News & Press

Orange County Clerk's office volunteers at The Mustard Seed of Central Florida

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:42:00 GMT

The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. (Orange) and her Clerk Cares volunteers recently spent time serving at The Mustard Seed of Central Florida. The group assisted in the organization’s Furniture Bank, Seed Boutique, and Community Shop, helping support families recovering from disasters and hardship as they rebuild their homes.

To learn more about The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, click here.

Thank you, Clerk Russell and the Clerk Cares team, for volunteering in your community!

Clerk Mike Caruso, CPA (Palm Beach), and wife help lead Habitat's Mission in Palm Beach County

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:41:00 GMT

The Honorable Mike Caruso, CPA (Palm Beach), and his wife, Tracy Caruso, are deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. Mrs. Caruso serves as a key leader and chairperson for the organization, while Clerk Caruso helps champion its affordable housing initiatives and major events, including the Dream Builders’ Ball.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a milestone: helping more local families access safe, stable, and affordable homes. The signature celebration honors the people, partnerships, and progress shaping Habitat’s impact across Palm Beach County over the past four decades.

To learn more, click here.

Wakulla County opens 50-year-old time capsule

Tue, 7 Jul 2026 17:03:00 GMT

On Thursday, a crowd gathered at the Wakulla County Courthouse to unearth a time capsule buried fifty years ago. The capsule was originally placed in 1976 during the county’s bicentennial celebration. Now, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, residents and officials came together once again to see what past generations left behind.

“It’s pretty neat on the 4th of July weekend to be able to open this time capsule to see what life was like 50 years ago,” said Clerk Greg James.

Following the unveiling, organizers placed a new time capsule in the ground, scheduled for opening in 2076.

Former Wakulla County Clerks J. Harold Thurmond and Brent X. Thurmond, and Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Jennifer Tedder were in attendance. To read more, click here.

Clerks and Comptrollers recognized with Best Practices Excellence Program

Tue, 7 Jul 2026 17:02:00 GMT

During a Wednesday lunch ceremony at the 2026 Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Summer Conference, FCCC recognized 58 members for their participation in the sixth annual Best Practices Excellence Program.

“The Best Practices Excellence Program showcases the dedication of Florida’s Clerks of Court and Comptrollers to delivering consistent, effective service across our state, regardless of which part of the state you are in,” said 2025-26 FCCC President and Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr., CGCIO, CPM. “The outstanding participation in this year’s program demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and serving the public with integrity.”

FCCC congratulates all honorees for their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in service.

New leadership announced during the 2026 FCCC Summer Conference Annual Banquet

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:31:00 GMT

During the Annual Banquet held on Wednesday evening, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) announced the installation of its 2026-27 Board of Directors. Led by incoming President Gregory C. Harrell (Marion), the new board members will each serve a one-year term.

“It is a privilege to serve as the next President of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers and to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders from across our state,” said Clerk Harrell. “I am grateful to Doug Chorvat for his outstanding leadership, dedication and the many contributions he made to our association during his term. Building on that strong foundation, I look forward to collaborating with our members statewide to advance our shared goals, support one another and continue serving Floridians with excellence and integrity.”

Clerk Harrell was sworn in by Sean Hudson, FCCC Deputy Executive Director, on June 24, 2026, and his presiding term begins July 1, 2026. During the conference, Clerk Harrell also announced his presidential theme, “The Triple Crown of Excellence,” which will guide initiatives during his tenure.

“As I conclude my term as FCCC President, I am proud to pass the gavel to Clerk Greg Harrell. Greg is a respected leader whose dedication to serving Floridians and advancing our profession has earned the admiration of his colleagues and our partner agencies across the state,” said 2025-26 FCCC President and Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr., CGCIO, CPM. “I am proud to call him a both a friend and brother and congratulate him and the 2026-27 Board of Directors and look forward to the accomplishments they will achieve under the banner of the ‘Triple Crown of Excellence.’”

Clerk Brandon J. Patty (St. Johns) is the newest member of the Executive Committee, taking on the role of Secretary. The remaining 2026-27 Executive Committee members include President-Elect Matt Reynolds (Putnam), Vice President Greg James (Wakulla), and Treasurer Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. (Miami-Dade).

