Office of the General Counsel

About the Office of the General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the statewide legal office for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). It provides advice and counsel, representation, policy and contract review, and other legal analysis to all of DCF’s programs, institutions and administrative staff throughout Florida. Specifically, the lawyers of the Office of the General Counsel support DCF by providing legal advice and counsel on DCF initiatives concerning child welfare, substance abuse, mental health, family development and reunification, and other DCF services. The General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Secretary, executive leadership and management, and all DCF employees throughout sixteen (16) locations statewide. The Office also provides legal advice regarding DCF, and its initiatives, to the Governor, Cabinet members, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and other state and local governmental agencies.

The OGC provides high-quality, professional legal counsel in support of stronger children and families in the State of Florida. The Office is proud to serve the residents of Florida through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

While this Office can advise citizens regarding DCF’s legal responsibilities and authority, it is prohibited by law from giving citizens private legal advice. Citizens seeking advice about their personal legal rights should seek counsel from a private attorney. If you do not know an attorney you should contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service, which may be contacted at 1-800-342-8011.

Should you have any legal questions regarding the responsibilities or the legal authority of DCF you may contact this Office: 

Office of the General Counsel
Florida Department of Children & Families
2415 North Monroe Street
Suite 400
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
(850) 488-2381 | (850) 922-3947 (Fax)

We are available to assist whenever you have questions regarding DCF and look forward to serving you.