Judicial Branch

Judicial functions include the operation of services related to the County and Circuit Courts. Appropriations made by the Board of County Commissioners are funded using ad valorem taxes and other revenue sources. The full budget of each department's operations is funded in part by the State of Florida. Article V of the State Constitution underwent a major revision that became effective on July 1, 2004. This change essentially placed the court system under control of the State. Pasco and Pinellas Counties are located with the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and, along with the State of Florida, provide funding to this Circuit.

The Judicial Branch includes the following Departments and Programs:

• County Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse
• Court Innovations
• Court Technology - Administration
• Court Technology - Criminal Justice Information System
• Guardian ad Litem
• Medical Examiner
• Public Defender
• State Attorney
• Teen Diversion