Changing Lives Through Justice
We champion justice by enhancing access to the legal system, especially for those whose race, ethnicity, income, age, disability, gender, or sexual orientation pose obstacles.
Gulfcoast Legal Services treats all of our clients with respect and dignity. Our staff is sensitive to our clients’ individual circumstances and needs. GLS offers high quality, comprehensive civil legal services, which are provided by Florida Bar licensed attorneys.
What we can help you with
Housing Advocacy
- If you find yourself involved in a landlord/tenant dispute, such as disagreements over rental rates, late or unpaid rent, security deposits, the habitability of the rental property, or any other issues involving tenant or landlord rights, including a pending or threatened eviction, GLS can help analyze the case and may be able to help you fight the eviction or enforce your rights.
- If you are behind on your mortgage payments or have already received foreclosure papers, we may be able to help you find a workable solution. GLS can help you fight a mortgage foreclosure of your homestead property and/or help you with a mortgage restructure or modification negotiation with your bank or other lender.
- If your landlord engaged in prohibited conduct (such as locking you out or having the electricity or water shut off to make you leave) during an eviction, GLS may be able to delay the eviction process or stop it altogether.
Family Law
- If you are in fear of domestic violence or have been a victim of domestic or sexual violence, you may qualify for a protection order, regardless of whether you are married. This order can help keep the individual away from you.
- If you are behind on child support or not currently paying, you may still be entitled to timesharing with your children.
- If you are seeking dissolution of marriage (divorce).
Financial Stability
- If you’ve experienced unfair and deceptive trade practices, have questions about car repossession, contract disputes, or issues with medical bills, an attorney can help protect your rights.
- If you need assistance responding to IRS letters or substantiating income tax credits and deductions, an attorney can provide valuable guidance.
Immigration & Human Trafficking
- If you are an abused spouse or child of a legal permanent resident or a United States citizen, you may be able to self-petition for legal status in the United States under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) without needing the assistance of your abuser. This legal provision allows victims to seek protection and immigration relief independently, ensuring their safety and rights.
- If you are an immigrant who has suffered substantial abuse as a result of being a victim of certain criminal activities and has been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that crime may be eligible for a U visa. This visa provides protection and legal status to victims who assist law enforcement, allowing them to remain in the United States.
Special Projects
- Community Outreach and Education: Organizes events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about legal rights, resources, and support available to community members within our service areas.
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Develops and strengthens relationships with local agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand access to legal services, share resources, and create more comprehensive support systems for individuals in need.
- Managing Special Legal Projects: Leads and executes initiatives that address specific legal issues or gaps in services that fall outside the scope of the organization’s general advocacy work, such as providing legal assistance to unique populations or focusing on emerging legal challenges.
Read what our clients say about collaborating with GLS
“I met with Sara at the Bradenton Office; very professional, kind, thorough and informative. I was very anxious about this legal matter and Sara was very reassuring!”
— Manatee County Past Client
“I would recommend Gulfcoast Legal Services to others; it has been a blessing to my family.”
— Past Pinellas County Client
“I was able to receive my document at a very low point in my life, when I had nothing. Helping me get my documents will make and have made life better.Thank You.”
— Past Pinellas County Client
“GLS staff had open communication and got it done in a timely fashion with professionalism.”
— Past Pinellas County Client
“I would absolutely recommend this agency to anyone and everyone needing these services. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and the facility was clean and neat.”
— Past Pinellas County Client
“I am very grateful for your help in referring me to a lawyer who walked me through the small claims process.”
“You kept me informed throughout the process and made it easy to pick up what I needed whenever necessary.”
— Pinellas county
“Throughout the process of all this, GLS staff have been great help to my family and I, they’ve helped us understand everything very clearly and we’ve never been let down. I received permission to work and became a resident after the help of GLS.”
— Manatee County
“I had two other agencies working to help get my birth certificate and Gulfcoast Legal Services is the only one that came through, thank you so much!”
— Pinellas Co.
“They have always taken care of my needs and exceeded my expectations; I am very grateful for their services.”
— Pinellas Co.
Our Grant Funders
Gulfcoast Legal Services provides free legal services to vulnerable individuals, made possible by generous grant funding from local, state, federal, foundation, and individual donors. Our current funders include:
Change Your Life With GLS Now
You can apply for legal services 24/7 via our online form. We will contact you to let you know if your application has been accepted or not. Emergency cases (domestic violence and urgent housing matters) will be prioritized and contacted first.
Request Assistance
Contact Us
GLS serves clients across the Greater Tampa Bay area, including Manatee, Pinellas, Wimauma, and Sarasota counties, as well as Desoto, Lee, and Hillsborough counties.
Applications can be completed in person. GLS accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note that GLS closes to walk-ins Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and does not accept walk-ins after 12:30 p.m. on Fridays
Manatee Office
1112 Manatee Ave E, 2nd Floor, Bradenton, FL 34208
941-746-6151
Pinellas office
501 1st Ave N, Suite 420, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-0726
Sarasota Office
250 Tamiami Trail S, Suite 201-D Venice, FL 34285
800-230-5920
Wimauma Office
*next to Beth-El Ministries, 18238 US-301S, Wimauma, FL 33598
727-821-0726