Clerk & Comptroller
The Clerk & Comptroller is responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds. The jobholder is a constitutional officer, elected by and accountable to county citizens. The Clerk & Comptroller serves as the county’s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor; County Recorder; Clerk of the Circuit Court; and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners. The Clerk also manages the county's jury system, processing of passports and marriage licenses, maintenance of a domestic partnership registry, and foreclosure sales and tax deed sales. The FY 2025-26 salary is $218,757.
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Mike Caruso
(Rep)
What changes would you implement to modernize access to court records and public services while protecting sensitive information and maintaining public trust?
How would you reduce the clerk's budget in light of a possible reduction in property taxes if the constitutional amendment passes, and how would you ensure the office continues to provide essential services?
Do you support the clerk's investment in Israeli bonds? Would you continue it at the current level, increase it or reduce it?
Do you support continuing the open online system of public access to court files and official records, such as deeds and mortgages?
Education
George Washington University, Bachelor of Accounting.
Experience
Current PBC Clerk of Courts and Comptroller. CPA, CEO, CFO, Forensic Accountant
Instagram
n/a
Campaign Phone
561-702-9319
I am currently working with the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers (FCCC) to create a unified database that will allow statewide access to court records from all counties. In addition, over the past 11 months my office has increased security measures for access to court records by attorneys. We continue to implement these improvements. As Keeper of Records and Evidence, security over our court records is paramount and is a top priority to maintain public trust.
The Clerk's office has operated on a minimum budget for over 2 decades. The fees that we are allowed to charge for services have not increased since 2004; in many cases they have decreased. That being said, I have met with the County Administrator and have agreed to a reduction in budget. The Clerk o'sffice will continue to utilize technology and Ai to reduce payroll costs and ensure that essential services continue to be provided.
As Clerk I currently have invested over $1 Billion of county assets in Israel bonds. Last fiscal year, the Clerk's office earned over $222 million of investment income. This fiscal year we are tracking to exceed this return on investment by over 10%, partially due to our investment in Israel Bonds. These are funds that the county can utilize for projects or general revenue that do not have to be sourced from additional taxes levied on the county's residents. As Clerk, I would continue this.
Currently, public access to court files and official records is mandated by FL statute. Access should continue but we must obtain better laws which will stop the filing of fraudulent documents such as forged quit claim deeds. I will continue to solicit the legislature for these common sense changes in law that can prevent this fraud at the source. Currently, I work with the State Prosecutor and Sheriff to fight this scam daily; as well as inform the public on our Property Fraud Alert program.
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