The majority of the 12 counties in the Second- and Fourteenth Judicial Circuits were heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael last week. These counties continue to deal with many issues, including efforts to restore power. As a result, many of the clerks’ offices in these counties are currently in recovery mode and are not open; however, plans are underway for all offices to open by next week. [Read more…] about Clerks’ and Comptrollers’ Offices Impacted by Hurricane Michael
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers
Jason Harrell Named Director of Legislative & Government Affairs
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) has named Jason Harrell as director of legislative and government affairs. Harrell will develop and direct the association’s new in-house legislative team and lead strategic advocacy for legislative policy and budget efforts on behalf of Florida’s independently elected clerks and comptrollers. Harrell currently serves as budget and communications director for the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC); he will continue in that role until the conclusion of the Florida Legislature’s Revenue Estimating Conference in July, which will determine clerks’ statewide budget authority for fiscal year 2018-2019.
[Read more…] about Jason Harrell Named Director of Legislative & Government Affairs
Clerks Respond to Governor Scott’s $1M Federal Funding Request
Dedicated to Florida’s Public Safety
Clerk leadership provided the following statements in response to Governor Scott’s $1M federal funding request on Monday.
Franklin County Clerk and Comptroller & Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers president, Marcia M. Johnson:
“We appreciate Governor Scott’s acknowledgment and support. Like him, the safety of our state’s citizens and visitors is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, funding shortages at the state level have led to this request and we are counting on federal dollars to shore up our resources before a tragedy occurs.”
Pinellas County Clerk and Comptroller & Clerks of Court Operation Corporation chair, Ken Burke:
“Florida’s Clerks of Court are laser-focused on finding a solution to this issue. Like many of the core services we provide, this is one of the critical functions our offices are struggling to fund. Recognizing its importance, we are taking immediate action to be part of the overall solution. We look forward to partnering with the legislature to develop a permanent and sustainable funding model addressing all necessary Clerk functions, including this one.”
Background
Florida’s Clerks and Comptrollers have long been committed to satisfying the statutorily-mandated reporting requirements for gun ownership and work with justice partners statewide to strengthen reporting systems and practices.
In 2006, Florida’s Clerks were tasked with the eligibility reporting responsibility regarding gun purchases. When the law was further strengthened in 2013, Florida’s Clerks worked with FDLE to identify best practices when entering records into the Mental Competency Database (MECOM). In June 2014, FDLE acknowledged Florida Clerks’ challenges in meeting database entry requirements. Following a state Auditor General’s report on FDLE in 2016, Clerks worked with the agency to develop an improvement plan which was published in an April 2017 Inspector General’s six-month follow-up report which stated no further action was needed.
Despite a budget reduction of more than $60 million over the last five years, Florida’s Clerks of Court strive to provide critical services in every county amid serious budget constraints.
The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide, non-profit member association comprised of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information visit flclerks.com.
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Bolsters Communications Efforts
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) announced today the addition of two communications professionals: Samadhi Jones, communications manager, and Matthew Forrest, digital communications strategist.
“These professionals will allow FCCC to further amplify the important role of Florida’s court clerks and comptrollers in our state,” commented Chief Communications Officer Molly Kellogg-Schmauch. “It is more important than ever to provide timely and accurate information to the public and we are positioning ourselves to do just that.”
Communications Manager Samadhi Jones has more than a decade of communications experience in state government, non-profit and the public sector. While serving in state government, Jones assisted in raising awareness for legislation relating to school zero tolerance policies, juvenile civil citations, and the human trafficking of youths, among other efforts. Her most recent public sector work focused on the state’s efforts to modernize Florida’s vehicle registration and driver license systems. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Bethune-Cookman University, and holds professional certification as a project manager. She serves on the board of the Tallahassee chapter of the American Advertising Federation.
Digital Communications Strategist Matthew Forrest originally joined FCCC in April 2017 as the digital media specialist and earned an associate degree in Graphics Design from Tallahassee Community College.
Established in 1969, the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide, nonprofit member association comprised of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information, visit www.flclerks.com.
