This bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance the financial management and operational efficiency of clerks of the court. Key provisions include the requirement for clerks to retain certain funds or deposit them into the fine and forfeiture fund, as well as the authorization for the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation to request reimbursements for filing specific legal documents at an increased rate of $195, replacing the previous $40 rate. The bill also modifies the distribution of fees collected from court filings, increasing fees for petitions, orders, appeals, and summons, while adjusting the allocation of penalties to reduce the percentage directed to municipalities and allowing clerks to retain a larger portion of collected fees by eliminating previous remittance requirements to the Department of Revenue.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the fee structure for various court-related services, including the elimination of fees for filing petitions related to domestic violence and other protective measures, while allowing for reimbursement under certain conditions. It mandates detailed accounting for traffic infractions and electronic transmission of this information, and it establishes a delinquency fee for non-compliance with court directives. The bill also updates budget procedures for clerks, ensuring balanced budgets and the management of excess funds, with an emphasis on streamlining operations and reducing financial barriers for individuals seeking legal protections. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1322 Filed: 28.37, 40.29, 45.035, 57.081, 318.14, 318.15, 318.21, 322.245, 394.459, 394.463, 394.467, 394.914, 394.917, 397.681, 721.83, 741.30, 744.3678, 784.046, 784.0485, 825.1035, 938.05, 142.01