The following Clerks and Comptrollers comprise the 2026-27 Board of Directors:

The Honorable Gregory C. Harrell (Marion County) – President
The Honorable Matt Reynolds (Putnam County) – President-Elect
The Honorable Greg James (Wakulla County) – Vice President
The Honorable Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. (Miami-Dade County) – Treasurer
The Honorable Brandon J. Patty (St. Johns County) – Secretary
The Honorable Sam Bailey (Holmes County) – District I Director
The Honorable W. Greg Godwin (Hamilton County) – District II Director
The Honorable Tara S. Green (Clay County) – District III Director
The Honorable Tom W. Bexley (Flagler County) – District IV Director
The Honorable Rachel M. Sadoff (Brevard County) – District V Director
The Honorable Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. (Pasco County) – District VI Director
The Honorable Kevin C. Karnes (Lee County) – District VII Director
The Honorable Barry Baker (Suwannee County) – Past President
The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. (Orange County) – Past President
The Honorable Doug Chorvat, Jr., CGCIO, CPM (Hernando County) – Past President

Clerks and Comptrollers and their staff honored with awards for exceptional service

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:29:00 GMT

Several Clerks and Comptrollers and their staff were honored with awards for exceptional service at the Annual Banquet. The awards were presented by 2025-26 FCCC President Doug Chorvat Jr., CGCIO, CMP (Hernando).

"These awards recognize the outstanding dedication, professionalism and leadership demonstrated by Clerks and Clerk staff across the state,” said 2025-26 FCCC President Doug Chorvat. “I am proud to recognize their hard work, commitment and contributions to their communities and our profession.”

The award recipients are:

Clerk of the Year
The Honorable Billy Washington
Clerk and Comptroller
Madison County

Clerk Staff of the Year
Debroah Kennedy
Chief of Strategy & Data Integrity
Hernando County Clerk and Comptroller's office

Jennifer Ritter
Finance Clerk
Flagler County Clerk and Comptroller's office

Nora McCall
Finance Clerk
Flagler County Clerk and Comptroller's office

Travis Hutson
Chief Strategy Officer
St. Johns County Clerk and Comptroller's office

Statesman "John A. Crawford" Award
The Honorable Clayton O. Rooks III, CPA
Clerk and Comptroller
Jackson County

Legislative Advocate Award
The Honorable Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq.
Clerk and Comptroller
Miami-Dade County

The Honorable Karen E. Rushing
Clerk and Comptroller
Sarasota County

The Honorable Mike Caruso, CPA
Clerk and Comptroller
Palm Beach County

The Honorable Brandon J. Patty
Clerk and Comptroller
St. Johns County

The Honorable Ken Burke, CPA
Clerk and Comptroller
Pinellas County

The Honorable Gregory C. Harrell
Clerk and Comptroller
Marion County

Rookie of the Year
The Honorable Victor D. Crist
Clerk and Comptroller
Hillsborough County

Clerk Advocate Award
The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Orange County

Hookah Dive Team Member Award
The Honorable Roger D. Eaton
Clerk and Comptroller
Charlotte County

The Honorable Tara S. Green
Clerk and Comptroller
Clay County

The Honorable Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq.
Clerk and Comptroller
Manatee County

The Honorable Tom W. Bexley
Clerk and Comptroller
Flager County

The Honorable Gregory C. Harrell
Clerk and Comptroller
Marion County

The Honorable Kevin Madok, CPA
Clerk and Comptroller
Monroe County

The Honorable Gary J. Cooney, Esq.
Clerk and Comptroller
Lake County

The Honorable Carolyn Timmann
Clerk and Comptroller
Martin County

The Honorable Bill Kinsaul
Clerk and Comptroller
Bay County

The Honorable Billy Washington
Clerk and Comptroller
Madison County

The Honorable Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq.
Clerk and Comptroller
Miami-Dade County

FCCC congratulates award recipients for their accomplishments this past year.

Citrus County Clerk and Comptroller's office joins Habitat for Humanity to support one of their own

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:10:00 GMT

Earlier this month, members of the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a better community. This build was especially meaningful because it supported one of their own staff members in receiving her first home for herself and her children.

Duval County Clerk’s office announces plans to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:10:00 GMT

The Duval County Clerk of Court's office and the Fourth Judicial Circuit announce a series of events to recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“This special occasion is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate this important milestone for our great nation,” said Clerk Jody Phillips. “It is our firm hope this series of events serves as a visible reminder of the pride that both the Clerk’s office and our judicial partners take in our role in government in the United States of America.”

For more information about the events, please review the News Release.

