Domestic Violence Resources in Florida
Last updated September 5, 2026
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Florida, help is available right now. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trained advocates who can connect you to local shelters, safety planning support, and legal resources anywhere in Florida. You can also text START to 88788 or chat online at thehotline.org if calling feels unsafe.
Florida has a statewide network of certified domestic violence centers — one in every county — overseen by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). These centers provide emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and help navigating the legal system, including injunctions for protection. To find your nearest certified center, call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 (also available in Spanish), which is operated by DCF and available 24/7.
Beyond immediate safety, many survivors need help with housing, income, food, healthcare, and childcare as they rebuild. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and emergency rental assistance are available to eligible survivors and their children. Calling 2-1-1 Florida — available by dialing 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211 — connects you to a local specialist who can identify benefits and services in your specific county, often within minutes.
Key programs in Florida
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline & DCF-Certified Shelter Network
Emergency shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, and children's services through a network of certified domestic violence centers in every Florida county, coordinated by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
How to access: Call 1-800-500-1119 (24/7, English and Spanish) or visit myflfamilies.com/domesticviolence to find your county's certified center. No referral needed; you can call directly.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential crisis support, safety planning, local resource referrals, and help understanding options for leaving or staying safe — including specialized support for LGBTQ+ survivors, immigrants, and people with disabilities.
How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Available 24/7 at no cost.
2-1-1 Florida
Free, confidential information and referral service connecting Florida residents to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, food pantries, childcare, transportation, legal aid, and other social services — including resources specifically for domestic violence survivors.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211florida.org. Available 24/7 statewide and multilingual.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Florida
Monthly food assistance benefits for low-income individuals and families, including survivors who have left an abusive household and may have little or no income. Florida allows expedited (emergency) SNAP within 7 days for those who qualify.
How to access: Apply online at ACCESS Florida (myflorida.com/accessflorida), call 1-866-762-2237, or visit your local DCF service center. A domestic violence advocate at a local certified center can help you apply.
Medicaid — Florida
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. Covers medical visits, mental health counseling, and substance use treatment, which are often critical needs for survivors.
How to access: Apply through ACCESS Florida at myflorida.com/accessflorida or call 1-866-762-2237. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Staff at a local domestic violence center can assist with the application.
Domestic Violence Resources resources for Florida
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Nationwide24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
NationwideCulturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
loveisrespect
NationwideSupport for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.
Other resources in Florida
- Housing Assistance in Florida
- Food Assistance in Florida
- Utility Assistance in Florida
- Transportation Assistance in Florida
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Florida
- Mental Health Resources in Florida
- Disability Resources in Florida
- Veteran Resources in Florida
- Child & Family Assistance in Florida
- Senior Resources in Florida