Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Office of the Attorney General (Department of Legal Affairs)

What is the purpose of the office?

The Office of the Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs, provides a wide variety of legal services, including defending the state in civil litigation cases, representing the people of Florida in criminal appeals in state and federal courts, operating consumers protection programs and victim service programs, prosecuting some criminal offenses, and investigating Medicaid fraud.

What activities are performed by the department?

Who is the Attorney General?

The current Attorney General is Ashley Moody. The Florida Constitution designates the Attorney General as the chief state legal officer. The constitution requires the Attorney General to be elected every four years and be at least 30 years old. To qualify for election, the Attorney General must have resided in the state for the preceding seven years and have been a member of the Florida Bar for the preceding five years. The Attorney General serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet.

What services does the office provide?

The office provides a wide variety of legal services that can be broadly divided into four areas.

Does the office house any independent entities?

Yes, the Florida Elections Commission enforces Florida's campaign finance laws and the Florida Gaming Control Commission investigates and enforces Florida pari-mutuel and gaming statutes and rules. The commissions are housed in the Attorney General's office for administrative purposes only. They are not subject to the control, supervision, or direction of the Attorney General.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2024-25
Fund Dollars Positions
LEGAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL
FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
PROGRAM: GAMING ENFORCEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
13,758,960
69.00
GAMING ENFORCEMENT
4,693,923
29.00
PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
8,511,519
49.00
SLOT MACHINE REGULATION
6,283,477
51.00
PROGRAM: FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ELECTION FRAUD ENFORCEMENT
2,001,509
16.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LITIGATION
133,898,090
908.00
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
29,345,552
159.00
VICTIM SERVICES
213,820,453
125.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF STATEWIDE PROSECUTION
PROSECUTION OF MULTI-CIRCUIT ORGANIZED CRIME
26,529,872
140.50
TOTAL
438,843,355
1,546.50

Unique Question

Additional Resources

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
2023 Government In The Sunshine Manual, Office of the Attorney General
Statewide Council on Human Trafficking Annual Report 2022, Office of the Attorney General
Division of Victim Services and Criminal Justice Programs Annual Report, Office of the Attorney General
Annual Report of the Statewide Prosecutor, Office of the Attorney General
Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Annual Report, Office of the Attorney General
Hate Crimes in Florida, January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021, Office of the Attorney General
Biennial Report of the Attorney General - State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General
The Auditor General reports on department operations are available on its website

Websites of Interest
Office of Attorney General, Opinions
National Association of Attorneys General

Performance Information

Applicable Statutes

Article IV, Sections 4, 5, and 10, Constitution of the State of Florida; and Ch. 16 and s. 20.11, Florida Statutes

Department Contact Information

Office of Attorney General, 850-414-3300, 850-414-3990 (Citizens Services), or 1-866-966-7226
Website