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Federal (District) Court

Federal court jurisdiction is limited to the types of cases listed in the Constitution and specifically provided for by Congress. For the most part, federal courts only hear: Cases in which the United States is a party; Cases involving violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal laws (under federal-question jurisdiction);…

Issues & Rights

Fraud & Unfair Agreements

Fees in Lieu of Security Deposit

Landlords may offer tenants the option to pay a nonrefundable fee instead of a security deposit. This page explores the statutory requirements and other considerations for fees in lieu of security deposit.

Family & Personal

Housing

FEMA Claims and Appeals

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) is a government-funded agency that provides public assistance to help communities respond to and recover from disasters. Assistance from FEMA may come in many different forms, such as temporary housing and rental assistance, emergency home repairs, money for personal property losses, payment for flood…

Financial Matters

Disaster Relief

Florida Court System

The Florida court system is made up of three federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts. Each court has general and limited jurisdiction and serves a different purpose. Jurisdiction is a word to describe both the geographical location of the court’s service…

Issues & Rights

Florida Lemon Law (Car Purchase Protection)

Buying a new car is a huge financial commitment and it should never have to feel like a gamble. Consumers reasonably expect a certain level of quality and reliability from a new vehicle, and the effects of purchasing something that immediately breaks down are far greater than simple buyer’s remorse.…

Financial Matters

Debt & Creditors

Florida Towing Laws

Whether it involves returning to an empty parking space or finding someone else’s car blocking your entrance, at some point everyone has to deal with the towing process. If your vehicle is being towed because you failed to make a loan payment or are in default on your loan, please…

Issues & Rights

Fraud & Unfair Agreements

Food Assistance (SNAP)

In Florida, there are two types of food assistance programs administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as “food stamps”) and SUNCAP. These programs are designed to provide low-income Floridians the opportunity to purchase healthy food. If you are…

Financial Matters

Public Benefits

Fraud & Unfair Agreements

Our world is a complex place. Getting anything done often involves a contract, sharing personal information, and money changing hands. Because of this, some people or businesses will take advantage of a person who is not aware of their rights or does not have enough information to make a fully…

Issues & Rights

Fraud & Unfair Agreements

Harassment at Work

Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Federal law. Read this page for more detailed information on harassment. If you believe you are the victim of unlawful harassment in the workplace, contact CLSMF for legal advice.

Issues & Rights

Discrimination/Workers’ Rights

Health

For people unfamiliar with the healthcare system, navigating insurance plans and providers to find quality medical coverage can seem complex, expensive, and a bit intimidating. Florida has a number of health care options available to its residents. Medicare is federal health care given to people dependent on their age (over…

Family & Personal

Health