Call for volunteers — Florida’s legal aid providers respond to hurricane crisis

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline: (833) 514-2940 (Bay Area Legal Services link)

The Florida Bar Hurricane Information page includes important and timely updates on court closures/administrative orders and other resources for lawyers and consumers. Bar social media accounts have also been sharing helpful news and resources from the courts, clerks, local bar associations and others.

HOW LAWYERS CAN HELP

To quickly connect Florida Bar members offering office space and legal support services for attorneys and law firms impacted by the recent hurricanes, we have added a Hurricane section to The Florida Bar News’ Classified Ads for temporary office space or other resources. If you would like to assist, email the offered resources and your contact information to Editor Mark Killian.

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division has activated the YLD/FEMA Disaster Hotline. Volunteers return calls placed to the YLD’s 1-800 hotline or at FEMA center. Florida Bar members interested in volunteering can enroll online now.

The Florida Free Legal Answers 100% online pro bono project has added a Hurricane category. Florida Bar members can volunteer now to provide online pro bono assistance through Florida Free Legal Answers.

North Carolina State Bar has issued an urgent appeal for legal assistance to help those affected. For Florida lawyers that would like to volunteer, here is the application form for temporary registration and the North Carolina Bar information page.

Florida lawyers are reminded of Bar rules that prohibit directly soliciting clients in person, by phone, via cold call, or through third parties. Read more about the Anti-Solicitation hotline that is being shared with consumers and the relevant Bar rules for lawyers.

MEMBER BENEFITS ASSISTANCE

Some member benefits of The Florida Bar are offering assistance:

• The Bar has a list of member benefits that provide free trials, demos or initial services that may be helpful.
• Clio has created a disaster page with resources for lawyers and law firms.

BAR RESOURCES

Florida Bar members can contact the Practice Management Advisors at LegalFuel for free guidance and resources online or by chat, email, and phone at (866) 730-2020. LegalFuel also has free CLEs that can assist with a variety of practice management topics including remote work and cybersecurity assistance. Head to their Disaster Resources page for additional information.

Florida Bar members and Florida Registered Paralegals can call the Florida Lawyers Helpline 24/7 to speak to mental health professionals at 833-351-9355. This service is free and completely confidential. The Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness Center includes additional mental health and wellness-related resources.

Florida Supreme Court - https://supremecourt.flcourts.gov/Weather-Related-Emergency-Orders 

DBPR Emergency Order 2024-08. In part, this Emergency Order suspends and tolls any existing written certification or educational certificate requirements for residential condominium directors, as set forth in section 718.112(2)(d)4. b. (II), Florida Statutes, and homeowner association directors, as set forth in section 720.3033, Florida Statutes, until October 31, 2024.

Florida Bar -https://www.floridabar.org/public/consumer/hurricaneinfo/#1505308831967-4b730d43-35ff

Ways to Register with FEMA

1. Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app.
2. Phone: Call the FEMA registration hotline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585, 711 or VRS users can also call 800-621-3362) for assistance.
3. In-Person: Register at a Disaster Recovery Center; locations can be found on the DRC Locator or via the FEMA app

Hope Florida

Activate Hope, part of the Hope Florida initiative, connects Floridians with resources from the private sector, nonprofits, and government to support disaster recovery, including food, household goods, and home repairs. For assistance, visit Hurricane Helene Recovery - Hope Florida or call 1-833 438-4673 (GET-HOPE).

Disaster Mental Health Resources: Offers essential mental health support, recovery information, and helplines for immediate assistance related to Hurricane Helene.

• DBPR Email: www2.myfloridalicense.com. Contact DBPR for any licensing issues or inquiries related to your professional license.
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• Find A Contractor: DCNOnline - Home Page
  Use this site to locate licensed contractors for repairs or rebuilding efforts.
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• Florida Disaster Resources: Floridadisaster.biz
  A comprehensive resource for businesses seeking assistance and recovery options.
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• Private Sector Hotline: 850-815-4925 / 850-410-1403

• For businesses affected by the hurricane, this hotline offers support and guidance.
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• Price Gouging Hotline: 866-966-7226

• Report any instances of price gouging for essential goods and services during the disaster recovery period.
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• Department of Labor: 866-487-9243

• For inquiries related to labor rights, wages, and workplace issues following the hurricane.
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• Florida Power Outage: 1-800-468-8243

• Report power outages and get updates on restoration efforts.
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