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.

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: 2022-23
Fund Dollars Positions
LEGAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF, AND ATTORNEY GENERAL
FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
PROGRAM: GAMING ENFORCEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
10,041,602
56.00
GAMING ENFORCEMENT
3,238,531
20.00
PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING
9,169,084
59.00
SLOT MACHINE REGULATION
5,259,209
50.00
PROGRAM: FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ELECTION FRAUD ENFORCEMENT
2,143,856
16.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LITIGATION
119,233,042
900.00
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
27,363,516
158.00
VICTIM SERVICES
207,765,237
124.00
PROGRAM: OFFICE OF STATEWIDE PROSECUTION
PROSECUTION OF MULTI-CIRCUIT ORGANIZED CRIME
13,730,274
95.50
TOTAL
397,944,351
1,478.50

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

What are the applicable statutes?

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

Whom do I contact for help?

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