Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Getting a notice on your door or a letter from court can make your stomach drop. Take a deep breath. You have options, and there is no cost legal help in Florida for people who qualify.
Here is the easy first step: read the paper carefully, write down every date on it, and call your local legal aid office today. Their numbers are in the county list later in this guide.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise legal help, money or a result in any case.
- This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. For advice about your situation, talk with a lawyer or legal aid.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people with low incomes, on things like evictions, benefits, family law and consumer problems. Each office decides who it can serve and which counties it covers, so call and ask.
- FloridaLawHelp.org has no cost legal information for Floridians and a tool to find a legal aid provider and apply for help.
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects you with licensed Florida lawyers. It does not offer no cost lawyers, but its page links to legal aid programs.
- Veterans and seniors in the Tampa Bay area can use Bay Area Legal Services' special helplines, listed later in this guide.
What to do when you get a notice, step by step
- Read the whole paper. Write down the date you got it and every deadline on it.
- Call your local legal aid office right away. Say you got a notice and give the dates.
- Dial 211 and ask about emergency rent help, if the notice is about rent.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
- Save every letter, text, lease and receipt in one folder.
- If you get court papers, act fast. Don't wait for a court date to show up.
What to say when you call legal aid
"Hi. I got a [notice, eviction papers] on [date]."
"I live in [your county]. Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
"I rent from a [landlord or company], and my lease [is or isn't] in writing."
"What should I do before my deadline?"
Count the days on a calendar
Mark the date you got the paper and keep it somewhere safe. Ask legal aid to go over the dates with you.
What if I get a notice to pay rent or move out?
Got a notice to pay rent or move out? Florida has rules about these notices and how the days are counted.
Check the official page below for the details, and decide what's right for you.
- A notice is not an eviction. Only a court can order you out.
- Some notices are about other lease problems. Read yours carefully and ask legal aid what it means.
- If you can pay, ask how to pay and get a receipt.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.56
Say you got a notice on a Friday
Say your rent was late and you got a written notice on a Friday. You could write down the date, call legal aid on Monday morning, dial 211 to ask about rent help, and keep every receipt.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. It is not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.56
What if I get eviction papers from court?
Act right away. Court deadlines in eviction cases can be very short.
Check the official page below, and call legal aid as soon as you get court papers.
Questions about paying rent to the court while your case goes on? Check the official page below and ask legal aid.
Please don't wait.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.60
Keep these in one folder
Paperwork can feel scary, but you are not alone in this. One call to legal aid can change everything, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my power?
Locked out, or your water, power or gas cut off by your landlord? Check the official page below, and call legal aid.
If this happens, call legal aid. If you are in danger, call 911.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.67
How do I get my security deposit back?
Questions about getting your deposit back? Check the official page below for the details.
- Keep your lease, receipts and move out photos.
- Watch your mail after you move out, and keep any letter about your deposit.
- Disagree with a deduction? Put it in writing, keep a copy, and ask legal aid.
Give your landlord your new mailing address in writing when you move out.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.49
Take move out photos
When you move out, take photos and a short video of every room, with the date. It's one of the best ways to protect your deposit. You've got this!
What if I'm treated unfairly because of who I am?
Think you were treated differently because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status? You can report it to HUD.
Legal aid can help too.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
A notice is not an eviction. If you're locked out or your utilities are cut off, check the official page linked in this guide and call legal aid.
What does a notice to pay rent mean?
Check the official page linked in this guide, or ask legal aid to go over it with you.
How long do I have to answer eviction papers?
Not long. Call legal aid right away and check the official page linked in this guide.
When should I get my security deposit back?
Check the official page linked in this guide, or ask legal aid.
Is legal aid really at no cost?
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people who qualify. Call your local office to ask.
What if my home needs repairs?
Questions about what repairs a landlord handles? Check the official pages below, and decide what's right for you.
- Common repair problems include the roof, windows, doors, floors, plumbing, pests, locks, hot water and heat.
