Applying for a Public Defender?
Applicants are approved or denied based on the guidelines provided by Florida statute for indigent determination. Poverty guidelines are provided by the State and updated each January. If you do not agree with the determination made by the Clerk’s office, you may seek judicial review.
Criminal Indigent Status
Individuals may apply for appointment of a public defender. The applicant is notified in writing of the approval or denial of their application. The provision of a public defender is not free.
Individuals may apply to be indigent for costs and eligible for the provision of due process services, as prescribed by Florida statute, funded by the state. A written motion must be filed with the court along with a completed application.
There is a $50 fee for each application filed. Florida statutes requires payment of the $50 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court within seven (7) days. If the fee is not paid within the seven (7) days, it will be assessed against you at time of disposition of your case.
A judgment and/or lien may be imposed against all real or personal property you own to pay for legal and other services provided on your behalf or on behalf of the person for whom you are making this application.
Civil Indigent Status
Civil applications are processed with no fees. The applicant is notified in writing of the approval or denial of their application. You will need to provide a copy of your indigent status when filing your case in any of the following departments: Circuit Civil, Family Relations, Small Claims, and Probate.
Contact Information
Clerk of Circuit Court
Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd., Suite 1-300
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547