News

The Florida Supreme Court issued an administration order, No. AOSC2016, allowing Florida notaries to administer oaths remotely by audio-video communications within the State of Florida, provided that they can positively identify the witness. The order specifically allows Florida notaries to remotely administer oaths involving family law forms. It allows you to also witness remotely the…

According to Administrative Order 20-15, all eviction, ejectment or writs of possession, unlawful detainer cases will be suspended until April 15, 2020 or any other date provided by law. This suspension also applies to initial paperwork for filing the eviction; time periods for service of documents; and scheduling hearings. In addition, the Sheriff and all…

Please click here to see the attached Administrative Order 20-15- Continuation of Operations Based Upon COVID-19 Concerns.

Our staff shall be working remotely until further notice.  You can contact the following staff during the hours of 8:30 to 4: 30 PM (Monday – Friday) at following numbers:   Assistant Coordinator: (to apply for legal assistance or for further information) : (407) 834 -1660 ext. 100 or (863) 606-3732 or assistantcoordinator@scbalas.com   Pro…

Please see below for the most current update regarding the Seminole County Courthouse procedure. Be sure to also check the 18th judicial circuit website and their webpage regarding COVID-19 for any further updates. All domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, stalking and cyberstalking injunction hearings are to be suspended for 30 days and recommence on…

Seminole County Public Schools will be offering free breakfast and lunch meals for students during the week of March 23rd-27th! The following are the selected distribution sites: Casselberry Elementary (1075 Crystal Bowl Circle, Casselberry, FL 32707) English Estates Elementary (299 Oxford Road, Fern Park, FL 32730) Midway Elementary (2368 Brisson Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771) Pine…

Governor DeSantis has issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak.  The Center for Disease Control recommends community preparedness and everyday prevention measures to be taken by all individuals and families.  Residents should make sure their legal affairs are in order in case you may fall seriously ill and…

When a child turns 18 years of age, a parent loses their right to make decisions on behalf of the child.  If the child is disabled and unable to make their own decisions, a parent needs to become the court-approved guardian to continue to make choices for their child’s welfare — like making medical, education…

Beginning February 11th, a new law (the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act) took effect that will assist veterans in attaining more positions in the STEM field. More specifically, this law will create more eligibility for veterans through the Nation Science Foundation (NSF) through scholarships, grants, and fellowship programs geared towards veterans. The NSF is…

IDignity of Seminole County will be hosting an event to aid in obtaining Birth Certificates, Social Security cards, replacement immigration records and other documentation needed to obtain a Florida ID or license. They work to replace lost or stolen IDs free of charge. The event will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2020 from 9 am-…

Attorney Michael A. Sasso has been elected to be the president of the Seminole County Bar Association for the 2020 term. The bars website is www.seminolecountybar.com. The meetings of the Bar Association are as follows: Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 12 PM Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 12 PM Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 12…

               The Honorable Lisa Davidson of the 18th Judicial Circuit has been awarded with the 2020 Award for Distinguished Judicial Service. She has been an active member of the community and founded the Domestic Violence Task Force in Brevard County along with chairing the 18th Circuit Pro Bono Committee. Attorney Andrew…

Starting January 1, 2020, Florida Notaries must use new certificate wording for acknowledgments and jurats that indicates if the signer appeared in person or by audiovisual communication for the notarization. The new certificate wording requirement is part of a new Florida law signed last June, which authorizes qualified and registered Notaries to perform remote online…

E-Skimming for the Holidays E-skimming happens when a hacker inserts malicious credential-stealing software into a retailer’s website. While you are checking out with your credit card or debit card, the hacker is stealing your payment information from the shopping cart in real-time. They may even be using your card or selling the information on the…

From November 8th to the 11th, the City of Sanford’s Fort Mellon Park will be displaying a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. This replica is over 280 feet wide, 6 feet tall, and has over 58,000 names of our fallen American heroes. It will be open and free to the public…

This Saturday, October 26th, the Office of Health Promotion and Education is holding an event for Mobility Week to encourage safe mobility. At this age friendly event, attendant can will receive a free bicycle helmet and have a helmet fitted by a certified bike helmet technician. This event will  be held from 9 AM- 12…

HOUSING PROJECT We were awarded a new grant to provide free legal advice to additional tenants having eviction/housing issues starting starting this October. We will be providing free legal services to low income persons living in Seminole County with housing issues such as eviction, maintenance, utility shut off and security deposit returns. Housing Project Flyer…

As Hurricane Dorian nears us, remember to register for text alerts from Seminole County Emergency Management for updates on the storm in Seminole County. Text “Dorian” to 888-777 for updates. We will be following the Seminole County courthouse schedule regarding closures, unless the legal aid office suffers damage or loss of electricity from the hurricane. …

Written by Daniel Woodruff, University of Florida The Hacienda is a HUD funded apartment complex in Longwood, Florida. Recently, the complex has opened a waiting list for one-bedroom and two-bedroom applicants. It is set to stay open from August 5, 2019 to September 16, 2019, or until 15 candidates who meet admissions requirements complete applications….

Unemployment Compensation for Domestic Violence Survivors Written by Daniel Woodruff, University of Florida Typically, under Florida statute 443.101(1)(a), a person is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits when they voluntarily leave their job. However, there are exceptions to this rule – such as relocation due to a spouse’s military service. Florida Governor DeSantis signed House Bill…

Code Enforcement Written by Daniel Woodruff, University of Florida We assist with several legal matters; one of these matters is landlord-tenant issues. The most prolific complaint we receive from tenants is that their apartment or house is not kept up to code. These complaints range from electrical, plumbing, and structural issues. Each city in Seminole…

Equitable Opportunities in the Classroom, Office, and Online Written by Daniel Woodruff, University of Florida Treat the disease, not the symptoms. The past four years, Harvard has been in a legal battle over closed captioning in their videos. While this is an issue, the true crime is consistent discrimination against blind and deaf persons. Make…