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Public Defender Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Public Defender information

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$20.9K

$80.4K

$137.9K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Florida is $80,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $100,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Florida are:

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For Public Defender jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in FL?

For Public Defender jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,359 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004225

Pensacola, FL

MyFlorida
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about MyFloridaexternal

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Requisition No: 876797 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004225

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21004225 

Salary:  $70,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Agency:               Office of the Public Defender, First Circuit

How to Apply:   Use People First on-line system. Attach resume.

Position:             Attorney (Assistant Public Defender)

Salary:                 Based Upon Experience (minimum $70,000.00 annually and a generous benefits package)

DESCRIPTION:

Immediate Hire.  Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit has attorney positions open in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties.  Starting salary is $70,000 minimum with higher pay based on experience.  All four counties feature beautiful beaches ranked as top 10 across the United States, from 30A all the way west to Pensacola Beach, With many activities to offer including deep gulf water fishing, state park canoeing and camping, great restaurants and so much more, come live your best life where some only vacation.  Don't wait for your retirement years, enjoy all the benefits of living on the Gulf Coast now. 

We are hiring misdemeanor and felony attorneys in our offices in the following cities:

  • Pensacola (Escambia County)
  • Milton (Santa Rosa County)
  • Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa County)
  • Defuniak Springs (Walton County) 

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain trial experience.  Our attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, yet receive strong support from our office administration and senior attorneys which allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life.  As part of your training, our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), enjoy paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the FPDA and receive CLE credits.  Generous benefits include State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.

Attorney candidates sitting for the next Florida Bar exam welcome and encouraged to apply.  Preference given to members in good standing of the Florida Bar.

The Public Defender's Office has protected the Constitution and the rights of Florida citizens since the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright.  Our office is responsible for providing legal counsel, when appointed by the Court, to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, performing as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.

Employer has a "harassment-free" workplace policy requiring honesty, confidentiality and professional conduct. All employees must uphold confidentiality requirements of all host software programs. Employees must also practice safe workplace procedures, and follow policies and procedures. 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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