Free Legal Help for Eligible Clients in Sarasota

Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income Tampa Bay area residents.

Our service area includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Sarasota residents are served by our various offices.

NOTE: All office locations are by appointment only. No walk-ins.


Apply for Services

To apply for services, call our Legal Aid Line: (800) 625-2257, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. If your matter is not an emergency, you can also apply online anytime.

We have free language interpreters. Let us know if you would like an interpreter.

These Services are Open to all Florida Residents

Senior Legal Helpline

Free legal help for eligible applicants aged 60 and older who are Florida residents or have a legal issue pending in Florida.

To apply for services, call: (888) 895-7873, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30p.m. If your matter is not an emergency, you can also apply online anytime.

Veterans Legal Helpline

Free legal help for eligible veterans living in Florida or who have a legal issue pending in Florida.

To apply for services, call: (866) 486-6161, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30p.m. If your matter is not an emergency, you can also apply online anytime.

Attorneys in court.
Client family sitting around kitchen table.

We Can Help with Many Legal Problems

  • Problems with your home and eviction
  • Family issues (divorce, guardianship, custody, adoption, abuse protection)
  • Money problems and bankruptcy
  • Special help for seniors and veterans
  • Support for nonprofit businesses
  • Disaster events

Our Legal Help May Include

  • Giving legal information and advice
  • Providing simple assistance and ways to help yourself
  • Helping you find a free attorney
  • Representing you in court
  • Providing referrals to other agencies that can help

Eligibility for Help

Not everyone is eligible for services. Those who are eligible will receive services based on our available resources.

We cannot help with criminal, traffic matters, or some other areas of law such as personal injury.

Areas We Serve

Hillsborough County

Serving all of Hillsborough County, including (but not limited to):

Pasco County

Serving all of Pasco County, including (but not limited to):

Pinellas County

Serving all of Pinellas County, including (but not limited to):

Manatee County

Serving all of Manatee County, including (but not limited to):

Sarasota County

Serving all of Sarasota County, including (but not limited to):