Immigration lawyer for Tampa Bay families
Green cards, family petitions, asylum, U visas and deportation defense for Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Brandon and Bradenton. Flat fees. Hablamos español.
Tell us about your case
Updated: November 2026
An immigration law firm for Tampa Bay
If you live in Tampa Bay and need an immigration lawyer in Tampa, Florida, or nearby, you have two questions: who can handle my case, and where will it be decided? Luis Morales Legal is an immigration law firm based in Orlando that represents clients from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Brandon and Bradenton.
Immigration law is federal, so a Florida-licensed immigration attorney can file your USCIS case wherever you live in the state. And when a Tampa Bay case goes to immigration court, it is usually heard by the Orlando Immigration Court, which covers Central Florida, Tampa Bay and North Florida. That is the court where we appear.
Most of the work is done by phone, video and secure document upload, so you don't have to drive to Orlando for every step. When an in-person meeting matters, we meet at our office at 390 N Orange Ave, Suite 2300, in downtown Orlando.
Immigration services for Tampa Bay clients
As your Tampa immigration lawyer and immigration services lawyer in Tampa, we handle these cases:
- Family petitions and green cards. Form I-130 for spouses, children, parents and siblings, green cards inside the U.S. (adjustment of status) or through a consulate. Green card lawyers in Tampa often charge by the hour; we charge a flat fee.
- Marriage green cards and removal of conditions (I-751).
- Asylum. Affirmative asylum filed with USCIS and defensive asylum in immigration court. If you're looking for an asylum immigration lawyer in Tampa or Clearwater, the one-year filing deadline makes it important to call early.
- Deportation defense. Removal proceedings, bond hearings, cancellation of removal, motions to reopen and appeals.
- U visas, T visas and VAWA for victims of crimes, trafficking or abuse.
- Citizenship (N-400), work permits, green card renewals, DACA and TPS.
- Business and employment-based immigration. EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, PERM labor certification and EB-5. A business immigration lawyer in Tampa helps employers and investors choose the right category.
- Waivers (I-601 and I-601A) for unlawful presence and other grounds.
Where Tampa Bay immigration cases are handled
| Office | What it handles | For Tampa Bay residents |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Tampa Field Office | Interviews for green cards, citizenship and other benefits | Most Tampa Bay interviews take place here |
| Application Support Center | Fingerprints and photos (biometrics) | You get an appointment notice by mail |
| Orlando Immigration Court (EOIR) | Removal (deportation) cases, asylum in court, bond hearings | Tampa Bay court cases are usually heard here |
| ICE | Check-ins, supervision and detention | Call a lawyer before any check-in |
Deportation defense in Tampa and Pinellas County
If you or a relative received a Notice to Appear, is detained by ICE, or has a hearing scheduled, you need a deportation defense lawyer in Tampa Bay who appears before the Orlando Immigration Court. We handle deportation defense in Pinellas, Florida, and in Hillsborough, Pasco and Manatee counties:
- We review your Notice to Appear and immigration history.
- We ask for a bond hearing if your relative is detained.
- We prepare your defense: asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status or other relief.
- We represent you at your Master and Individual hearings, in person or by video when the court allows it.
- If the judge rules against you, we can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days.
Learn more on our deportation defense page.
Immigration lawyer in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas Park
We help clients across Pinellas County, and many of our clients first searched for immigration lawyers in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you're looking for an immigration lawyer in St. Pete, an immigration lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, an immigration attorney in Clearwater, FL, Clearwater, Florida immigration lawyers, or an immigration lawyer in Pinellas Park, the process is the same: a free 15-minute call, a written flat fee, and an attorney who stays with your case. We also help clients who need a visa lawyer in Clearwater, FL for family or employment visas.
Immigration attorney in Brandon and Bradenton
For Hillsborough County communities like Brandon and Riverview, and for Bradenton and Manatee County, we work the same way. Clients looking for a Bradenton immigration attorney or an immigration attorney in Brandon, FL can do almost every step remotely.
Abogado de inmigración en Tampa en español
¿Busca un abogado de inmigración en Tampa, Florida, que hable español? Atendemos todo el caso en español: la llamada gratis, los formularios, la preparación para la entrevista y las audiencias en corte. Muchas personas buscan a los mejores abogados de inmigración en Tampa; nosotros le damos un precio fijo por escrito y le explicamos sus opciones con claridad. Llame o escríbanos por WhatsApp.
How to choose an immigration lawyer in Tampa
Searching for the best immigration lawyer in Tampa or the best immigration attorney in Tampa gives you a long list of immigration lawyers in Tampa, FL. Before you hire anyone, ask:
- Are they a licensed attorney? Notarios cannot give immigration advice. Check the license on The Florida Bar website.
- Do they handle your type of case and appear in the court where your case is?
- Is the fee in writing? You should know the total before you start.
- Do they promise results? No lawyer can guarantee an outcome. That promise is a warning sign.
What it costs
We charge flat fees instead of hourly rates, with payment plans. Examples: family petition $2,500, marriage green card $4,000, defensive asylum $6,500, deportation defense $4,500. Government filing fees are separate. A free 15-minute phone call comes first; a longer or in-person consultation costs $150.
About the attorney
Luis A. Morales has been a lawyer since 2001 and is admitted in Florida and Puerto Rico. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a military legal officer, and he handles each case personally, in English or Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer a free consultation for Tampa immigration cases?
Yes. Like many immigration lawyers in Tampa, FL, we offer a free consultation: a 15-minute phone call. An in-person or longer consultation costs $150.
Is there an immigration court in Tampa?
Tampa Bay immigration court cases are generally heard by the Orlando Immigration Court, which covers Central Florida, Tampa Bay and North Florida. Check your Notice to Appear or hearing notice for the exact court and address.
Do I have to travel to Orlando?
Usually not for most steps. We work by phone, video and online document upload. You may need to attend court hearings and USCIS interviews in person, as the notice says.
Can you help if my relative was detained by ICE in Tampa Bay?
Yes. We locate your relative, ask for a bond hearing and prepare the defense. Call as soon as possible, because detained cases move fast.
Where are USCIS interviews for Tampa residents?
Most green card and citizenship interviews for Tampa Bay residents take place at the USCIS Tampa Field Office. Your interview notice gives the exact address.
How much does an immigration lawyer in Tampa cost?
It depends on the case. We charge a flat fee in writing with payment plans. See examples above, or ask during your free call.
¿Atienden en español?
Sí. Todo el caso puede ser en español, desde la primera llamada hasta la audiencia.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Hiring an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Luis Morales Legal, PLLC has its office in Orlando, Florida.
Talk to an immigration lawyer today
Tell us about your case in a free 15-minute call. We'll explain your options and the flat fee, in English or Spanish.