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Free Legal Aid in Florida(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services

Florida's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Florida Legal Services and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.

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Quick Answer

You can get free legal help in Florida through Florida Legal Services (call 1-800-405-1417) or apply online at their website. Statewide coordination of legal aid in Florida. Regional providers include Legal Services of Greater Miami, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, and Bay Area Legal Services. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.

Florida Legal Aid Organization

Florida Legal Services

Website: floridalegal.org

Phone: 1-800-405-1417

Statewide coordination of legal aid in Florida. Regional providers include Legal Services of Greater Miami, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, and Bay Area Legal Services.

Lawyer Referral & Self-Help

Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

floridabar.org/public/lrs|1-800-342-8011

LawHelp.org

lawhelp.org/florida-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials

Income Eligibility

Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level

For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.

Types of Legal Issues Covered

  • Housing & eviction defense
  • Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
  • Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
  • Consumer & debt issues
  • Expungement & record clearing
  • Employment disputes
  • Immigration (limited)

Notable Legal Aid Organizations

Florida Legal Services

Statewide civil legal services coordination and policy advocacy

Legal Services of Greater Miami

Free legal help in Miami-Dade County

Reentry Legal Services

Florida Reentry Center

Reentry legal services including civil rights restoration and record sealing in Florida

Expungement & Record Clearing Programs

Legal Services of Greater Miami — Expungement

Free expungement and record sealing assistance in south Florida for eligible individuals

Law School Clinics

University of Florida College of Law — Criminal Justice Clinic

Criminal defense, juvenile law, and innocence work

Pro Bono Programs

Florida Pro Bono Coordinators

Statewide coordination of volunteer attorney services

Public Defender System

Statewide

Florida has 20 judicial circuit public defender offices established under the state constitution, each elected by voters in the circuit.

How to Apply for Legal Aid

  1. 1

    Contact Florida Legal Services

    Call 1-800-405-1417 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.

  2. 2

    Complete intake screening

    Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.

  3. 3

    Case assignment

    If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.

  4. 4

    Receive legal help

    Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get free legal help in Florida?
Contact Florida Legal Services at 1-800-405-1417 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/florida for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011 for a lawyer referral.
What is the income limit for free legal aid in Florida?
Most legal aid programs in Florida require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
Can I get free help with expungement in Florida?
Yes. Legal Services of Greater Miami — Expungement provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
Does Florida have a public defender I can use?
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Florida has 20 judicial circuit public defender offices established under the state constitution, each elected by voters in the circuit. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.

Take Action -- Direct Links

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Legal aid eligibility, programs, and services change periodically. Contact the organizations listed above for exact current availability. For immediate help, call 211 or visit 211.org.