November 2020
The latest news and updates
Veterans Day 2020
"We Don't Know Them All But We Owe Them All"
by Maria Machado
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Florida House of Representatives Bill 205
Written by Julian Suero, Barry Law Student Volunteer
Effective October 1, 2020, an act amending Section 817.312 prohibits the unauthorized use of uniforms, medals, or insignias authorized only for use by members or veterans of the United States Airforce, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or National Guard, or otherwise misrepresenting oneself as belonging to one of those military branches, while soliciting for charitable contributions or for the purpose of material gain. Persons in the theatrical profession are not, however, prohibited from wearing such uniforms, medals, or insignias while actually engaged in theatrical performance. A violation of this subsection is a felony of the third degree.   
Florida Senate Bill 294
Written by Julian Suero, Barry Law Student Volunteer
The “Florida Veterans Protection Act”, effective October 1, 2020, provides an enhanced sentence for any person who commits an aggravated white-collar crime against ten or more veterans or elderly persons, twenty or more persons, or a state agency by obtaining or attempting to obtain $50,000 or more in the commission of such a crime. Under the “Florida Veterans Protection Act”, an aggravated white-collar crime, defined as the engagement in at least two interrelated white-collar crimes, provided that one occurs after the effective date of this Act, is ranked as being a level nine offense severity. 
Virtual Veteran's Clinic
Written by Denice Garza, FRP.
We are partnering with Heart of Florida United Way’s Mission United to be able to provide Veterans with legal advise regarding housing or family law matters.
 
Veterans interested in meeting virtually with an attorney can sign up by clicking here, or they can call (407) 834-1660, extension 113, or email coordinator@scbalas.com for more information.
Welcome Julian!
Julian Suero is our new law student volunteer. He is currently a 2L student at Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. Prior to law school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University. While at Auburn, he was an angler for the Auburn University Bass Fishing Team where he got the opportunity to compete at the YETI FLW National College Fishing Championship on the Potomac. When not studying, you can catch Julian at local American Bass Angling tournaments.

We are happy to welcome Julian to our office!
Where Do I Go To Vote?
Written by Maria Machado.
As the General Election is only a few days away, it's key to know were to go if you are voting in person on November 3, 2020.

To find out where your polling place is please visit the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections' Website or click here.

To view a sample ballot please, click here.
Seminole County Covid-19 Relief Program Regarding Evictions
FAQ regarding Covid-19 and The Use of Social Distancing & Face Coverings
Written by Maria Machado.
On September 25, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244 in which he commenced Phase 3 for the entire state of Florida. This EO sparked some confusion therefore the Seminole County Office of Economic Development & Community Relations put together a flyer that answers most of the frequently asked questions such as:

  1. Is the Seminole County executive order requiring social distancing and facial coverings still in effect? Yes.
  2. Can a business require facial coverings? Yes. If a costumer is non-compliant, the business may refuse service or contact law enforcement to trespass the individual.
  3. Will individuals be fined or penalized if they do not wear a facial covering? Fines and penalties are authorized under Seminole County's Executive Order but, The County has not imposed any fines or penalties for the failure to social distance or wear a facial covering. The County has focused on education and achieving voluntary compliance. This position remains unchanged. The Governor's Executive Order 20-244 suspends the collection, but not the imposition, of fine and penalties against individuals.

To view the entire FAQs Flyer please, click here.
We Want To Wish You a Happy Thanksgiving.
Upcoming Events

November 3, 2020 - General Election

November 11, 2020 - Veterans Day

November 26, 2020 - Thanksgiving
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE OR ONLINE AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 1944.