Florida Rights Restoration Coalition

Returning citizens are ready to work, so what’s standing in their way? Systems designed to make it harder for them to be hired, even years after serving their time.

But we can change that.

Fair access to jobs is essential to not only to successful reentry, but for stronger communities for all of us. Together we can continue to remove these barriers to second chances.

For returning citizens, access to housing, jobs, and fair opportunities rests on the shoulders of elected officials who choose to dismantle, rather than perpetuate, the barriers that silence their voices in our democracy.

Returning citizens deserve the power to shape these policies that shape their lives. That’s what Amendment 4 was about: giving people a second chance and a say in our democracy. Because democracy works best when everyone is included.

Apopka, it’s time to make your voices heard! ⏰🗳️

We know that when returning citizens and the people who care about them show up at the ballot box, we all win.
If you haven’t already made your voting plan, there is still time!

➡️ Don’t know your voter registration status?
➡️ Need to look up your polling place?
➡️ Visit Vote.org to verify this information and more before heading to the polls!

We are looking for attorneys to volunteer at our upcoming Second Chance Sealing and Expungement Clinic.

This clinic will support community members with eligible Orange County charges who are working to clear their records and move forward with more opportunities.

No criminal law experience is required. CLE video training will be provided for all volunteers.

📍 Northwest Neighborhood Center
3955 W.D. Judge Drive
Orlando, FL 32808

📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026
⏰ 10am to 3pm

If you can volunteer your time, we would love to have you.
Please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/iQmATzX33J

Feel free to share with attorneys in your network.

A legacy that changed history and restored voices. Thank you, Desmond Meade, for the impact you’ve made for returning citizens across Florida.

Orlando’s Desmond Meade to retire as head of Florida voting rights group Desmond Meade led the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition for 14 years.

After years of dedicated leadership, Desmond Meade has announced he will step down as Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. His full statement is shared below.

A new report also says Orlando led U.S. cities in reducing homicides.

Today, we shared powerful new data showing what’s possible when communities lead. Through our Community Violence Intervention initiative, gun homicides have dropped 88% and injury shootings are down 71% over three years! Returning citizens helped make Orlando one of the safest major cities in the nation. This is what public safety rooted in dignity, partnership, and prevention looks like.

This success shows that community violence intervention saves lives and taxpayer dollars.

Still feeling the love from yesterday’s incredible Art Event. Huge thanks to our amazing partners, TGaines Entertainment and the Florida Prison Education Project, for helping showcase powerful artwork by directly impacted artists and returning citizens. Together, we’re building community, celebrating creativity, and spreading awareness through partnership and purpose.

⚖️ Calling Duval County Attorneys ⚖️

The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), in partnership with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, is seeking attorneys to support Community Legal Clinics focused on voting rights restoration.

✔ Volunteer opportunities available

✔ Digital training worth 2 CLE credits

✔ Direct impact for returning citizens

Interested attorneys can sign up here:

👉 https://signup.floridarrc.com/volunteer/attorney/start

Questions? Contact [email protected]