The 1963 Legislature established the office of public defender in each circuit to defend financially indigent criminal defendants in all but a small number of minor matters. There is a public defender in each of Florida's 20 judicial circuits. A public defender is appointed to represent the defendant by the presiding judge once it has been determined that the individual cannot afford legal counsel. Public defenders are elected in each circuit for a four year term.
Bay (850) 784-6155
Calhoun (850) 674-9301
Gulf (850) 229-9600
Holmes (850) 547-7009
Jackson (850) 482-9366
Washington (850) 638-6000