Bay Area Legal Services cranks up Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline
The helpline provides crucial support to Floridians impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters
Florida residents have access to an essential resource for navigating recovery from natural disasters, including flooding, wind damage, and more.
The Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline (833-514-2940) offers free legal information and advice to those facing challenges related to FEMA assistance, Small Business Administration aid, insurance claims, contractor disputes, eviction, home title and ownership matters, and more. Residents affected by hurricane are encouraged to contact the helpline for support with their disaster-related obstacles, a service available statewide to eligible individuals.
Launched in 2023 and operated by Bay Area Legal Services’ Disaster Relief Team, the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline has already served nearly 800 Florida residents. The helpline plays a crucial role in both immediate disaster response and long-term recovery, addressing ongoing legal issues for survivors.
“Our Disaster Legal Aid Helpline is a vital resource for survivors in need of legal guidance, especially now that FEMA has declared major disasters in 17 Florida counties, six of which are in the Greater Tampa Bay Area,” said Jena Hudson, deputy director of Bay Area Legal Services. “We’re here to help survivors across the state navigate the FEMA process and access the assistance they need to rebuild their lives and regain stability.”
The helpline is funded by a three-year grant from Legal Services Corporation (LSC). In 2022, the LSC announced it would award $38 million in grants to 19 civil legal aid organizations in regions impacted by natural disasters. Bay Area Legal Services was selected to receive $800K over three years to fund new projects, including the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline.
Bay Area Legal Services’ Disaster Relief Team addresses a broad range of legal and social issues, including insurance denials, contractor disputes, consumer and debt challenges, housing concerns, advance directives, and more.
For immediate assistance, applicants can reach the helpline 24/7 at 833-514-2940.
