Help for trafficking survivors in Florida
We've found 7 places in Florida for people leaving trafficking, mostly in Miami and Clearwater, and 4 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with food (3), shelter & housing (3) and mental health & counseling (3).
What's different in Florida
Valid photo ID is required. Florida names VitalChek as its only contracted online vendor.
Survivors can ask to expunge offenses committed while they were a victim, except certain violent felonies. With official documentation you prove it by a preponderance of the evidence; without it, by clear and convincing evidence. There's no filing fee.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in Florida
MyACCESS Public Benefits
Florida's single application for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance and the Refugee Services Program. The MyACCESS self-service portal is open around the clock; a customer call center handles questions and case changes.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Issues certified copies of Florida birth certificates by mail, online through VitalChek, or at the walk-in office in Jacksonville. A computer-generated certificate costs $9 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy; county health departments can also issue records from 1917 forward.
211 Tampa Bay Cares (First Contact)
Round-the-clock information and referral for the Tampa Bay region, including a Homeless Helpline, a sexual assault services line, emergency financial assistance for adults and the 988 crisis line. Call, text your ZIP code, or chat online.
Lotus House Women's Shelter
Shelter for women, youth and children experiencing homelessness in Miami, with meals, therapy, education and employment help on site. Youth and domestic violence survivors can contact Lotus House directly; everyone else is asked to go through the Miami Homeless Program first.
Selah Freedom
Florida-based anti-trafficking organization serving survivors of sex trafficking through street and jail outreach, a sex trade support group, case management, mentorship, a prostitution court diversion program and residential housing with wrap-around services.
Legal Services of Greater Miami
Free civil legal help for low-income residents of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties on housing, benefits and other barriers to economic stability. Phone intake runs four afternoons a week; walk-in intake is Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Florida Driver License and ID Cards
FLHSMV's Division of Motorist Services issues Florida ID cards and driver licenses at service centers across the state; some take walk-ins and others require appointments. Renewals and replacements can be handled online through the MyDMV Portal.
National lines that work in Florida
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.