Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 849.42. State attorney to represent state

Upon the filing of the sheriff's return with the clerk of the circuit court the said clerk shall furnish the state attorney with a copy thereof and the said state attorney shall represent the state in the forfeiture proceedings. The Department of Legal Affairs shall represent the state in all appeals from judgments of forfeiture to the appropriate district court of appeal or direct to the Supreme Court when authorized by s. 3, Art. V of the State Constitution. The state may appeal any judgment denying forfeiture in whole or in part or that may be otherwise adverse to the state.