## Overview of the Florida Attorney General The Florida Attorney General is a statewide elected constitutional officer who serves as the chief legal officer of the State of Florida[1][3][6]. Mandated by the Florida Constitution, this position is responsible for upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of Floridians, and ensuring the integrity of the state’s legal system[2][3]. The Attorney General leads the Department of Legal Affairs and is elected to a four-year term[3]. ## Core Functions and Responsibilities The Attorney General’s Office has a broad mandate that includes protecting consumers from fraud, enforcing antitrust laws, and investigating Medicaid fraud to safeguard public funds[1][2]. It defends the state in civil litigation, represents the public in criminal appeals in state and federal courts, and oversees the Office of Statewide Prosecution, which targets major criminal activities such as identity theft, drug trafficking, and organized crime[1][2]. The office also runs programs to assist crime victims and houses specialized units like the Office of Civil Rights, which addresses violations of civil rights, and the Florida Commission on the Status of Women[1]. As a member of the Florida Cabinet—alongside the Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture—the Attorney General participates in key state decisions, including clemency, management of state lands, and oversight of agencies like the Departments of Highway Safety, Law Enforcement, Revenue, and Veterans Affairs[1][3]. The Attorney General also provides formal legal opinions to state officials and defends the constitutionality of state laws[1][2]. ## History and Key Achievements While the search results do not provide a detailed historical timeline, the role has evolved to address emerging challenges such as cybercrime, consumer protection in the digital age, and large-scale fraud schemes. The office has been instrumental in high-profile cases involving antitrust violations, environmental law enforcement, and civil rights[3]. Its proactive stance on consumer protection—especially in areas like data privacy and online scams—