FREDERICK P. MERCURIO, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Florida State University in June 1981 (Dean's List 1980-1981) and received his Juris Doctor degree in December, 1983 from Stetson University College of Law. Upon graduation from Stetson, Mr. Mercurio joined the State Attorney's Office, in Sarasota, as an Assistant State Attorney. In 1987 Mr. Mercurio became associated with the Sarasota law firm of Syprett, Meshad, Resnick & Lieb, P.A. where his practice consisted of insurance defense, personal injury/wrongful death, commercial litigation and criminal defense.
In 1989 Mr. Mercurio opened his own law firm and his practice emphasizes criminal defense in all State and Federal courts, personal injury/wrongful death and complex civil litigation.
Mr. Mercurio passed the 1994 Criminal Trial Certification Examination. Since August 1, 1994 Mr. Mercurio has been recognized as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law, a Florida Bar "Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer". Mr. Mercurio is qualified pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court Rules to serve as "Lead Counsel" in First Degree Murder (Death Penalty) Cases.
Mr. Mercurio is admitted to practice in all Florida State courts as well as the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. Mercurio is a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, having served on the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers Division from 1988-1990 and as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Bar Association from 1996-1999. Mr. Mercurio is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Mercurio served as President of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 1994-1996.
Mr. Mercurio has been named Chairman of the Peer Review Committee for the Twelfth Circuit of the State of Florida. He currently serves as a member of the Professionalism Committee.
Mr. Mercurio has served as a Volunteer Judge with Sarasota's Teen Court Program
Mr. Mercurio is married and has four children. He has been a resident of Sarasota County since 1975. Mr. Mercurio has been active with the Sarasota County Little League, (12th Street), Sarasota Babe Ruth and other civic organizations including the Bar Association Legal Aid Society.
Mr. Mercurio served as the President of the Cardinal Mooney High School Sports Club for five years. He also served on the School Board there.