Help and resources for foreclosure in Polk County Metro
Facing foreclosure can feel overwhelming, and knowing who to call first makes a real difference. Below is a curated list of federal and Florida state agencies, courts, legal aid groups, and housing counseling organizations that serve Polk County homeowners. These are established, publicly known organizations, not attorney advertisements, and they can help with everything from understanding your rights to finding free counseling or legal representation.
Government & regulatory
This is general information, not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.
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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Federal agency that regulates mortgage servicers, sets rules for foreclosure and loss-mitigation procedures, and offers free guides plus a housing-counselor locator for homeowners facing foreclosure.
Visit website → Phone: (800) 569-4287 -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Federal agency that certifies and funds a nationwide network of free housing counseling agencies, including foreclosure-prevention counseling.
Visit website → Phone: (800) 569-4287 -
Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR)
State agency that licenses and regulates mortgage lenders and servicers operating in Florida and investigates consumer complaints against them.
Visit website → Phone: (850) 487-9687 -
Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
State circuit court covering Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties that provides alternative dispute resolution and mediation services relevant to foreclosure cases filed in Polk County.
Visit website → Phone: (863) 534-4698 -
Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Local government office that maintains official land and court records, administers foreclosure sales through RealAuction, and provides public access to foreclosure case filings for Polk County.
Industry & professional associations
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The Florida Bar
Official regulatory body for licensing and discipline of attorneys practicing in Florida, including foreclosure attorneys, and operator of a Lawyer Referral Service.
Consumer protection
This is general information only. Follow each body's official guidance for your situation.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Advice
Federal agency that investigates and warns consumers about mortgage-relief and foreclosure-rescue scams, and accepts fraud reports through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Florida Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
State civil enforcement authority for Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act that handles consumer complaints, including mortgage and foreclosure-related fraud.
Visit website → Phone: (866) 966-7226
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)
National nonprofit that publishes consumer-rights resources and advocacy materials on foreclosure defense and mortgage servicing.
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Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
Congressionally chartered nonprofit that funds the national network of nonprofit civil legal aid organizations, including those handling foreclosure defense for low-income homeowners.
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Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS)
Nonprofit legal aid organization providing free civil legal assistance, including housing and foreclosure-related matters, to eligible low-income residents of Polk County and 12 other Florida counties.
Visit website → Phone: (888) 582-3410
Financial assistance
This is general information, not financial advice. Confirm eligibility and terms directly with each program.
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National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
National nonprofit network of certified counselors offering free or low-cost housing and foreclosure-prevention counseling.
Visit website → Phone: (800) 388-2227 -
HOPE NOW Alliance
Nonprofit alliance of mortgage servicers, investors, and HUD-approved counselors that runs the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline for free foreclosure-avoidance counseling.
Visit website → Phone: (888) 995-4673 -
The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI)
HUD-certified housing counseling agency serving Polk County that offers free counseling on mortgage default and foreclosure prevention.
Need a provider rather than a resource? Get a consultation.