Clerk Angel Colonneso named a Platinum winner for Best Elected Official in Manatee County by SRQ

Mon, 8 Jun 2026 17:52:00 GMT

The Honorable Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, Esq. (Manatee), was named a Platinum winner for Best Elected Official in Manatee County by SRQ Magazine's 2026 Best of SRQ awards, the top honor in the category, as voted on by the community she serves.

Click here for additional information on Clerk Colonneso's recognition (p. 142) and to view a list of all recipients.

Legislative update

Mon, 8 Jun 2026 17:45:00 GMT

Last week, the Florida Legislature convened in Special Session 2026-F to consider property tax proposals from Governor Ron DeSantis. The House and Senate passed CS/HJR 1-F: Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes and CS/SB 4-F: Property Tax Administration on June 2, 2026, and both chambers adjourned “sine die.”

Legislators approved sending a proposed constitutional amendment to the statewide ballot in November with the passage of CS/HJR 1-F: Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes by Representative Toby Overdorf. The bill requires ad valorem taxes to only be used for “core services,” including public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, repayment of bonds, local government employee retirement benefits, and operations of county offices and constitutional officers, including Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers.

The bill also provides for increases in the homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 on January 1, 2027, and $250,000 on January 1, 2028, for the non-school portion of property taxes and allows the Legislature, through general law, to increase the amount of the homestead exemption up to the remaining assessed value. This amount will be adjusted based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index after 2028. For non-homestead properties, the amendment reduces the annual assessed value increase cap from 10 percent to 5 percent.

Lastly, CS/HJR 1-F: Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes requires new Floridians to maintain a residence for five years before they are eligible for the increased homestead property tax exemption. During this period, homeowners are eligible for a $50,000 homestead exemption and receive the benefit of the 3 percent annual assessment cap. Local governments can reduce the 5-year requirement after 2030 by a two-thirds vote.

CS/SB 4-F: Property Tax Administration by Senator Bryan Avila changes the formula for how local governments can set millage and allows the ballot summary accompanying the constitutional amendment to exceed 75 words. This bill will go to Governor Ron DeSantis for his consideration and, if signed, is effective upon becoming law.

Should you have any questions for the FCCC Government Relations team, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

Legislative update

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 18:12:00 GMT

Following three weeks of budget conference negotiations, the Florida Legislature concluded Special Session 2026-E, adjourning “sine die” just before 2:00 p.m., ET, on May 29, 2026, following a vote on the state’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, totaling $114.5 billion; implementing and related conforming bills; and the annual tax package.

Within the conference report for HB 5001-E, the General Appropriations Act (GAA), Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is pleased to share the following good news on Clerks’ priority budget issues and key components of FCCC membership-approved 2026 Legislative Priorities:

At line 800: The Legislature provides an additional $4.8 million in recurring funds to the annual appropriation for reimbursement for jury expenditures. Beginning July 1, 2026, Clerks will receive $16.5 million to fund jury-related due process costs.
At line 794A: The Legislature provides $1.83M in non-recurring funds for reimbursements for Injunctions for Protection, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and Sexually Violent Predator cases.

Along with the passage of CS/HB 925: Clerks of the Court, these additional dollars will go far in addressing current and future court-side revenue shortfalls and are a direct result and reflection of the incredible work done by Clerks and their teams through the “Clerks First” advocacy model.

Along with the passage of the budget, the legislature also passed a number of other budget-related bills, including:

HB 5003-E Implementing the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act.
HB 5205-E Retirement, the annual bill setting the employer contribution rates for the Florida Retirement System (FRS) for FY 2026-2027.
HB 7031-E Taxation, the annual tax package.
SB 2508-E State Agency Law Enforcement Radio System, removes the scheduled expiration date of July 1, 2026, from the $3 surcharge imposed on all noncriminal moving traffic violations and specified criminal offenses.

Please look for additional information regarding these bills and all others passed by the Florida Legislature during its regular and special sessions in upcoming communications and at the 2026 FCCC Summer Conference.

Ribbon‑Cutting marks the opening of the Gloria Rowe Hayward Service Center in Sumterville

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 18:10:00 GMT

Sumter County celebrated the opening of the Gloria Rowe Hayward Sumter County Service Center in Sumterville with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on May 26, 2026. The building and entry road honor former Clerk Gloria R. Hayward, whose leadership and decades of service left a lasting impact on the county. Clerk Hayward served as Sumter County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller from 1996 to 2024, leading key initiatives including the County Court Division, the Teen Court Program, and procedures for the Offender‑Based Tracking System.

