Applicants are approved or denied based on the guidelines provided in 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.
Completely fill out the application, providing information about income, debts, any owned property, etc. Incomplete applications will be deemed insufficient. If your applications is marked insufficient, you must complete a new application.
Applicants may apply for appointment of a Public Defender or for Indigent Status for Costs. The applicant is notified in writing of the approval or denial of their application. There is a $50 fee for each application filed. Statue requires payment of the $50 to the Clerk and Comptroller, St. Lucie County within seven (7) days. If the fee is not paid within the seven (7) days, it will be assessed against you at the conclusion of this case.
In juvenile court, if the child, parent or legal guardian of the child wishes the child to be represented by an attorney, but does not have the funds to hire a private attorney, the parent or guardian fills out the application for the services of the Public Defender.
The provision of a public defender and/or costs/due process services are not free. A judgment and 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.
Indigency FAQs
How do I apply for a Public Defender?
You must complete and submit an Application for Criminal Indigent Status. Each section must be answered. There is a $50.00 fee for each application filed.
Why is there a $50.00 Application Fee?
The $50 application fee was created by the legislature. The fee applies whether or not you actually are appointed a public defender. Statue requires payment of the $50 fee to the Clerk and Comptroller, St. Lucie County within seven (7) days. If the fee is not paid within the seven (7) days, it will be assessed against you at the conclusion of this case.How are applicants for indigent status approved or denied?
Applicants for indigent status are approved or denied based on the guidelines provided in Florida Statutes 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.
Kelly Fox
Payment Center Manager
Kelly is a Fort Pierce native and has 22 years of experience with the Clerk’s office. As Payment Center Manager, she is responsible for facilitating the operations of the Payment Center department, which collects payments for fines, fees, and court costs. She also creates and monitors reports to ensure efficiency of staff, progression of cases, and state guidelines are met.
Contact Us
Payment Center
201 South Indian River Drive, 2nd Floor
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Directions to this Location
Mailing Address
Clerk and Comptroller
Attn: Payment Center
P. O. Box 700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Hours of Operation
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
(Excluding Holidays)
Phone: 772-462-6900
Fax: 772-462-6868