Clerks Celebrate Sunshine Week, Unveil Public Records Directory
In recognition of Sunshine Week (March 11-17, 2018), Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers today launched a directory of public records information for each Court Clerk’s office in the state. The directory on flclerks.com helps citizens connect with the appropriate Clerk’s office department or search records online.
Florida’s Sunshine Laws are among the strongest in the country, giving everyone access to important public information. These laws protect a citizen’s right to remain informed and engaged, making data such as financial reports, Board of County Commission meeting minutes and court records available to all.
“We are fortunate to live in a state that promotes open government and encourages citizens to be engaged members of their communities,” stated Marcia M. Johnson, Franklin County Clerk and Comptroller and president of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers. “During Sunshine Week this year, I hope we can inspire more people to learn about what is available to them.”
Sunshine Week is once a year, but for Clerks, upholding government transparency with accurate record keeping and efficient reporting is a priority every day. Last year, Florida’s First Amendment Foundation honored Brevard County Clerk and Comptroller Scott Ellis with the Pete Weitzel/Friend of the First Amendment Award recognizing his commitment to open government and ensuring compliance with Florida’s public records laws.
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers encourages constituents to take full advantage of the information they have at their disposal year-round. For more information about public records in your county, contact your county Clerk’s office. For more information about Sunshine Week, visit sunshineweek.org.
Court Clerks ‘Play Cupid’ This Valentine’s Day Hosting Group Wedding Ceremonies
Ten Clerks of Court across the state will be hosting group marriage ceremonies this Feb. 14. A popular choice for couples looking to marry or renew their vows, these events bring together dozens to say “I do” on the most romantic day of the year. Some couples participate because of their wish to be wed by the Clerk of Court directly, while others enjoy the opportunity to marry at a historic courthouse. Whatever the reason, they are part of a bigger community celebration that makes Valentine’s Day even more memorable.
Event details by participating county are highlighted below including links for additional information. Ceremony registration and marriage license application deadlines are Feb. 9, 2018 for all counties unless otherwise noted. While some Clerks have waived ceremony fees*, the standard license/renewal fees still apply.
NORTH FLORIDA
ESCAMBIA* – Pam Childers, CPA, CGFO
2 p.m. @ MC Blanchard Judicial Bldg, Pensacola
More info
FLAGLER* – Tom W. Bexley
12 p.m. @ Flagler County Justice Center, Bunnell
More info
CENTRAL FLORIDA
OSCEOLA* – Armando Ramirez
10 a.m. (English)/2 p.m. (Spanish)
Historic Courthouse, Kissimmee
More info
PINELLAS* – Ken Burke, CPA
1 p.m. @ Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
Deadline: Jan. 26
More info
ST. LUCIE* – Joseph E. Smith
1 p.m. @ Botanical Gardens, Port St. Lucie
Deadline: Feb. 10
More info
PASCO* – Paula S. O’Neil, Ph.D.
1 p.m. @ Historic Courthouse, Dade City
More info
POLK* – Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA
12 p.m. @ Polk County History Center, Bartow
More info
VOLUSIA* – Laura E. Roth, Esq.
11 a.m. @ City Island Park, Daytona Beach
3 p.m. @ Historic Courthouse, DeLand
More info
SOUTH FLORIDA
BROWARD – Brenda D. Forman
12 p.m. @ Broward County Judicial Complex – West Building
Ft. Lauderdale
More info
PALM BEACH* – Sharon R. Bock, Esq.
11:30 a.m. @ National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach
More info
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide nonprofit member association composed of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. The association provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members. For more information, visit flclerks.com.
Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) Poised to ‘Raise the Bar’
Florida’s statewide Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) has been awarded a $527,833 grant from the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) to expand its business intelligence and reporting capabilities.
Developed and operated by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, CCIS delivers authorized users read-only access to real-time statewide court records through one centralized portal. The system has data from more than 135 million cases involving 403 million parties and is utilized by local, state and federal government entities to protect Florida’s residents and visitors.
