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.
Camillus House
Miami's long-running provider for people who are poor and homeless, with an overnight shelter on NW 7th Avenue and Camillus Health on NW 5th Street. Serving South Florida since 1960.
Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR)
The state's NARR affiliate, which certifies sober living and recovery residences under Florida Statute 397.487. Its online provider list is the place to check whether a recovery residence is certified, and it accepts grievances about residences that fall short of standards.
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.