The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition's (FRRC) Fines and Fees Program helps returning citizens determine how much they owe in fines and fees, navigate the process, and clear the path to being able to register to vote. In Florida, hundreds of thousands of people with past convictions are not allowed to vote solely because they don't have enough money to pay the fines and fees associated with their convictions. FRRC works to remove these financial barriers and restore democratic participation for all returning citizens.

Through years of partnership with volunteers, we have completed research for thousands of Returning Citizens and are now compiling complete modification motion packets for them. But that work alone will not restore their rights. We need Florida lawyers to take the final steps of filing and appearing in court on their behalf.

We need attorneys licensed in Florida to help by preparing and defending motions to modify financial obligations based on a client's ability to pay. These motions are filed in the appropriate Circuit Court to terminate or convert outstanding financial obligations to community service hours, which can remove barriers to Returning Citizens restoring their voting rights.

Volunteer lawyers receive fully prepared modification case packages, which include the motions, orders, and exhibits needed to file. These packages are prepared by lawyers, law students, or paralegals trained and supported by FRRC, and filing attorneys may follow up with them as need to ensure they are confident in the documents they will file.

After reviewing the modification packets, lawyers will meet briefly with clients, file the documents needed to seek a modification of fines and fees, appear at a hearing, and debrief about the outcome with the client. Filing the motion typically takes one hour or less and may be done online or in person, depending on the jurisdiction. Court appearance also take about an hour and may occur online or in person, depending on the rules of each jurisdiction.

Lawyers will receive comprehensive training (eligible for CLE credit) and ongoing support covering the legal framework, filing procedures, courtroom defense strategies, and navigating jurisdiction-specific procedures. They will also have continuous access to support from FRRC staff at all steps of the process, from case assignment to resolution.