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2025 Needs Assessment Survey Results
Our non-profit law firm has released the results of our 2025 Civil Legal Needs Assessment Survey, conducted from May 22 through June 25, 2025. The survey was designed to better understand the most pressing civil legal needs of individuals and communities across FRLS’s 13 county service area.
We’re excited to share what we learned and how we’re using these insights to guide our ongoing work and improve access to justice for those we serve.
1,200+
client-eligible respondents participated.
200+
service providers and members of the legal community shared their input.
28%
of respondents ranked family law issues in the top five needs.
26%
of respondents ranked housing related issues in the top five needs.
We listened:
In response, FRLS has launched its Pro Bono on Demand Initiative, enabling private attorneys to volunteer remotely via Zoom, even if they can only contribute a few hours at a time.
Additionally, we are evaluating our pro-bono program to increase private attorney engagement so that there are more private attorneys who can help in the legal areas with the most demand.
We listened:
FRLS is tackling this challenge by expanding its outreach through traditional and multicultural media, including radio, newspapers, billboards, and social media platforms that reach non-English-speaking communities.
We listened:
In response, FRLS is hiring additional family law attorneys and forming partnerships with parent rights groups and women’s shelters to expand access to these services.
“FRLS is committed to improving the services it provides to our clients.The survey results give us valuable information that will help us direct our resources appropriately. I am very grateful to all those who took the time to respond."
Leticia Medina-Richman, Esq.
FRLS Executive Director
You answered:
Housing related issues were the second most pressing need in our communities (26% of the responses ranked housing related issues in the top five needs).
We listened:
FRLS is seeking opportunities to expand the housing work it does by reallocating current staff resources to housing work and looking for additional funding to hire more housing attorneys.
Increasing our visibility through partnerships with other service providers.
FRLS is conducting monthly office hours at the Hardee Help Center and participating in community events to increase our presence and visibility.
Increasing our visibility through partnerships with other service providers.
The Lakeland FRLS staff is doing outreach with numerous parent support groups to inform them of our education law and other services.
Increasing our visibility through partnerships with other service providers.
FRLS staff is working with organizations connected to the Boys and Girls Club and CSC to host monthly “Ask a lawyer” and legal education workshops in community agencies serving Palm Beach County families.
Meet people in the communities they live in.
FRLS staff is doing outreach at public libraries throughout Highlands County to meet clients in the places they already go.
FRLS staff in Riviera Beach are presenting to small groups and ministries in local churches throughout Palm Beach County to reach people on a local level.
Improve the response time to intakes.
FRLS is working to develop scheduling systems so that potential clients can schedule their call back for a time they know they will be available.
Answer intake calls more quickly.
FRLS is piloting a voice agent project that is designed to eliminate wait time on the phone and make phone intake available on days and at times when the offices are not open.
THANK YOU for taking the time to let us know how we can serve our clients better.
Read More About the 2025 Needs Assessment
(FORT MYERS, Fla.) — Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) invites community members, legal...
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Sponsor Recognition Disclaimer
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors and partners. In accordance with IRS regulations and Florida Statute 496.411, all sponsor recognition provided by FRLS is value-neutral and non-promotional.
Sponsor acknowledgments may include the sponsor’s name, logo, website, contact information, and general location. FRLS does not promote, endorse, or advertise any sponsor’s services or products. No calls to action, qualitative claims, pricing information, or comparative language will be used in any recognition content. This ensures full compliance with charitable solicitation laws and helps protect the integrity of our mission. For questions regarding sponsorship or this policy, please contact the FRLS Marketing & Communications Department at Marketing@FRLS.org .
Service areas: Lee, Polk, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Charlotte, Desoto, and Glade Counties.
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