Clerk Erin C. Munz (Sumter) delivered remarks during the ceremony, and Clerk Doug Chorvat Jr., CGCIO, CPM (Hernando), FCCC President, Clerk Traci Perry (Citrus), former Clerks Gloria R. Hayward and Paula S. O’Neil were in attendance.

Read more by clicking here.

Legislative update

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:25:00 GMT

Last week, CS/HB 925, Clerks of the Court, by Representative Dana Trabulsy, was sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for consideration, and he signed the bill into law on Friday, May 22, 2026. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is grateful to Governor DeSantis, bill sponsors Representative Dana Trabulsy and Senator Corey Simon, co-sponsors, and all the members of the Florida Legislature who supported this legislation, strengthening Clerks’ ability to serve their communities. A special thank you to all Clerks and Comptrollers working within the “Clerks First” Advocacy model that made this possible.

As a reminder, this bill, effective July 1, 2026, is a key component of this year’s legislative priorities, authorizing Clerks to retain 100 percent of cumulative excess, addressing the “50/50” split; adjusting the distribution of certain fees for civil traffic violations occurring within a municipality to an equal split; and restoring Clerks’ 10 percent funding for traffic citations written from school bus camera programs. Along with these Clerk priorities, the bill also allows advertisements and legal notices regarding real property to be posted on the Clerks’ “publicly accessible” websites.

In addition, over the weekend, House and Senate appropriations chairs, Senator Ed Hooper and Representative Lawrence McClure, continued to meet in budget negotiations and, late Sunday, announced an agreement had been reached on an approximately $115 billion spending framework for the state fiscal year that begins on July 1. Along with agreeing to a number of budget-related implementing and conforming bills and the annual tax package, Sunday night’s announcement that the state’s General Appropriations Act had been finalized ensures Special Session 2026-E will finish as scheduled on Friday, May 29, with the 72-hour constitutionally required “cooling off” period prior to Friday’s vote expected to begin at some point today when the final budget is officially published for legislators’ consideration.

The FCCC Government Relations team will provide a full wrap up of items of interest to Clerks and Comptrollers following the conclusion of the current special session. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

Legislative update

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:17:00 GMT

Last week, the Florida Legislature returned to Tallahassee for the budget-focused Special Session 2026-E, which began on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 29, 2026, to pass the state’s General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, conforming bills, and a tax package.

Legislators who serve as budget conferees met throughout the week in committees organized by spending area and, on Friday afternoon, all unresolved issues “bumped” to the House and Senate appropriations chairs, Senator Ed Hooper and Representative Lawrence McClure, who continued to meet over the weekend in further negotiations. Outstanding issues ultimately could go to House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton prior to all legislators returning to Tallahassee following Memorial Day for an expected final vote on the FY 2026-2027 state budget.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Government Relations team will continue to report on priority legislation for Special Session 2026-E. The joint House and Senate budget committee, led by Senator Hooper and Representative McClure, have been authorized to continue public budget negotiations throughout this week, beginning no earlier than 10:00 a.m., ET, today.

Should you have any questions for the FCCC Government Relations team, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

Renovated Putnam County Clerk and Comptroller Building F honors Tim Smith’s legacy

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:17:00 GMT

Honoring the legacy of former Clerk Tim Smith, the Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office has completed the renovation of Building F, now officially named The Tim Smith Building, which opened to the public on May 11, 2026. The project reflects the office’s ongoing commitment to providing improved facilities and enhancing service to the community. The team looks forward to welcoming visitors into the updated space.

Clerks hold "May the 4th be with you" Star Wars-themed weddings

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:55:00 GMT

Members of the Marion County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Official Records team dressed up as Princess Leia and Yoda for "May the 4th be with you" wedding ceremonies.

The Kim C. Hammond Justice Center transformed into a galaxy‑themed celebration on May 4, 2026, as the Honorable Tom W. Bexley (Flagler) hosted the office’s first Star Wars–themed wedding ceremony in honor of May 4.

“In a galaxy not so far away, love remains one of the most powerful forces,” Bexley said. “It binds us, guides us, and gives our lives purpose — much like the Force itself,” noted Clerk Bexley.

Legislative update

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:54:00 GMT

This week, the Florida Legislature returns to Tallahassee for the budget-focused Special Session 2026-E, which begins tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 29, 2026, with the goal of passing the state’s General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, conforming bills, and a tax package.

