Aug 18, 09:00 PM

DeSantis Names Ally Mike Caruso Palm Beach County Court Clerk

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday named Republican state Rep. Mike Caruso as Palm Beach County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, filling the post vacated by Democrat Joe Abruzzo, who becomes county administrator on Tuesday. Caruso is scheduled to be sworn in early Tuesday to ensure court operations continue without interruption. Caruso, 66, a certified public accountant and one of the governor’s staunchest legislative allies, said he will seek a full term as clerk in 2026. His appointment requires him to resign from the Florida House, prompting a special election in House District 87, a GOP-leaning seat along Palm Beach County’s Atlantic coast. Caruso’s wife, Tracy Caruso, has already filed preliminary paperwork to run and is expected to face multiple challengers. In a separate action, DeSantis ordered flags in Palm Beach County flown at half-staff to honor the late Democratic state Rep. Joe Casello.