“CCIS has grown from an organic solution to share data across county lines into an invaluable tool connecting more than 45,000 authorized users with the vital information they need to protect our state,” said Chris Hart IV, Chief Executive Officer of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers. “This funding allows us to raise the bar even higher and ensure our users have the most advanced technology at their fingertips.”
The concept of CCIS was conceived in 2002 when Florida’s Clerks of Court recognized a statewide need to view court case information across county and circuit lines. It was identified in statute in 2005 and implemented statewide in 2006. CCIS is funded by a portion of a recording service charge authorized in sec. 28.24(12)(e), Fla. Stat., and received a $1.79 million grant from NCHIP in 2014* for new and upgraded features.
Chris Hart IV Named New CEO of Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers this week approved the hire of Chris Hart IV as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer. Beginning Dec. 4, Hart will lead the association as it enhances educational opportunities, raises its profile through amplified advocacy efforts, and seeks to deliver value-added services through innovation for Clerks and Comptrollers across the state.
Hart’s distinguished career includes serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 57 (Hillsborough County) from 1998-2002. He has also served as an executive in multiple capacities, including president and CEO of CareerSource Florida, Inc. (2007-2017) and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Florida State University.
“Mr. Hart will provide strong leadership to our association as we optimize the ability of our members to effectively and efficiently serve Floridians through education, legislative action and public awareness of the role and function of the office,” said Marcia M. Johnson, Franklin County Clerk and Comptroller and 2017-18 Board President. “He brings extensive knowledge of the legislative process, which will be critical as we work together with lawmakers to establish sustainable funding for our offices.”
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers is a statewide nonprofit member association composed of the 67 elected Clerks of the Circuit Court and one independently elected County Comptroller. These leaders in cutting-edge technology have established Florida as a national model, particularly with their statewide Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) and the E-Filing Portal. Clerks are independently elected as their duties provide a system of checks and balances, ensuring transparency, access and accountability in local government. While the Constitution Revision Commission convenes this year, Hart and the association will support preserving the roles of constitutional officers as elected, not appointed, positions.
“Our association can achieve great things with a sharpened focus on our vision and mission,” Hart said. “This is a pivotal point in time for the Clerks and Comptrollers, and I look forward to supporting them in their shared commitment to excellence as they seek to effectively and efficiently serve the citizens of Florida.”
Martin County Clerk Carolyn Timmann Named CJJIS Council Chair
Martin County Clerk and Comptroller Carolyn Timmann was named chair of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Systems (CJJIS) Council last week in Jacksonville. Clerk Timmann was nominated for the position by fellow council members representing agencies from across the Florida judicial system.
Created by Florida Statutes within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the CJJIS Council provides statewide oversight of justice information systems and data while developing plans and policies to facilitate the coordination of information sharing and interoperability, and ensuring appropriate access and security.
Clerk Timmann has served as the Clerks’ representative on the council since first being appointed by Gov. Rick Scott in March 2014. She also serves as chair of the council’s Resource Committee.
Established in 1969, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide nonprofit member association composed of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information, visit www.flclerks.com.
Bradford County Official Receives Clerk of the Year Award
Clerk Ray Norman Honored by Florida Clerks & Comptrollers
The Honorable Ray Norman, Bradford County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, was presented with the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers’ (FCCC) 2016-17 Clerk of the Year Award by Nassau County Clerk and outgoing FCCC Board President John A. Crawford last week in Panama City Beach during the Association’s annual summer conference.
The Clerk of the Year Award is presented to an FCCC member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to the Association’s mission of improving the ability of clerks and comptrollers to serve Floridians through professional education, legislative action and public awareness of the office.
Clerk Norman was recognized for his outstanding leadership efforts as Chairman of FCCC’s technology subsidiary CiviTek, which provides innovative technology solutions to clerks statewide.
“Clerk Ray Norman is a greatly beloved and respected public servant,” Clerk Crawford commented. “He has led CiviTek through a period of extraordinary growth, and it is because of his leadership that we have cutting-edge technology to serve our state’s citizens.”
Established in 1969, the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) is a statewide, nonprofit member association comprised of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. FCCC provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities for all members of the association. For more information, visit www.flclerks.com.
