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The federal government connection
Jurisdiction, programs, and offices serving Puerto Rico.
Institutions at another level
Federal agencies exercise responsibilities assigned by federal law. Some have Puerto Rico offices; others serve the island from a broader region. A regional office is not necessarily a separate legal agency: identify both the organization and the component delivering the service.
Shared programs
Many programs combine federal resources with local administration. Federal funding does not make a recipient institution a federal agency. Eligibility, oversight, and accountability requirements can differ between programs. Avoid assuming that every program operates identically in the states and Puerto Rico.
Two court systems
The United States District Court for Puerto Rico belongs to the federal system. It is not subordinate to Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court. Jurisdiction, review, and applicable law explain the connections between these systems rather than a single administrative reporting line. The map keeps the structures separate while allowing their documented connections to be explored.
Check your understanding: Is a federal regional office always an independent agency?
No. It may be a component of an agency with regional responsibilities.