"There shall be in each county a clerk of the circuit court who shall be selected pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of the constitution, the duties of the clerk of the circuit court may be divided by special or general law between two offices, one serving as clerk of court and one serving as ex officio clerk of the board of county commissioners, auditor, recorder and custodian of all county funds."

The Clerk of Circuit Court, an elected official answering directly to the public, acts as a watchdog for the public in the use of county resources. This results in the greatest accounting integrity and safeguarding of assets. The role of the Clerk of Circuit Court as a public trustee is evidenced in the following responsibilities and duties:

County Government

Accountant and Auditor for the Board of County Commissioners

Chief financial officer for the county

Collector, maintainer and distributor of all county funds

Collector and distributor of statutory assessments

Guardian of public records and public funds

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 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, the Supreme Court, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Auditor General, Department of Revenue and other agencies

Citizen's Protection

As custodian of county funds, the clerk ensures that the taxpayers' money is managed according to law

Provides access to public records

Audits reports of guardians in guardianship cases

Provides assistance to citizens in accessing the courts

Processes and maintains court documents to ensure that litigants' court cases are handled in a timely manner

The Clerk's duties have an important impact upon the people's rights and property. The Constitution and statutes therefore decree that:

The Clerk be governed by statutory authority in carrying out the duties and functions of the office

As auditor and custodian of all county funds, the Clerk be subject to State Auditor General rules and regulations

The Clerk be subject to annual audits by an independent audit firm

The Clerk neither expresses or implies warrant that the information or data accessed by the customer is accurate or correct. The Clerk shall not be liable for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising directly or indirectly in connection with this access. In no event shall the Clerk be liable for any special or consequential damages or for any indirect damages resulting from the Customer's use or application of the information accessed as a result of using this website.