House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton released a joint proclamation outlining the scope of the special session and identified the bills under consideration by the Legislature. Leadership expects budget conferencing to move quickly, with conference committees authorized to meet from May 12 through May 15, 2026, where any unresolved issues will “bump” to the House and Senate appropriations chairs and then onto legislative leadership. A vote on the budget and related bills is expected the week after Memorial Day.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Government Relations team will monitor and report on priority legislation for Special Session 2026-E and will reach out to Clerks and Comptrollers for any necessary advocacy on budget items. To watch this week’s public events, navigate to the Florida Channel website, select the “Live Streams” tab from the menu on the right-hand side of your screen, then scroll down to select the stream for the meeting or floor session of interest. Please note, events on the Live Streams schedule begin streaming about 10 minutes prior to their scheduled start times. Audio is available when the event is officially convened by the chair. If you are unable to watch the meeting live, all meetings are available to view via the Florida Channel’s online video library shortly following the meeting’s conclusion.

With respect to other issues, Governor Ron DeSantis indicated during a recent press event he plans to call legislators back to Tallahassee at some point this summer, following the passage of the budget, for another special session focused on homestead property taxes; however, no proclamation or additional details have been released at this time. Lawmakers must reach a deal in time for voters to consider a constitutional amendment this November. To get there, the Legislature needs to approve ballot language by August with 60% support in both chambers.

Should you have any questions for the FCCC Government Relations team, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

2026 Civitek Tech Summit held last week

Mon, 4 May 2026 17:26:00 GMT

Ninety‑five participants attended the 2026 Civitek Tech Summit (Summit) in Charlotte Harbor last week.

Thursday began with a tour of the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, giving attendees a look at local innovations and customer‑service practices. After the tour, participants gathered for a working lunch and welcome before moving into an afternoon of forward‑focused sessions.

Terrie Ard, president and COO of The Moore Agency, explored emerging AI trends shaping public service. Willie Lee, technologist, highlighted the technologies poised to influence Clerk operations in the years ahead. Sabrina Dugan, managing partner of Swiftbuild.ai, closed the day with a discussion on responsible adoption and measurable outcomes in citizen service. Attendees wrapped up with shared takeaways before ending the evening at the Dockside Reception.

Friday opened with a full slate of AI‑focused sessions. Ja’Baree Allen, founder and CEO of Phusion AI, and Janette Smith, attorney with Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L., kicked off the conversation by highlighting AI efficiencies and examining the good, the bad, and the challenging realities of AI in public service.

After a short break, the day shifted into The Final Descent, an open forum featuring multiple speakers who discussed practical adoption, risks, opportunities, and the future of AI for Clerks. Attendees wrapped up the Summit with a working lunch before the official farewell.

Thank you to all speakers and participants who joined the Summit. Your engagement, insights, and collaboration made the event a success!

Legislative update

Mon, 4 May 2026 17:25:00 GMT

Last week, the Florida Legislature met in Tallahassee to hold Special Session 2026-D to address congressional redistricting and consider artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and vaccine exemption policy. During opening remarks, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced the House would focus solely on congressional redistricting, since bills covering AI and vaccine policy were not filed by any member of the House. While the Senate did pass SB 2D, the “AI Bill of Rights,” by a vote of 37-1 on Tuesday, the bill ultimately died when the Legislature adjourned “sine die” on Wednesday afternoon, after not being taken up by the House. The special session concluded with the passage of new congressional district maps via HB 1-D: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State. This bill awaits transmission to and consideration by the Governor.

Legislators return home for a couple of weeks before returning to Tallahassee for the budget-focused Special Session 2026-E, which begins Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 29, 2026. As announced via leadership memos, budget conferencing will move quickly, with conference committees authorized to meet from May 12 through May 15, 2026, at which point any unresolved issues will “bump” to House and Senate appropriations chairs and legislative leadership. A vote on the budget and related implementing bills is expected the week after Memorial Day. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Government Relations team will monitor and report on priority legislation for Special Session 2026E and reach out to Clerks and Comptrollers for any necessary advocacy on budget items.

As it relates to other issues, Governor Ron DeSantis did indicate during a press event this past week to call legislators back to Tallahassee at some point this summer, following passage of the budget, for another special session focused on homestead property taxes; however, no proclamation or additional details have been released at this time.

