211 Hotline
Your local Information and Referral (I&R) agency is a good starting point for making a connection to community supports and services. This agency will have a listing of all the support services available in your area. This hotline can be reached by dialing 2-1-1.
Center for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are private, nonprofit corporations that provide services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of the communities they live in. CILs provide several core services, including: Transition, information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills and peer support. A map of all CILs statewide is available on their website.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders and individuals with disabilities with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Florida SHINE Program
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. Contact the Department of Elder Affairs by dialing 1-800-963-5337 (toll-free) or 1-800-955-8770 (TDD/TYY).
Florida Public Service Commission
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive some of their most essential services — electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater — in a safe, reasonable, and reliable manner. The PSC has created the publication "Where to Find Help in Florida" which contains information on various social services agencies that can assist consumers throughout Florida. If you have questions about Where to Find Help, please call the PSC’s Outreach Team at (850) 413-6482.
Florida Commission On Human Relations
Florida Commission On Human Relations (FCHR) was established by the Florida Legislature to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints in the areas of Mediation, Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations, Whistle-blower's Act, and Indigent Status. You can file an inquiry if you find a violation of the civil rights involving any type of discrimination by race, color, religion, familial status, age, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, handicap or disability or retaliation. FCHR can be contacted by phone at 850-488-7082 or toll-free at 1-800-342-8170.