DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — After a last minute intervention by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Palm Beach County’s new Clerk of Courts is Mike Caruso. The position, vacated by Joseph Abruzzo who became County Administrator today, was originally set to be held by Deputy Clerk Shannon Ramsey-Chessman. But Gov. DeSantis, in a completely expected move, appointed Republican colleague MIke Caruso to the spot. Caruso was sworn in Tuesday morning. The Clerk’s office issued this statement:
>> Mike Caruso, a Certified Public Accountant who served seven years in the Florida House of Representatives, was sworn in early Tuesday morning as the next Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Florida,” Clerk Caruso said. “I am deeply thankful to my constituents for their trust, my colleagues for their partnership, and most especially Governor Ron DeSantis for the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Palm Beach County in this important capacity.”
Clerk Caruso was sworn in by 15th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Glenn Kelley via Zoom at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. He started his first day as Clerk by administering the Oath of Deputy Clerk to more than 200 Clerk employees so they can act on his behalf as Deputy Clerks on court and county transactions that require a Clerk signature.
Clerk Caruso was appointed on Monday by Governor DeSantis to replace outgoing Clerk Joseph Abruzzo, whose is now serving as Palm Beach County’s County Administrator.
In his role as Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Clerk Caruso will serve as Palm Beach County’s public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and taxpayer money. The Clerk’s position is established by the Florida Constitution as an independent constitutional officer, directly elected by and accountable to the people of Palm Beach County.
On his first day in office, Clerk Caruso took his spot on the dais as Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. He will meet in the afternoon with members of the Clerk leadership team and with Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.
“It’s great to be home, having spent the last seven years in Tallahassee,” Clerk Caruso said during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. “I’m very excited and honored to take the seat of Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Palm Beach County.”
Clerk Caruso noted that his experience as a Certified Public Accountant and forensic auditor made him uniquely qualified to serve as Clerk. He brings significant private sector experience to his new role, working as a CPA in accounting firms including KPMG and Grant Thornton International. He opened his own accounting firm, Caruso & Caruso, in Palm Beach County.
His expertise as a forensic accountant has been called upon as an expert witness in multiple local and national court cases.
As a legislator, Clerk Caruso built a reputation as a principled and results-driven lawmaker. As Clerk, his priorities include:
- Modernizing vendor payment systems in collaboration with County Administrator Abruzzo.
- Protecting citizens from guardianship and real property fraud.
- Maintaining conservative and sound investment strategies for the County’s investment portfolio managed by the Clerk’s office.
- Advocating for a unified searchable database among 20 judicial circuits and 67 counties to allow streamlined access to the public across the state.
- Ensuring full compliance with audits, working closely with CFO Ingoglia to uphold the highest oversight and accountability standards.
“I look forward to bringing the same dedication, integrity and results-driven approach I’ve shown in the Legislature to the Clerk’s office,” Clerk Caruso said. “Palm Beach County deserves the most transparent, efficient and fraud-free system of public service.”
Clerk Caruso is the proud father of seven children, a champion barefoot water skier, a tennis enthusiast and enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and two dogs. <<
