The Florida Bar offers educational consumer pamphlets as a public service. These pamphlets are not a substitute for hiring an attorney but are intended to provide basic legal information about the topics they cover. Although they are informative, they do not replace the expertise of an experienced practicing attorney.
Here you’ll also find links to useful forms and resources, and a list of volunteer opportunities, developed by the Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee, for nonlawyers interested in getting involved with the legal and judicial system.
Consumer Pamphlets
These pamphlets are produced by the Consumer Protection Law Committee as a public service.
Automobile
Civil
Credit
Family
General
Immigration
Legal Services and Consumer Protection
Real Property
Wills, Trusts and Estates
Florida Law Help
Florida Law Help is a statewide website that provides free legal information and resources to low-income Floridians. The site was developed by legal services programs across the state to help people understand their legal rights, provide access to self-help tools and resources, and connect help-seekers with local legal service providers. The site provides information on housing, family law, public benefits, employment and more.
Florida State Courts Self-Help Resources
This webpage offers access family law forms. The forms are up to date and in ready-to-use format, with all amendments incorporated. The page also includes links to forms for other cases, such as landlord/tenant and name change. All forms are provided free of charge by the Florida Supreme Court.
Representing Yourself? ('Pro Se')
The "Representing Yourself?" webpage provides resources for people serving as their own attorney. It includes the "Pro Se Handbook", a basic guide to assist someone unable to hire an attorney to advance or defend an appellate matter. The guide was prepared by the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar. It also features information on filing and information fees, among other things.
Lawyer Referral Service
Many local bar associations in Florida sponsor lawyer referral services, listed under "attorney" or "attorney referral services" in the yellow pages of the telephone book. These services can set up an initial appointment for you with a lawyer for a nominal fee (local Bar-sponsored program charges between $25 to $50).
If there is no lawyer referral service in your city, The Florida Bar's statewide Lawyer Referral Service can locate a lawyer for you. You can call this service toll-free at 800-342-8011.
Help for Homeowners
Free foreclosure avoidance counseling is available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
If you have been served papers, contact your local legal office immediately. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service offers referrals to attorneys for low-fee consultations.
Excerpts from the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
Legal & Judicial System Volunteer Opportunities for Nonlawyers
Nonlawyer members of the public can participate in Florida’s justice and legal system through volunteer service. There are many nonlawyer seats on Florida Bar committees and boards, and other volunteer opportunities for those who want to support or advocate for special populations in their community.