Should you have any questions for the FCCC Government Relations team, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

Legislative update

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:59:00 GMT

More than a month after the Regular Session of the Florida Legislature adjourned, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez both released memos last week announcing Joint Allocations and dates for a special session on the FY 2026-2027 state budget, which will begin Tuesday, May 12, and conclude on Friday, May 29, 2026. Senate President Albritton stated in his memo, “Our final budget will be lower than Florida’s state budget for the current fiscal year, facilitating long-term financial stability and continuing our focus on keeping taxes low, paying down debt, and saving for the future.”

Budget conferencing will move quickly, with conference committees authorized to meet from Tuesday, May 12, through Friday, May 15, at which point any unresolved issues will “bump” to House and Senate appropriations chairs and legislative leadership. A vote on the budget and related implementing bills is expected the week after Memorial Day. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) Government Relations team will monitor and report on priority legislation for Special Session 2026E and reach out to Clerks and Comptrollers for any necessary advocacy on budget items.

Meanwhile, this week, legislators return to Tallahassee for Special Session 2026D on congressional redistricting, called earlier this year by Governor Ron DeSantis, which was delayed and recently expanded to include artificial intelligence regulation and vaccine exemption policy. As noted in his Friday memo to senators, President Albritton explained the newly filed policies (SB 2-D, SB 4-D, SB 6-D) are identical to legislation passed by the Florida Senate during the final weeks of the regular session [but were not taken up or passed by the Florida House]. The Legislature this morning received a communication from the Governor’s Office regarding redistricting and expects the Governor’s map to be filed as Senate Bill 8D at some point today.

FCCC remains grateful to all Clerks and Comptrollers and your teams for your engagement in the “Clerks First Advocacy Model” and continued education of your local legislators on issues of priority importance to your offices.

Should you have any questions for the FCCC Government Relations team, please email legislative@flclerks.com.

Former Clerks and Comptrollers meet in Hamilton County during annual gathering

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:42:00 GMT

On Friday, the Honorable W. Greg Godwin (Hamilton) hosted retired Clerks and Comptrollers from across the state for their annual gathering. Former Clerks, current Clerks, and former General Counsel Fred W. Baggett were in attendance.

The gathering offered a meaningful chance to reconnect with former colleagues and served as a sweet reminder of how important it is to keep these professional friendships strong.

2026 CLERICUS Users Conference held last week

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:39:00 GMT

Last week, 125 attendees, including 11 Clerks and Comptrollers, attended the 2026 CLERICUS Users Conference at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville.

Attendees dug into traffic assessments, guardianship case maintenance, and court event management, tackled security and code table administration, E-Filing Portal mapping strategies, and the logic behind statewide reports. Foundational sessions such as Traffic 101, Criminal 101, and Civil 101 rounded out the agenda, giving users practical tools to streamline case maintenance and reduce errors. Whether users are focused on compliance, configuration, or everyday operations, these sessions provided insights attendees can apply right away.

Thank you to the CLERICUS team for providing this important training!

Clerk Tara Green to officiate 40th Anniversary Wedding at the Clay County Agricultural Fair

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 20:38:00 GMT

The Honorable Tara S. Green (Clay) is officiating a special wedding at the Clay County Agricultural Fair as part of the fair’s 40th anniversary celebration. One winning couple will be married on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the Early Florida Village.

The prize package includes the ceremony, a $500 jewelry gift card, and $100 toward marriage license fees. The fair introduced the wedding giveaway to commemorate its milestone year, and the Clerk’s participation highlights the office’s role in supporting major life events for residents.

For more information, click here.

Fourth episode of Clerk Talk goes live

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 20:37:00 GMT

The fourth episode of Clerk Talk is live!

In this episode, the Honorable Ken Burke, CPA (Pinellas), is joined by FCCC Chief Technology Officer Melvin Cox to discuss how technology is transforming Clerk services and to preview the Clericus User Conference and the Civitek Tech Summit.

Clerk Talk is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and FCCC’s YouTube channel.

If you have any questions, please contact FCCC Communications at communications@flclerks.com.

Clerk Ken Burke Named a 2026 Government Champion

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:16:00 GMT

In honor of the America 250 celebration, Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration have announced the Government Champions, a national recognition program celebrating outstanding public servants across all levels of government. These honorees exemplify “democracy at the doorstep” through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to public service.

The Honorable Ken Burke, CPA (Pinellas), was selected as one of this year’s Government Champions. His recognition reflects his long‑standing leadership and meaningful contributions to strengthening government operations and service to Florida residents.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers extends its congratulations to Clerk Burke on this distinguished achievement.

To read the full article, click here.