Major Michael Perotti

Major A. Michael Perotti is the Commander of the Support Services Division in the Department of Detention Services for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He currently oversees a division of more than 450 people including sworn personnel, civilian staff and third party contractors. He transitioned to his current position from his former appointment as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel after attending the academy and attaining his full certification.

With prior experience as a prosecuting attorney in Hillsborough County as well as being a founding partner of a successful Tampa law firm, Major Perotti is well versed in both criminal and civil aspects of the law. While in private practice he worked closely with both private security entities and various government agencies to help navigate the changing environment of the security industry. Throughout his legal career, he has defended both agency and individuals in both state and federal courts from a wide range of civil claims including matters of supervisory negligence, false arrest, excessive force, negligent hiring or retention and policy failure. On the administrative side, Major Perotti has worked to create new standard operating procedures for issues ranging from use of force to employee fitness. He has negotiated agency contracts and handled employee disciplinary matters. In both the 2007 and 2008 editions, prior to leaving behind his career as a lawyer, Major Perotti was recognized as one of Florida's Legal Elite™ by Florida Trend.

Certified to practice throughout Florida in state court, Major Perotti is also admitted to practice in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Major Perotti earned his B.A. from the University of Florida and his J.D. from the University Of Florida College Of Law. He was elected President of his academy class and was recognized with the high academic achievement award.