Florida court clerks — running a 2026 office with 2008 prices

Could you imagine running a business in 2026 while charging 2008 prices?

While that might be a dream for consumers, the reality is that the business would quickly fail, as labor and operating costs have risen dramatically since 2008.

For example, the state minimum wage was $6.79 per hour in 2008; on September 30, 2025, it increased to $14.00 and will rise to $15.00 on September 30, 2026. These labor cost increases have rippled across Florida’s economy as employers have grappled with higher pay for all employees.

While businesses can pass these costs on to consumers through higher prices, Florida’s Clerks of Court cannot.

Court fines and fees have been fixed in statute since 2008. As a result, a court filing costs the same today as it did then, even though the labor required to manage a case has nearly tripled. As President of our statewide association, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, I see firsthand how Clerks struggle to meet the demands of increasingly complex offices with a shrinking proportional budget.

One way Clerks have addressed this gap is by leveraging technology to improve efficiency. Over the years, Clerks have implemented enhanced in-person and jury management services through digital check-in systems, launched online self-help centers to help users navigate the courts, and expanded online access to records and application processes. Clerks also developed the nationally recognized E-Filing Portal, which has become a model for court systems across the United States.

In addition, Clerk offices provide access to data that supports critical electronic notification systems, including E-Notify for upcoming court events, domestic violence injunction text updates for court rulings, and property fraud alert notifications. These enhancements have modernized operations and delivered cutting-edge support to Floridians from Key West to Pensacola.

While these improvements have helped Clerks do more with less, the work still requires teams of dedicated, highly trained public service professionals. Make no mistake, this work is mission-critical 100% of the time. Clerks help administer justice, resolve disputes, finalize adoptions, and ensure vulnerable individuals receive protective orders.

Most Clerks also serve as county comptrollers and official recorders, ensuring county bills are paid, road projects are funded, annual audits are completed, and marriage licenses, deeds, and other important documents are properly recorded and secured. It is a significant responsibility, and we are humbled and honored to serve our residents and stakeholders.

In reviewing this year’s operational needs, the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC) identified a $75 million funding gap between the cost of operating Clerks’ offices and the revenue available to support them. This Legislative Session, Clerks across the state are asking lawmakers for support to address this shortfall by:

— Adjusting outdated fees and service charges to reflect today’s dollars through application of the Consumer Price Index;

— Allowing Clerks to retain more of the revenues they already collect; and

— Approving other sustainable revenue enhancements.

We are grateful for the continued support of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office as we work to fulfill our mission. This year, that partnership is reflected in our legislative priorities, beginning with Senate Bill 532, Court Fees, filed by Sen. Corey Simon and House Bill 759 by Rep. David Smith, and further supported by Senate Bill 1322 filed by Sen. Jonathan Martin and House Bill 925 by Rep. Dana Trabulsy. Together, these measures would go a long way toward addressing the funding shortfall and enabling Clerks to better serve their constituents.

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Doug Chorvat Jr., CGCIO, CPM, serves as President of the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, and is Hernando Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.