Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Tampa

Introduction

If you or someone you love is facing domestic violence in Tampa, help is available. There are legal aid organizations, advocacy groups, pro bono programs, and court resources dedicated to helping survivors get injunctions for protection, pursue custody or support orders, and assert their rights safely. This guide is your all-in one reference: what protections exist, who can help, how to access services, and steps to take.

1. Types of Protective Orders & How They Work in Florida

Florida law provides multiple types of injunctions / orders of protection. Understanding which one fits your situation is key. (CC Frontend Template)

• Domestic Violence Injunction (Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence): For abuse or threats by a family or household member. (Florida's 13th Judicial Circuit)

• Injunction Against Repeat Violence: When abuse is from someone who is not a household member but has acted violently more than once. (Florida's 13th Judicial Circuit)

• Dating Violence Injunction: Applies when you have a continuing romantic relationship (even if you do not live together). (Florida's 13th Judicial Circuit)

• Sexual Violence Injunction: For acts of sexual violence, regardless of relationship. (Florida's 13th Judicial Circuit)

• Civil Harassment / Stalking Orders: For harassment or threats from non-intimate persons; though less common in DV statutorily, these may help in certain scenarios.

How to file an injunction in Florida (Tampa / Hillsborough context):

1. File a “Petition for Injunction for Protection” at the Circuit Court clerk’s office in Hillsborough County. (WomensLaw.org)

2. The clerk will provide required forms and instructions. There is no filing fee for these types of injunctions. (WomensLaw.org)

3. You can request a temporary (ex parte) injunction immediately if you believe you are in danger.

4. The respondent (abuser) must be served the injunction documents before the permanent hearing.

5. At the hearing, both parties may present evidence; the court may grant a longer-term injunction if it finds that the petitioner meets the legal standard. (Hanlon Law)

6. If the injunction is violated, you can report it to law enforcement and seek enforcement through the court.

In Hillsborough County specifically, the clerk’s office publishes injunction filing locations and allows TurboCourt electronic filing for injunction petitions. (Hillsclerk)

2. Key Legal Aid, Pro Bono & Advocacy Providers in Tampa / Hillsborough

Here are organizations active in Tampa / Hillsborough County that help survivors of domestic violence with legal services:

These providers differ in capacity and scope. Some may only provide representation for injunction hearings; others may provide broader support in family law, custody, or related issues.

3. How Eligibility & Intake Works — What You Should Know

Typical eligibility criteria:

• Low to moderate income (legal aid organizations tend to require financial eligibility)

• The case jurisdiction must be in Hillsborough County (or in the area served by the legal program)

• The matter must be civil (injunction, family law); criminal defense is normally not covered

• Conflict of interest / capacity constraints (they must turn down cases if conflicts or too many cases)

What to prepare (if safe to do so):

• Safe contact information (phone / email abuser does not monitor)

• Identification (ID, driver’s license)

• Abuser’s details (name, address, relation to you)

• Evidence: messages, screenshots, medical records, photos, police reports

• Any prior court orders or legal documents

• Proof of income / benefit documentation

• Information about children (if minors involved)

What to expect after intake:

• You may receive advice / “unbundled” assistance (help with forms, strategy, court preparation)

• You may get full representation for your injunction or hearing if eligible and prioritized

• You may be referred to partner organizations, clinics, or support services (shelters, counseling)

• Some may accompany you to hearings or help with enforcement

4. Step-by-Step: Protecting Yourself Legally

Here is a recommended path to get legal protection and support:

1. Safety first. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

2. Contact a local legal or advocacy organization (BALS, The Spring of Tampa, Are You Safe, Harris firm) and request help with injunctions / domestic violence legal issues.

3. Go to the clerk’s office or use TurboCourt in Hillsborough to file a “Petition for Injunction for Protection” (no filing fee). (WomensLaw.org)

4. Request a temporary injunction (ex parte) for immediate protection while awaiting hearing.

5. Arrange service of the injunction on the respondent (via sheriff or process server).

6. Prepare for your injunction hearing — gather evidence, witnesses, ask for legal support.

7. Attend hearing and argue for a long-term injunction if the court finds your petition sufficient.

8. Enforce or modify later — if violations occur, report to law enforcement; you can petition the court to extend or adjust the order.

In Tampa, The Spring of Tampa Bay provides free representation in Hillsborough County for injunctions. (The Spring) They can also represent in dependency court in cases involving children removed due to domestic violence. (The Spring)

5. Self-Help & Court Resources

• Hillsborough County Clerk – Domestic Violence / Injunctions
  Lists filing locations, forms, and provides information about domestic violence court services. (Hillsclerk)

• BALS Legal Information Center
  They assist self-represented litigants with family law and domestic violence / injunction issues. (Bay Area Legal Services)

• Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court – Domestic Violence FAQs
  The Circuit’s website describes types of injunctions, how to file, who qualifies, etc. (Florida's 13th Judicial Circuit)

• James J. Lunsford Law Library (Tampa)
  Public law library resource for legal research, forms, reference help. (Wikipedia)

6. Hotlines, Support & Advocacy Services

• The Spring of Tampa Bay
  Offers safe spaces, crisis intervention, advocacy services, and legal assistance with injunctions and dependency matters. (The Spring)

• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
  Nonprofit that provides support for domestic violence, sexual assault, crisis counseling, referrals. (Wikipedia)

• City of Tampa – Domestic Violence Information
  The Tampa police / city page offers resources, safety planning guidance, and rights under Florida DV law. (City of Tampa)

• Victim Services – Hillsborough County State Attorney
  Provides advocates, education, support in criminal & civil cases for survivors. (Hillsborough County Attorney's Office)

7. Tips to Maximize Your Legal Aid & Stay Safe

• Clearly state urgency when contacting legal aid (recent assault, children involved)

• Call multiple legal service providers; don’t rely on one

• Ask for referrals if one cannot take your case

• Use safe communications (alternate phone, protected devices)

• Document everything from the start — messages, photos, injuries

• Take advantage of self-help resources and clinics (BALS, Lunsford Library)

• Pair legal steps with advocacy and support from shelters, counseling, crisis centers

8. Quick Directory (to save / share)

• Bay Area Legal Services (Tampa Bay / Hillsborough) — (800) 625-2257 (Bay Area Legal Services)

• The Spring of Tampa Bay — free DV legal representation; confidential intake: (813) 495-3523 (The Spring)

• Are You Safe nonprofit (Hillsborough) — (813) 997-7432 (legal help / injunctions) (Hills Bar)

• Hillsborough County Clerk – Domestic Violence Filing / Injunctions — filing locations / TurboCourt options (Hillsclerk)

• Victim Services – Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office — (813) 272-6472 (Hillsborough County Attorney's Office)

• James J. Lunsford Law Library (Tampa) — public law library, reference & forms help (Wikipedia)

• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay — crisis & domestic violence support services (Wikipedia)

Disclaimer

This article provides general informational content — not legal advice. Laws, eligibility rules, and resources change. Always confirm directly with the relevant court or legal organization before proceeding.