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The Honorable Alan R. Parlapiano Public Defender Eighth Judicial Circuit 419 East University Avenue Post Office Box 1063 Gainesville, Florida 32602

Dear Mr. Parlapiano:

This is in response to your request for an opinion on substantially the following question:

IS A PUBLIC DEFENDER AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO MAINTAIN AN ESCROW ACCOUNT FOR `CLIENT' MONIES DEPOSITED BY DEFENDANTS HE REPRESENTS TO PAY FINES, COURT COSTS AND RESTITUTION ASSESSED AGAINST OR IMPOSED UPON SUCH DEFENDANTS?

Public officers may exercise only those substantive powers conferred, expressly or by implication, by statute. Molwin Inv.…