Bay Area Legal Launches Tampa Area's Only Mobile Legal Services Unit
Bay Area Legal Services delivers legal support directly to disaster survivors in hard-hit and rural communities.
TAMPA, FL, APRIL 28, 2026 – Bay Area Legal Services is expanding support for hurricane survivors with the launch of its Mobile Intake Unit (MIU)—the only one of its kind in the region—designed to bring legal services into hard-hit and rural communities.
Following the historic 2024 hurricane season, local attorneys have emerged as “second responders,” providing essential post-disaster assistance. As Florida residents continue to rebuild and a new hurricane season approaches, they play a critical role in helping survivors navigate complex legal challenges.
The MIU assists with FEMA and insurance claims, housing disputes, contractor fraud, property damage, and more, allowing Bay Area Legal to deliver services directly to rural and underserved communities throughout recovery.
Expanding Access in Hard-Hit and Rural Communities
Built to support immediate disaster response and long-term recovery, the MIU enhances Bay Area Legal’s ability to provide on-site legal assistance—even in areas without access to power or connectivity. Equipped with an internal generator and satellite internet, the unit can operate independently while offering private consultations in a fully accessible space.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery
“This area has never experienced impacts like this, and recovery will take years,” said Jason Susalla, Managing Attorney of Bay Area Legal’s Disaster Relief Team. “This is a marathon, not a race. You don’t need a legal case to get guidance, just a place to start, and this allows us to bring that starting point directly to survivors.”
Bay Area Legal’s Disaster Relief Team served 512 clients and participated in over 180 community outreach events in 2025. Building on this work, the MIU expands Bay Area Legal’s disaster response efforts, alongside the statewide Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline. Together, these resources connect individuals and families with critical legal help as they navigate the aftermath of a storm.
Supported by funding from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), Bay Area Legal is expanding its ability to serve disaster-impacted communities and strengthen preparedness ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.
“The road to recovery after a disaster runs through the legal system,” said LSC President Ron Flagg. “When disaster strikes, legal services help survivors rebuild not just their homes, but their lives.”
Upcoming Appearances
- Pasco County Hurricane Preparedness Expo - Saturday, May 2
- Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Expo - Saturday, May 30
- Hillsborough County Hurricane Preparedness Expo - Saturday, June 13
About Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Since 1967, we have worked to protect vulnerable communities, including veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors, families facing housing instability, and more. We operate three statewide legal helplines in Florida, expanding access to justice for those who cannot afford private counsel. Learn more at bals.org.
About Legal Services Corporation
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For more than 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
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