FLORIDA -- The deadline for survivors of Hurricane Irma to contact a hotline for free legal services is Friday.
Survivors who need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney have just a few days left to contact 866-550-2929 to get a referral for legal advice. FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management reported that more than 2,000 Floridians have been given advice and referrals on legal issues pertaining to Hurricane Irma.
When they call the hotline, callers are asked to leave a message with their name, phone number, email address, the county where they live and a brief description of their issue. A Florida-licensed attorney will then contact callers within two business days.
The hotline also has information in English and Spanish with English and Spanish-speaking lawyers available to give disaster-related advice to low-income families.
- Disaster assistance from FEMA and other agencies
- Landlord/tenant or foreclosure issues
- Replacing wills and other legal documents lost during the hurricane
- Home repair contracts and contractors
- Life, medical and property insurance claims
A FEMA release said attorneys are not able to assist with cases where fees are paid as part of a settlement or award from a court.
The free hotline operates through a partnership between the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and FEMA. In the first days after Irma made landfall, 425 lawyers had volunteered to work on more than 2,000 referrals.
FEMA advises survivors to call the free hotline before Friday to get assistance: 866-550-2929.
More information and free and reliable legal resources are also available here. And for more information about Irma recovery, click here.
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