TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 10, 2008 – Florida homeowners facing foreclosure have access to a lawyer and free legal advice through a program offered by the Florida Bar and Florida Legal Services.

According to Florida Legal Services Inc., 77,000 state homeowners are in foreclosure, making Florida second in the nation only to California. And many others are at least 30 days past due on their mortgage payment, which places them at risk of having their loans foreclosed.

Florida Legal Services and the Florida Bar Association have partnered in establishing a toll-free hotline – (866) 607-2187 – that consumers can call. They’ll be asked a few initial questions about their situation to ensure accurate placement, and then be sent to a free attorney. The attorney will then negotiate with the lender on behalf of the client to keep the home from being foreclosed.

“I applaud Florida Legal Services and the Florida Bar for offering this public service,” says Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson. “Any effort that helps families keep their homes in this uncertain economy is beneficial.”

More than 10,000 Florida attorneys have volunteered their services in the program, according to Florida Legal Services Inc.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®