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
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
Statewide civil legal services coordination and policy advocacy
Free legal help in Miami-Dade County
Reentry Legal Services
Reentry legal services including civil rights restoration and record sealing in Florida
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement and record sealing assistance in south Florida for eligible individuals
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, juvenile law, and innocence work
Pro Bono Programs
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
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
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 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
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Florida Guides
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
- Florida Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-800-405-1417 for free civil legal assistance.
- Florida LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Florida residents.
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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