All registered voters in the state of Florida can cast a ballot for Attorney General.
The Florida Attorney General is a statewide elected official, mandated by the Florida Constitution, to serve as the chief legal officer for the State of Florida. This distinguished position involves multifaceted responsibilities aimed at upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of Floridians, and ensuring the integrity of the legal system.
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Enforcement: Safeguard Florida consumers by addressing various types of fraud.
Enforce the state’s antitrust laws to maintain fair competition in the market.
Medicaid Fraud Protection: Investigate and combat Medicaid fraud to ensure the proper use of public funds.
Civil Litigation Defense: Defend the state in civil litigation cases to protect its interests.
Criminal Appeals Representation: Represent the people of Florida in state and federal courts when criminals appeal their convictions.
Office of Statewide Prosecution: Oversee the Office of Statewide Prosecution, targeting widespread criminal activities such as identity theft, drug trafficking, and gang activity.
Victim Assistance Programs: Conduct various programs to assist victims of crime.
Constitutional Defense and Legal Opinions: Defend the constitutionality of statutes enacted by the Legislature.
Provide formal legal opinions on state law matters upon request from public officials.
Specialized Units: Manage units within the Attorney General’s Office, including the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, and the Office of Civil Rights.
Cabinet Membership: Serve as a member of the Florida Cabinet, participating in the Clemency Board and various Cabinet boards and commissions related to state lands, investments, insurance, financial regulation, and other matters.
Agency Head Responsibilities: As a Cabinet member, collectively serve as the agency head for the Departments of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Law Enforcement, Revenue, and Veterans Affairs.
Qualifications: Must be a qualified elector, at least 30 years old.
Must have resided in Florida for at least seven years before the election.
Must have been a member of the Florida Bar for at least five years.
Additional Information: The Attorney General collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer and the Commissioner of Agriculture as part of the Florida Cabinet.
The role requires active involvement in addressing issues related to state lands, investments, insurance, financial regulation, and clemency.
In summary, the Florida Attorney General plays a vital role in ensuring legal justice, protecting the rights of citizens, and maintaining the integrity of the legal system in the state. The position requires a deep understanding of legal principles, leadership skills, and a commitment to upholding the laws and constitution of Florida.
Ashley Moody, the fifth-generation Floridian Attorney General, hails from Plant City, Florida, where she was born and raised. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, along with her law degree, from the University of Florida. Later, she pursued a Masters of Law in International Law at Stetson University College of Law. Beginning her legal career at Holland & Knight, she focused on commercial litigation and volunteered to assist domestic violence victims in court. Transitioning to the United States Attorney’s Office, she excelled in prosecuting drug, firearm, and fraud offenses, earning commendation from the DEA for her prosecutorial excellence. In 2006, she made history as Florida's youngest judge, elected Circuit Court Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County at the age of thirty-one. As a judge, she founded the Attorney Ad Litem program and initiated a mentoring program for at-risk children.
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