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.
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.
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.
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.
Harbor House of Central Florida
Certified domestic violence center for the Orlando area with a 24-hour confidential crisis hotline, emergency shelter, help pursuing justice and healing services. The R3 app helps people assess whether a relationship is abusive and where to turn.
The Spring of Tampa Bay
Hillsborough County's certified domestic violence center, offering a 24-hour hotline that takes calls and texts, emergency shelter, legal services, therapy and supportive services for survivors. A separate 24-hour TTY line serves Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
Statewide trilingual crisis line run through DCF that connects callers to one of Florida's certified domestic violence centers for shelter and immediate services. Advocates also provide safety planning and emotional support at any hour.
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.
National lines that work in Florida
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 Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.