Asst. State Attorneys, Public Defenders in line for raises under House spending plan

Assistant State Attorneys would get a $10,000 per year pay bump under the House proposed budget, while Assistant Public Defenders under the plan would see a $3,500 annual pay bump.

The pay adjustments are meant “to address recruitment and retention of attorneys” in Florida.

The state continues to experience staffing shortfalls regarding Assistant State Attorneys, who prosecute crimes, and Public Defenders, who provide legal services to those choosing not to hire a private attorney.

The news outlet 10 Tampa Bay reported in mid-2024 that there was a shortage of 577 public lawyers across the state, which was leading to higher case loads, hearing delays and more plea deals to help alleviate the burden.

And last year, Attorney General James Uthmeier sought to allow out-of-state lawyers to work in Florida government roles for up to three years without having to take the Florida Bar exam or undergo a character and fitness review, as a way to attract more professionals to the state. But Justices on the Florida Supreme Court rejected that request earlier this year.

At the time Uthmeier made the request, he said there were 61 out of 451 lawyer positions vacant.

If included in the final budget, the pay increases would take effect at the end of June for lawyers’ base rate of pay.

The $3,500 pay increases, in addition to Assistant Public Defenders, would also apply to Chief Assistant Public Defenders, Assistant Regional Counsel, Assistant Regional Counsel Supervisors, Chief Assistant Regional Counsel, Assistant Capital Collateral Counsel, Assistant Capital Collateral Counsel I, Assistant Capital Collateral II, Assistant Capital Collateral Counsel IV and Assistant Capital Collateral Counsel V.

The section of the House proposed budget for the next fiscal year does not elaborate on why Assistant State Attorneys would receive a higher raise than those working in public defense.

The budget process is only just getting started. As of publication, the Senate had not yet released its proposed budget. When it does, the reconciliation process will begin. And once the chambers finalize a budget to be presented to Gov. Ron DeSantis, details are still subject to his veto.