A fluorescent lamp apparatus includes a fluorescent tube, a ballast circuit for lighting the fluorescent tube, a case for housing the ballast circuit and a holder provided at the end of the case for holding the fluorescent tube. The ballast circuit includes at least a first circuit board and a second circuit board, and the first and second circuit boards are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other in the case. This configuration can suppress an increase in the size of the apparatus and prevent thermal damage to the circuit elements during lamp operation.