A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Mercado earned two Associates’ Degrees from Florida Keys Community College before earning his Bachelor's Degree with honors from Saint Leo University in 1993. He then earned his Jurist Doctor degree in 1995 from the University of Miami. From 1996 to 2004, he worked as an assistant state attorney for the 16th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony criminal matters. He joined the Monroe County Attorney's office in January 2004. Mr. Mercado has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1996 and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2009, Pedro became board-certified by the Florida Bar in city, county, and local government law. Pedro renewed his board certification in 2014. Mr. Mercado has also served as a member of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Mercado represents the County’s Airport Department, serving as counsel to both the Key West and Marathon International Airports.