Did You Know. . .

That the Clerk of the Circuit Court is a public trustee whose position was established by the Florida Constitution of 1838.

Why a Public Trustee?

The concept of checks and balances is one of the major political doctrines which form the very foundation of the American system of government.

Provisions of the Florida Constitutions which have governed the people for over 150 years, established the Clerk of the Circuit Court as an elected public trustee and set in place at the county level a system of "checks and balances" which has been proven to serve the public well.

The role as Public Trustee is evidenced as follows:

County Government

• Accountant and auditor for the Board of County Commissioners.

• Collector and distributor of statutory assessments.
  Guardian of the public records, public funds, and public property.

Courts

• Ensures that the court's orders, judgments or directives are carried out within the parameters allowed by law.

• Maintains the court's records.

• Collects and disburses the court fines, fees and assessments.

• Collects and disburses court ordered child support and alimony payments.

State Government

• Collects and disburses documentary stamps and intangible taxes for the Department of Revenue.

• Collects and disburses numerous fees and assessments for the benefit of State Trust Funds.

• Provides informational, financial and statistical data to the State Legislature, Supreme Court, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Auditor General, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and other State agencies.