The latest news and updates |
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With a heavy heart, we extend our greatest condolences to the Harper family on the loss of Robert Harper. Mr. Harper was a fierce advocate for children and adults with disabilities in Central Florida, donating over 9 million dollars to various charities through the Harper Family Charitable Foundation. We are honored to have worked closely with Robert Harper and the foundation for many years. His unmatched kindness and generosity will be dearly missed.
Pictured on the left is Mr. Harper with his beloved wife, Patty.
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Veteran Legal Advice Clinic |
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We are excited to announce that our Veteran Legal Advice Clinic will be returning in person starting April 21st from 1:00-4:00pm. These clinics will take place every third Thursday of the month at the Casselberry Library and provide those who have bravely served our country with free legal advice on various family and housing law issues that they may be facing.
Additionally, the office of Marco Rubio will be present again this year to help address federal casework issues that constituents have in the community.
For more information, please contact Denice Garza at deniceg@scbalas.com
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Domestic Violence Legal Project |
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We provide free legal advice and counsel to survivors of domestic violence in Seminole County with family law matters including dissolution of marriage, paternity, and time-sharing issues. Our Attorneys seek to achieve just outcomes that improve the lives of families and children and to promote the prevention of domestic abuse through community education to alert at risk population as to their rights, best practices to secure their safety, and the resources available in the community to safeguard them.
If you would like an appointment to apply for services, place call (407) 834-1660 or email administrator@scbalas.com.
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Sealing and Expungement Workshop |
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Don't let that arrest on your record prevent you from getting the job of your dreams. In partnership with Goodwill Industries, our office holds a workshop to learn from our experienced volunteer attorneys how to seal or expunge your record.
You may qualify if you had:
- Adjudication withheld or charges dropped
- AND never previously sealed or expunged your record
To check the list of disqualifying crimes, click here.
Upcoming Dates:
April 20th
May 18th
June 15th
Future dates may be in person, so please contact Camryn Williams, Pro-Bono Coordinator for more information at (407)834-1660 ext. 114 or camrynw@scbalas.com.
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As we enter into spring, we encourage everyone to think of the impact you could have on the Seminole County community. We ask you to please join us in our efforts to maintain the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Seminole County by donating your time and talents to help a disenfranchised person(s) with their legal needs or by providing an in lieu of service monetary donation to help support our legal program. Below is a link to our 2022 Pro Bono Registration form for your consideration. Click here to let us know how you plan to impact the Seminole County community. If you are unable to donate time, click here to give in lieu of service.
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OUR Florida Physical Locations |
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OUR Florida Emergency Rental Assistance program has established various locations throughout the state for more immediate service. Appointments are strongly advised as they will be seen first, but walk-ins will be serviced upon open availability.
Seminole County Residents can stop by the Lake Mary location at 640 Century Point, Lake Mary, FL 32746, which is open 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday with a lunch break at noon.
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Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund |
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In an attempt to further aid citizens that suffered financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is now offering relief for mortgage payments, utilities, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, internet, and other fees associated with homeowner expenses.
Qualifying households can receive up to $50,000 in the form of payments made to the mortgage servicer, insurance company or utility. To be eligible, applicants must meet income qualifications, be a homeowner requesting assistance for their primary residence, and document that they experienced financial hardship at any point after January 21, 2020 related to the pandemic. There is no deadline so the financial hardship can be ongoing.
For more information or to register for the program, click here. |
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- Effective July 1, 2022, retired police dogs will now be receiving retirement funds to cover their veterinary care following their time on the force. Click here for more information.
- Effective soon, an additional homestead property tax exemption will be available on $50,000 of assessed value of homestead property belonging to specified critical public service workers such as teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional facilities officers, emergency medical technicians, child welfare service officers, firefighters, etc. Click here for more information.
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Upcoming Tax Free Holidays you don't want to miss!
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Children's books - May 14, 2022 to August 14, 2022
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Disaster preparedness supplies - May 28, 2022 to June 10, 2022
- For example, flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less; coolers costing $60 or less; batteries costing $50 or less; smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors costing $70 or less; and, generators costing $1,000 or less.
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Children's diapers, clothing, and shoes - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
- This would include baby and toddler clothing primarily intended for children age five or younger as well as children’s diapers, including single-use diapers, reusable diapers, and reusable diaper inserts.
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Energy efficient appliances - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
- Applies to certain ENERGY STAR appliances including refrigerator/freezer units selling for $3,000 or less, and water heaters, washers or dryers selling for $1,500 or less.
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Impact resistant windows, doors, etc. - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024
- Applies to the retail sales of impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors
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Back to School supplies - July 25, 2022 to August 7, 2022
- Applies to clothing, footwear, and backpacks costing $100 or less, school supplies and learning aids costing $50 or less, and personal computers or computer-related accessories, including non-recreational software costing $1,500 or less.
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Skilled workers tools -September 3, 2022 to September 9, 2022
- Tax-free items include certain hand and power tools, work boots, safety equipment, shop lights, toolboxes and belts, plumbing and electrical equipment, and industry textbooks and code books.
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Gas - October 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022
- During this period, the tax on gas will be reduced by $0.25 per gallon.
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As a lead organizer for UCF's dance marathon, Knight-thon, one of our amazing paralegals, Lauren, led the event to success by managing this 20 hour fundraiser for the Miracle Network. Throughout the event, Lauren and her fellow students raised over $811,000 for the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital! |
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Welcome to the Team, Abigail! |
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Joining our team as the new Intake Specialist, Abigail was born and raised in Central Florida. A graduate of Dr. Phillips High School, she received an AA from Seminole State College before returning to complete an AS in Legal Studies. As the Intake Specialist for Seminole County Legal Aid Society, she is excited to give back to the community that has always done so much for her! |
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Resources for Victims of Crime |
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The Bureau of Victim Compensation's brochure provides useful information for those within our communities that have fallen victim to such crimes. The resources provided are:
- Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line 1-800-226-6667
- Benefits Available
- How to Apply
- Qualification Guidelines for Applying
- Information Need to Apply
- Next Steps after a Claim is Submitted
To view the full brochure and get complete information please click here.
Also, to view a list of other resources available to victims of crime please click here.
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New Administrative Orders |
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In Re: Judges - Division and Case Assignments
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Upcoming Events
April 2, 2022 - Autism Awareness Day
April 15, 2022 - Good Friday (Court Holiday)
April 18, 2022 - Tax Day
April 22, 2022 - Earth Day
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944. |
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