- Read your lease to see what it says about repairs.
- Thinking about holding back rent? That can be risky. Talk to legal aid first.
This is general information, not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.51 and https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.60 and https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-resources/landlord-tenant-law-in-florida
How to ask for a repair the safe way
- Take clear photos or a video of the problem, with the date.
- Write a short letter that says what is wrong and when it started.
- Hand it to your landlord, mail it or email it, and keep a copy.
- Write down the date you gave it to them.
- If nothing happens, call a legal aid office before you do anything else.
Keep copies of everything
Worried about trouble after you report a code problem? Check the FDACS page below and talk to legal aid. Keep copies of everything.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Florida
Here are some places to start.
FloridaLawHelp
What it offers No cost legal information for Floridians, including renter questions, evictions and help finding a legal aid provider.
How to reach Start at https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Source https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
What it offers Connects people with licensed Florida lawyers. It does not offer no cost lawyers, but its page links to legal aid programs.
How to reach Call 800.342.8011, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, or request online at https://www.floridabar.org/public/lrs/
Source https://www.floridabar.org/public/lrs/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida security deposits (official page)
What it offers Official information about how security deposits are held and returned.
How to reach Read at https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.49
Source https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.49
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida rent notices (official page)
What it offers Official information about notices, including a notice to pay rent.
How to reach Read at https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.56
Source https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.56
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida lockouts and utility shutoffs (official page)
What it offers Official information about lockouts and utility shutoffs by a landlord.
How to reach Read at https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.67
Source https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.67
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida eviction defenses and the court registry (official page)
What it offers Official information about paying rent to the court during an eviction case.
How to reach Read at https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.60
Source https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/83.60
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of Greater Miami
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes. 4343 West Flagler Street, Suite 100, Miami.
How to reach Miami Dade: 305.576.0080.
Source https://legalaidmiami.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
Broward Legal Aid
What it offers No cost legal help, advice clinics and eviction help for people with low incomes in Broward County.
How to reach Call 954.765.8950, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.browardlegalaid.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
What it offers No cost civil legal help. 423 Fern Street, Suite 200, West Palm Beach. Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by appointment.
How to reach Call 561.655.8944 or 800.403.9353.
Source https://legalaidpbc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida Rural Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Lee, Polk, Palm Beach and other counties in central and south Florida.
How to reach Call 888.582.3410, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.frls.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Bay Area Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in the Tampa Bay area. Call to check if your county is served. Statewide helplines also serve seniors and Veterans.
How to reach Helpline: 813.232.1343. Veterans Legal Helpline: 866.486.6161. Senior Legal Helpline: 888.895.7873.
Source https://bals.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Community Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help in Central Florida for people who qualify. Call to check if your county is served. The Helpline screens you and books a call back.
How to reach Call 800.405.1417.
Source https://www.legalaccessforall.org/gethelp/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
What it offers No cost civil legal help. Jacksonville office serving Duval County at 126 W. Adams Street.
How to reach Call 904.356.8371.
Source https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
Here are some places to start.
Bay Area Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in the Tampa Bay area. Call to check if your county is served. Statewide helplines also serve seniors and Veterans.
How to reach Helpline: 813.232.1343. Veterans Legal Helpline: 866.486.6161. Senior Legal Helpline: 888.895.7873.
Source https://bals.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Florida Rural Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Lee, Polk, Palm Beach and other counties in central and south Florida.
How to reach Call 888.582.3410, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.frls.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
Florida Rural Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Lee, Polk, Palm Beach and other counties in central and south Florida.
How to reach Call 888.582.3410, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Source https://www.frls.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Brevard County
Here are some places to start.
Community Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help in Central Florida for people who qualify. Call to check if your county is served. The Helpline screens you and books a call back.
How to reach Call 800.405.1417.
Source https://www.legalaccessforall.org/gethelp/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My legal plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My dates
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You're doing the right thing by getting informed. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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