How GLS Can Help You
GLS attorneys and advocates provide free legal assistance across a wide range of areas, including housing assistance, family law and domestic violence, financial stability, and immigration, as well as through special projects.
Family Law And Domestic Violence Assistance
GLS staff have been trained on the dynamics of domestic violence and working with survivors in a compassionate and empowering manner.
Financial Stability
GLS provides legal services to help clients maintain financial and income stability, addressing issues in three main areas: Consumer Law, Elder Law, Public Benefits, Obtaining identification through our Birth Certificate Program (Pinellas County) and tax related matters through our Low Income Tax Payer Clinic (LITC).
Housing Stability Assistance
GLS provides legal assistance for a wide range of housing issues, including eviction and foreclosure defense, fair housing disputes, and conflicts involving mobile home parks, condos, homeowner associations, property ownership, and post-eviction or foreclosure matters.
Immigration
GLS is the leading legal aid program that provides free legal assistance in immigration cases for eligible low-income individuals residing in the Gulfcoast.
Special Projects
The Special Projects unit is dedicated to coordinating community events and cultivating partnerships with local agencies, with a particular emphasis on outreach and special projects that fall outside the purview of our general advocacy units.
Client Eligibility Criteria
Client eligibility is clearly defined in each of GLS’s grants. Most specify that our clients must earn under 250% of the federal poverty level. Some specify even lower levels (200% FPL or below) except for agency VOCA funding which provides services for all victims of crime, regardless of income and funding for clients aged 60+.
As a grant funded organization, we MUST have proof of income to accept clients.
Income Level
Clients must earn under 250% of the federal poverty level. Proof of income is required to qualify for services.
Residency
Services are available to residents of Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.
GLS also provides assistance to older adults and caregivers in the following counties: Desoto, Charlotte, and Lee.
Vulnerable Populations
GLS prioritizes seniors (age 60+), families with school-age children, persons experiencing homelessness, ex-offenders re-entering society, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Non-Opposing Party
Clients must not be an opposing party in another GLS case. Also, we cannot help with traffic tickets or criminal cases.
Professionals Whom You Can Trust
Gulfcoast Legal Services treats all of our clients with respect and dignity. Our staff is sensitive to our clients’ individual circumstances and needs.
More About The Team
How To Apply
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— STEP 1
Submit the Online Application
Submit your completed application through our online form. You will receive a confirmation of receipt and further instructions if additional information is needed.
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— STEP 2
Initial Review
A GLS representative will review your application to determine preliminary eligibility based on the provided information and documents.
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— STEP 3
Personal Appointment
If your application is accepted, GLS will contact you to schedule a
meeting with the appropriate staff member.This meeting may take place at one of the GLS offices, a community outreach location, or virtually
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— STEP 4
Legal Strategy and Plan
The attorney will develop a legal strategy and plan tailored to your case. This may involve providing legal advice, drafting documents, negotiating with other parties, or representing you in court or before administrative agencies.
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— STEP 5
Case Resolution
GLS will work diligently to resolve your legal issue. The resolution may involve achieving a settlement, winning a court case, or securing necessary legal protections or benefits.
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