Help us keep it that way!

 

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Our 2026 Legislative Priorities focus on:

• Updating outdated fees and service charges using the Consumer Price Index.
• Allowing Clerks to retain more of the revenue we already collect.
• Approving sustainable enhancements that strengthen long-term operations.

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• Imagine trying to run an organization in 2026 using prices set in 2008. For most businesses, that would be impossible. Labor and operating costs have more than doubled. Florida's minimum wage alone has increased from $6.79 to $14.00 in 2025 and will reach $15.00 in 2026.
• Private businesses adjust by raising prices. Clerks of Court cannot. Court fines and fees have been frozen in statute since 2008. 

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• Behind every court case, every adoption, every protective order, and every financial transaction is a team of highly trained public service professionals.

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The Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC) has identified a $75 million gap between what it takes to run Florida's Clerks' offices and the revenue available to fund them.

To ensure stability and maintain essential services, Clerk are asking lawmakers to support: 

SB 532 by Senator Corey Simon & HB 759 by Representative David Smith 

These bills adjust outdated fees and service charges to better reflect today's dollars by applying the CPI and build in a mechanism to protect against future court-side revenue shortfalls. 

SB 1322 by Senator Jonathan Martin & HB 925 by Representative Dana Trabulsy

These bills specific funding policies to increase annual revenue and authorize Clerks, in their court-side budgets, to retain more of the fines, fees, service charges, and court costs they collect.

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To bridge part of the funding gap, Clerks are requesting $22 million for inclusion in the state's FY 26-27 General Appropriations Act (GAA). 

$3.1 million - Injunctions for protection 

$2.4 million - Baker Act, Marchman Act, and Sexually Violent Predator Act cases

$4.8 million - Jury management and related costs

$11.7 million - Concurrent funding to support the 37 trial judgeships created during the 2025 session (plus concurrent funding for any additional judgeships created this year).

TOTAL REQUEST: 
$22 MILLION