Disability Rights Florida
What it is. Florida's federally designated protection-and-advocacy organization. Free information and referral for anyone, and legal or advocacy help on accepted cases — for example, school disputes over IEP services, discipline, or restraint and seclusion; Medicaid or waiver denials; abuse, neglect, or rights violations in facilities; and assistive technology. Direct assistance on accepted cases; referral otherwise.
Who it's for. Any Florida resident with a disability, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a child. The issue must be disability-related. They do not take criminal defense, custody or family law, Social Security appeals, personal injury, or consumer cases.
First step. Submit the online intake form (opens in a new tab) or call 800-342-0823 (TDD 800-346-4127; Florida Relay 711). Have ready: what happened, when and where, who was involved, and what you have already tried.
Good to know.
- A staff member may take up to 10 working days to respond. If you haven't heard back, contact them again.
- Demand exceeds capacity; not every request gets direct representation, but everyone gets information and referral.
Cost. Free and confidential. They do not provide financial assistance.
Official source. How we can help (opens in a new tab) · Services (opens in a new tab)
Not yet confirmed: intake hours; spoken-language interpretation for phone intake (brochures are available in Spanish and Haitian Creole).