There is a $50 application fee assessed for each application filed for consideration of appointment of the Law Office of the Public Defender to represent you in a criminal matter. The $50 Public Defender Application Fee was created by the Florida Legislature. The fee is not refundable and applies whether or not a Public Defender is actually appointed for you. However, if you do not have the money, you cannot be denied a Public Defender. The $50 fee can be paid or payment plan arranged at the County Clerk of Courts Office.