.bals.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Holmes (see Bay County)
Indian River
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Jackson (see Gadsden County)
Jefferson
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Lafayette (see Columbia County)
Lake
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Tavares, (352) 343-0815, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Lee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Myers, (239) 334-4554, www.frls.org
Lee County Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Fort Myers, (239) 334-6118
Leon
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar Association, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 222-3004
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Levy (see Alachua County)
Liberty (see Gadsden County)
Madison (see Columbia County)
Manatee
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Bradenton, (941) 746-6151, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Bradenton, (941) 747-1628
Marion
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Ocala, (352) 629-0105, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida - Ocala, (352) 629-0105
Martin
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Miami Dade
FIU College of Law Educational Advocacy Clinic - Miami, (305) 348-7541, www.fiu.edu
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Guardianship Program for Dade County, Inc. - Miami, (305) 592-7642, www.guardianshipprogram.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami, (305) 579-5733, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Florida City, (305) 247-3353, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Homestead, (305) 247-9562, www.Dadecountybar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami Beach, (305) 673-7426, www.Dadecountybar.org
Legal Aid Society of Dade County Bar Association - Miami, (305) 349-6013, www.DadeCountyBar.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Miami, (305) 232-9680, www.lsgmi.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Florida City, (305) 576-0080, www.lsgmi.org
Monroe
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Miami, (305) 573-1106, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Key West, (305) 292-3566, www.lsgmi.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. - Miami, (305) 576-0080, www.lsgmi.org
Nassau
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. – Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Okaloosa
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Fort Walton Beach, (850) 862-3279, www.lsnf.org
Okeechobee
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Orange
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Orlando, (407) 841-7777, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc. - Orlando, (407) 841-8310, www.legalaidocba.org
Osceola
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Kissimmee, (407) 847-0053, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Palm Beach
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Belle Glade, (561) 993-0003, www.frls.org
Florida Rural Legal Services - West Palm Beach, (561) 820-8902, www.frls.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - West Palm Beach, (561) 655-8944, www.legalaidpbc.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - Belle Glade, (561) 993-3836, www.legalaidpbc.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. - West Palm Beach, (561) 833-5787, www.legalaidpbc.org
Pasco
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Dade City, (352) 567-9044, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - New Port Richey, (727) 847-5494, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Pinellas
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - St. Petersburg, (727) 490-4040, www.bals.org
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Tampa, (813) 232-1343, www.bals.org
Community Law Program - St. Petersburg, (727) 582-7402, www.lawprogram.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Clearwater, (727) 443-0657, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - St. Petersburg, (727) 821-0726, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Polk
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Lakeland, (863) 688-7376, www.frls.org
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Bartow, (863) 519-5663
Putnam (see Flagler County)
Saint Johns
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 356-8371, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. - St. Augustine, (904) 827-9921, www.jaxlegalaid.org
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. - Jacksonville, (904) 394-7450, www.trls.org
Saint Lucie
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center - Fort Pierce, (772) 489-4660, www.fiacfla.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, (305) 358-2081
Florida Rural Legal Services - Fort Pierce, (772) 466-4766, www.frls.org
Santa Rosa
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Pensacola, (850) 432-8222, www.lsnf.org
Northwest Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Milton, (850) 432-2336, www.nwfls.org
Sarasota
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. - Sarasota, (941) 366-1746, www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Sarasota, (941) 366-0038
Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. - Venice, (941) 492-4631
Seminole
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Sanford, 407-322-8983, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, Inc. - Longwood, 407.834.1660, www.scbalas.org
Sumter (see Citrus County)
Suwanee (see Columbia County)
Taylor (see Columbia County)
Union (see Alachua County)
Volusia
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Daytona Beach, (386) 255-6573, www.clsmf.org
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Wakulla
Florida Institutional Legal Services, Inc. - Gainesville, (352) 375-2494, fils@bellsouth.net
Florida Justice Institute - Miami, 305-358-2081
Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. - Tallahassee, (850) 385-9007, www.lsnf.org
Walton (see Okaloosa County)
Washington (see Bay County)
The material in this pamphlet represents general legal advice. Since the law is continually changing, some provisions in this pamphlet may be out of date. It is always best to consult an attorney about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your particular case.
[Revised: 10/08]
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