Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed February 25, 2019
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A District Attorney (or "D.A.") is the prosecuting officer of a criminal case (i.e., the official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminal offenses). Not all arrests result in criminal charges; but those that are charged originate from the regional district attorney's office. Some states use different terminology; for instance, Florida's prosecuting attorneys are referred to as "state attorneys."
Since state crimes are considered offenses against the state (just as federal crimes are offenses committed against the nation), it's the state that files charges and prosecutes crimes.
As in other states, Florida's Attorney General (or "A.G.") serves as the chief legal officer for the state of Florida, representing the interests of the state. The office of A.G. defends the state against civil cases, represents the People of Florida in criminal appeals, and enforces the state's various consumer protection laws. The A.G.'s office also tracks statewide criminal activities such as identity theft, gang activity, and illicit drug trafficking.
Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Consumer Services if you'd like to file a consumer complaint. The Florida Attorney General is an elected position.
The Sunshine State is divided into 20 judicial districts, each representing between one and seven counties each. For example, the 11th Circuit represents Miami-Dade County, while the 5th Circuit comprises Citrus, Handando, Lake, Marion, and Sumpter Counties. Florida also has county attorneys who represent their respective county in legal matters.
The chart below provides helpful links to Florida's state attorneys by district as well as county attorneys.
1st Circuit (Escambia / Okaloosa / Santa Rose / Walton) |
16th Circuit (Monroe) |
2nd Circuit (Franklin / Gadsden / Jefferson / Leon / Liberty / Wakulla) |
17th Circuit (Broward) |
3rd Circuit (Columbia / Dixie / Hamilton / Lafayette / Madison / Suwanee / Taylor) |
18th Circuit (Brevard / Seminole) |
4th Circuit (Clay / Duval / Nassau) |
19th Circuit (Indian River / Martin / Okeechobee / St Lucie) |
5th Circuit (Citrus / Hernando / Lake / Marion / Sumpter) |
20th Circuit (Charlotte / Collier / Glades / Hendry / Lee) |
6th Circuit (Pasco / Pinellas) |
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7th Circuit (Flagler / Putnam / St. Johns / Volusia) |
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8th Circuit (Alachua / Baker / Bradford / Gilchrist / Levy / Union) |
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9th Circuit (Orange / Osceola) |
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10th Circuit (Hardee / Highlands / Polk) |
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11th Circuit (Miami-Dade) |
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12th Circuit (DeSoto/Manatee/Sarasota) |
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13th Circuit (Hillsborough) |
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14th Circuit (Bay / Calhoun / Gulf / Holmes / Jackson / Washington) |
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15th Circuit (Palm Beach) |
Note: Although we strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.
Whether you need to contact the state's attorney about a specific criminal matter or have been charged with a crime and need some more information about your case, there's no substitute for professional legal advice. Get started today and contact a Florida criminal defense attorney near you.
Contact a qualified criminal lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.