Public defender asks Putnam delegation for higher starting salary to retain attorneys

Matt Metz, public defender for Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, told the Putnam County legislative delegation the circuit represents tens of thousands of criminal cases but is struggling to recruit and retain attorneys.

Metz said the Seventh Circuit handled more than 30,000 criminal cases last year with roughly 60 trial attorneys and that public defender offices statewide represent more than half a million criminal clients annually. He said some circuits pay assistant public defenders between $75,000 and $80,000 already, and the Florida Public Defender Association will ask the Legislature for a statewide starting salary of $80,000. Metz estimated the statewide cost for that increase at roughly $14 million and separately cited a $13 million figure to bring certain circuits up to parity with state attorneys.

Metz told the delegation recruitment efforts, including visiting law schools, have not produced enough candidates for public service positions. He said some circuits currently receive substantially less funding relative to state attorneys' offices and identified eight circuits, including the Seventh, that fall below a target funding ratio.

Senator Leake asked whether the Seventh Circuit received 55 percent of prosecutors' funding; Metz said eight circuits do not reach that threshold. Leake and Representative Sapp acknowledged the request and directed staff to expect further follow-up during the legislative session.

Ending

Metz asked the delegation to consider funding increases that would support public defenders' offices statewide; the delegation signaled they would hear more details during the session and recommended formal appropriation requests.