Florida Administration of the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

The goal is to effectively recruit and retain qualified prosecutors and public defenders. Student loan debt is a significant factor causing attorneys to decline or leave positions as public defenders or to pursue more lucrative public sector jobs. Florida's John R. Justice (JRJ) loan repayment program targets attorneys with the greatest financial need across all agencies with qualifying attorneys.

Florida's strategy includes the formation of a working group comprised of all qualified entities: State Attorney Offices, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Public Defender Offices, Public Defender Appellate Offices, Regional Conflict Counsel Offices, Capital Collateral Regional Counsel Offices, and Federal Public Defender Offices. These entities will participate directly in outreach efforts to all eligible applicants.

In 2009, before JRJ funds were awarded, Florida employed 1,979 prosecutors, 1,507 public defenders, and 79 federal public defenders. Currently, approximately 1,524 prosecutors, 1,501 public defenders, and 69 federal public defenders are employed.

Allocations to each qualified entity will be primarily based on the applicant’s ability to pay, with Florida's funding formula also ensuring distribution based on geographic and demographic representation.

The Department of Education will minimize administrative costs while maximizing awards and will collect data to measure the program's performance.