Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Family Success Administration
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE Agreement No. 26-FSAD-LASBC-1 between Broward County and Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. in the amount of $1,220,000, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with four one-year option periods, to provide legal services to eligible residents of Broward County; authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same; authorize the County Administrator to execute amendments to the Agreement, subject to legal sufficiency review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, that do not impose additional financial obligations on the County or significantly alter the approved scope of work; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”) approval is required for agreements with external agencies.
What Action Accomplishes
Approval of this Motion ensures continuation of legal services to Broward County eligible residents who would be unable to retain legal counsel to protect their rights in areas such as housing, consumer rights, access to public benefits, immigration, domestic violence, and child abandonment, abuse, or neglect.
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Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Commission’s value of “building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives,” and the goal of “delivering accessible human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.” Approval of this action demonstrates Broward County’s commitment to providing community services to advance its residents’ well-being and financial stability.
This Agreement (Exhibit 1) provides a framework for administering Broward County (“County”) funding of legal aid programs. County funding for legal aid programs is addressed in Sections 29.008 and 939.185, Florida Statues. Section 29.008(3)(a) requires counties to fund legal aid programs at a level equal or greater to that provided from filing fees and surcharges in Fiscal Year 2003. Section 939.185(1)(a) allows the Commission to adopt an additional court cost not to exceed $65 to fund four different programs, including legal aid services. As required in Section 939.185, the County uses 25% of the amounts collected to fund legal aid programs required under Section 29.008(3)(a) while funding any remaining portion from general funds. The Agreement contains four additional one-year option renewal periods, subject to budget approval by the Commission for each Fiscal Year.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. (“LASBC”) has provided legal services since 1973 to County residents otherwise unable to retain legal counsel. These legal services include advocacy, arbitration, forms assistance, class action litigation, legal counseling, domestic relations including dependent children, landlord-tenant disputes, and home-ownership preservation. County has provided funding to LASBC for legal aid services since 2003.
Outcomes from the prior Agreement were met and the same outcomes will apply to the new Agreement. At least 50% of individuals facing eviction will either avoid eviction or negotiate a termination of the tenancy agreement; at least 50% of individuals with homeownership preservation issues will avoid loss of their home; at least 40% of dependent children will attain an appropriate permanency goal; and at least 50% of those facing immigration issues will avoid deportation, achieve family reunification, or finalize their immigration status.
For Fiscal Year 2026, funding is retroactive to October 1, 2025. Retroactive approval is requested to ensure continuity of services for Broward County residents.
The Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
Source of Additional Information
Efrem Crenshaw, Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-5003
Kristi Hill, Assistant Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6403
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Funding for this Agreement is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget in the amount of $1,220,000, of which $190,710 is funded from the Court Cost Fund and $1,029,290 is provided from the Broward County’s General Fund. Funding for option periods will be appropriated in the operating budget for each corresponding Fiscal Year.