If you are considering bankruptcy in Florida but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/FL for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Florida.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/FL to find the legal aid office nearest you in Florida. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Florida Legal Services
Statewide advocacy and legal services for low-income Floridians.
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association
Free legal services in Central Florida.
Legal Services of Greater Miami
Free legal services for Miami-Dade and Monroe County.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Serves northeast Florida with free legal assistance.
Bay Area Legal Services (Tampa)
Free legal services in the Tampa Bay area.
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
Serves Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
University of Florida Levin College of Law Clinics
Various legal clinics.
University of Miami School of Law Clinics
Community-focused legal clinics.
Bar Association Pro Bono
The Florida Bar Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Florida
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Florida. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Florida
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for Florida. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/FL -- Find free legal help in Florida
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge