Local Neighborhood Services
← Back to Resource DirectoryAddress Confidentiality Program
The Address Confidentiality Program, administered by the Florida Attorney General, helps protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence, and similar crimes by providing a substitute mailing address to keep their physical location confidential. Participants can use this designated address for public records, government services, and other official purposes, helping reduce the risk of being located by an abuser. The program also forwards mail to participants and supports their safety while they work to maintain privacy and rebuild stability.
Phone: 1-866-966-7226
Website: myfloridalegal.com/victim-programs
Animal Cruelty & Abuse
Primary channels for reporting animal neglect, abuse, or abandoned pets. For active cruelty in progress or life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Broward County:
Call: 954-831-4000
After-hours: 954-764-4357.
Miami-Dade County:
Call: 305-468-5900
After-hours: 305-743-7433
Online: 311 Direct
Please note: Cities may use their own local animal control units. If the abuse is regarding wildlife, please contact the Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-404-3922.
Anonymous Crime Tips (Crime Stoppers)
Anonymous reporting systems for information on criminal activity, missing persons, or wanted fugitives. Tips leading to an arrest or filing of charges may be eligible for cash rewards. For crimes in progress or immediate danger, call 911.
Broward County Crime Stoppers: Call 954-493-TIPS (8477) or Submit a Tip Online.
Miami-Dade & The Keys Crime Stoppers: Call 305-471-TIPS (8477) or Submit a Tip Online.
Rewards: Cash rewards typically range from $100 up to $5,000 (depending on the case).
Broward Sheriff Dispatch
The central dispatch line for the Broward Sheriff’s Office. While individual municipalities often maintain their own local contact numbers, this county-wide line can facilitate the appropriate resources for law enforcement and emergency response.
Phone: 954-764-4357
Website: sheriff.org
Note: In any life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 immediately.
Broward Water & Wastewater
Broward Water and Wastewater Services provides drinking water treatment, wastewater collection, and sewer system maintenance for residents and businesses in Broward County. The utility is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable water delivery and proper wastewater management to protect public health and the environment. It also handles billing, service connections, repairs, and customer support related to water and sewer services.
Note: Many municipalities run their own water and sewer departments.
Phone: 954-831-3250
Site: Broward.org/WaterServices
COPLINE
1-800-COPLINE is a confidential, 24 hour hotline that provides emotional support and peer counseling to active and retired law enforcement officers and their families. Staffed by trained, retired officers, the service offers a safe space to discuss stress, trauma, and personal challenges related to the demands of the profession. The hotline connects callers with understanding peers and additional resources to support mental health, resilience, and overall well being.
Phone: 1-800-267-5463
Website: copline.org
Electrical Emergencies & Downed Power Lines
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting downed power lines, sparking electrical equipment, or dangerous outages. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line and never touch a person or object in contact with a line.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.
Florida Power & Light (FPL): 1-800-468-8243 to report dangerous conditions or outages.
Outage Map & Status: FPL Power Tracker
FBI Hate Crime Reporting
The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating hate crimes, defined as criminal acts motivated by bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. Reporting to the FBI ensures that incidents are tracked at the federal level and helps the Bureau allocate resources to combat domestic threats. While you can submit tips directly to the FBI, they strongly advise victims to first report the incident to local law enforcement to ensure immediate safety and evidence collection.
Phone: 1-800-225-5324
Online: tips.fbi.gov
FDOT Road Rangers (State Roadside Assistance)
FDOT Road Rangers is a free roadside assistance program operated by the Florida Department of Transportation that helps improve highway safety and reduce congestion on major roadways. Road Rangers assist stranded motorists by providing quick, on scene help such as changing flat tires, jump starting vehicles, supplying a small amount of fuel or water, and performing minor repairs when possible. They also help clear roadway debris and provide traffic control at crash or incident scenes to keep traffic moving safely. The program primarily operates on major Florida highways including interstates and the Florida Turnpike system.
Phone: Dial *347 (*FHP) from your mobile device
Website: fdot.gov/traffic/cvotim/tim/roadrangers
Florida Algal Bloom Reporting Hotline (FDEP)
Central reporting system for blue-green algae blooms in Florida's freshwater and estuarine systems. Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to coordinate sampling and public health alerts.
Hotline: 1-855-305-3903
Website: ReportAlgalBloom.com
Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative
The Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative works to improve the physical and mental health of firefighters across Florida through education, resources, and prevention programs. It focuses on reducing occupational risks such as cancer exposure, injury, and behavioral health challenges while promoting safer working conditions and long term wellness. The collaborative also connects firefighters and their families with support services and advocacy initiatives to strengthen overall health and safety in the fire service.
Phone: 1-866-965-3074
Web: floridafirefightersafety.org
Peer Support Access: RedlineRescue.org
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
Official law enforcement agency for Florida's state highways. Use this resource for reporting traffic crashes, drunk or aggressive drivers, stranded motorists, and roadway hazards.
Report Line: Dial *347 (*FHP) from your mobile device
Note: Dial 911 for immediate life-threatening emergencies.
Florida Public Service Commission
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities across the state. This agency serves as a primary resource for residents needing to resolve disputes with utility providers regarding billing inaccuracies, service quality issues, or improper service shut-offs.
Consumer Assistance Helpline: 1-800-342-3552
Online Complaint Form: Florida PSC Complaint Portal
FWC Fish Kill Hotline
The FWC Fish Kill Hotline is a reporting line for notifying the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about events where large numbers of fish are found dead or in distress in waterways. These reports help FWC investigate potential causes such as low oxygen levels, algal blooms, pollution, disease, or environmental changes. The information collected is used to monitor water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems, and guide responses to environmental health concerns across Florida’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Phone: 1-800-636-0511
Report Online: MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill
FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline
The FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline is a 24 hour reporting line for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that allows the public to report wildlife violations, injured or nuisance wildlife, boating accidents, and fish and game law concerns. It also serves as a way to report emergencies involving wildlife or dangerous situations in natural areas. Calls are routed to officers who can respond, investigate, or provide guidance, helping protect Florida’s wildlife, natural resources, and public safety.
Wildlife Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
Alligators: 1-866-392-4286
Text Tips: Text "FWC" to 847411
Online: MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
Note: Always contact 911 first for any immediate threat to public safety.
Gas Leak Emergency Reporting (Local Gas Companies & 911)
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting the smell of natural gas (rotten eggs), hissing sounds near gas lines, or damaged gas pipes. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the area immediately on foot and do not use cell phones or light switches until you are a safe distance away.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.
TECO Peoples Gas: 1-877-832-6747 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Florida Public Utilities (FPU): 1-800-427-7712 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Florida City Gas: 1-888-352-5325 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Note: Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or turn off gas valves.
LauderGO! Water Trolley (The Free Route)
The City of Fort Lauderdale partners with Water Taxi to provide a free water trolley service. It is designed to help residents and visitors get around the New River area without needing a car.
Cost: FREE
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Frequency: ~ every 30 minutes.
Look for: A smaller vessel with a vibrant yellow wrap and the LauderGO! logo.
Free Stops (New River Loop):
• Riverwalk Laura Ward Park (Near Las Olas Blvd & Stranahan House)
• Huizenga Plaza / Bubier Park
• Riverfront Plaza
• Esplanade Park (Near Museum of Discovery & Science)
• Tarpon River
• New River Yacht Club
• The Downtowner
• Smoker Park
Maritime Emergencies & Boating Safety (U.S. Coast Guard & FWC)
Contact for life-threatening distress, search and rescue, or reporting unsafe boating and accidents on the water.
Primary (Radio): VHF Channel 16 (International Distress, Safety, and Calling frequency). Monitor 16 at all times while underway.
Secondary (Phone): Dial 911 for immediate emergency services.
Boating Violations/Accidents: Dial *FWC (*347) or 1-888-404-3922 to reach the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Distress Procedure: Clearly state "MAYDAY" three times, followed by your vessel name, exact location (GPS coordinates or landmarks), nature of distress, and number of people on board.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Dispatch
The central dispatch line for the Miami-Dade Police Department. While individual municipalities often maintain their own local contact numbers, this county-wide line can facilitate the appropriate resources for law enforcement and emergency response.
Phone: 305-743-7433
Website: miamidade.gov/police
Note: In any life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 immediately.
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer (WASD)
The 24-hour Emergency Communications Center handles immediate utility crises. For non-emergencies, use the Customer Care line or 311.
24-Hour Emergency Line: 305-274-9272
Customer Care (Billing/Service): 305-665-7477
Safe Call Now (Public Safety Support Hotline)
Safe Call Now is a confidential, 24 hour helpline that provides support to law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections officers, dispatchers, and their family members who are dealing with stress, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns. Staffed by trained peer counselors with public safety backgrounds, the service offers a safe and understanding space to talk through difficult experiences and seek guidance. The hotline can also connect callers to treatment resources, crisis support, and ongoing care to help promote recovery and overall well being.
Peer Support: Staffed by former first responders and mental health professionals.
Phone: 1-206-459-3020
Website: safecallnowusa.org
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state agency responsible for protecting Florida’s natural resources, including air, water, and land. It oversees environmental regulation and enforcement, manages state parks, and works to prevent and respond to pollution and environmental damage. FDEP also coordinates cleanup efforts, issues permits, and promotes conservation and sustainable use of Florida’s environment.
Phone: 561-681-6600
Website: floridadep.gov
For Environmental Emergencies:
Dial 911 and then notify the DEP on their emergency line: 1-800-320-0519.
Sunshine 811 (Call Before You Dig)
Florida’s free notification service to prevent damage to underground utilities. State law requires anyone digging to contact 811 at least two full business days before starting any project, including landscaping, fence installation, or construction.
Hotline: Dial 811 (or 1-800-432-4770)
Online Request: Sunshine811.com
Wait Time: You must wait 2 full business days (excluding weekends and holidays) for utilities to be marked with paint or flags before you begin digging.
Note: Private utilities (such as lines from a meter to a house, or pool heaters) are generally not marked by this service and may require a private locator.