ANNUAL REPORT
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND COUNTY COMPTROLLER
REFLECTING FY2014 ACTIVITY FROM OCT. 1, 2013 THROUGH SEPT. 30, 2014
Karen E. Rushing, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller�������������� 04
A Message From Your Clerk and Comptroller������������������������������������������������ 05
The Role of the Clerk and Comptroller
Clerk of the Circuit and County Court�������������������������������������������� 07
County Recorder������������������������������������������������������������������������� 07
County Comptroller and Treasurer������������������������������������������������ 07
Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners������������������ 07
County Auditor��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 07
A Systematic Approach to Strategic Planning����������������������������������������������� 09
Goals and Accomplishments����������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
The Year in Review
Criminal and Civil Law Cases Filed in 2014 ������������������������������������ 12
Fines and Forfeitures Fund���������������������������������������������������������� 13
Official Records��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
By the Numbers�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
Services and eProducts������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 18
Locations�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
MISSION STATEMENT
To Meet the Needs and Exceed the Expectations of Those
We Serve, in Fulfilling Our Constitutional Obligations.
2
Jury Duty������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 21
Getting Married at the Courthouse����������������������������������������������� 22
Public Records and Transparency�������������������������������������������������� 23
3
KAREN E. RUSHING
Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
FCCC Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
2011 Special Recognition Award
2010 Excellence in Leadership Award
2009–present, Chair, Legislative Committee
2008–2009 Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
2007–2008 President
2005, 2009, 2012 Clerk of the Year
CCOC Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation
2011 Co-Chair, Revenue Stabilization Workgroup
2014 Legislative Committee
GFOA Government Finance Officers Association
1984–present Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
2012, 2013 Outstanding Achievement in Popular
Annual Financial Reporting
2014 Florida Courts E-Filing Committee Board Member
AMCP Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals
2009 Gold Winner, MarCom Award, Annual Report
2009 Honorable Mention, MarCom Award, Photography
FGCA Florida Government Communicators Association
2009 Crystal Award, Online Foreclosures
2008 Second Place Crystal, Annual Report
2007–2009 Special Judges Awards
Republican Party of Sarasota, Florida
2007 Statesman of the Year
United Way of Sarasota County
Member, Board of Directors
29th Annual Women’s International Conference
2013 Women of Light Award
University of South Florida
2002 Distinguished Alumni Award
Florida Supreme Court – Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC)
2010–present, Florida Courts Technology Commission
2003–present, Committee for Electronic Filing
United States Department of Commerce
2002–2007 Advisor, Commercial Law Department
4
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CLERK
AND COMPTROLLER
Sarasota County was formally incorporated in 1921, and according to the Bureau of Economic
and Business Research, the permanent resident population served is currently 387,140. Sarasota
County includes the Cities of Sarasota (the county seat), Venice, North Port, and the town
of Longboat Key. This office provides court and finance-related services to Sarasota County
municipalities.
Court activity in 2014 was fairly stable, with little fluctuation in case volume. Although
foreclosure cases continued to drop from a high of 900 per month in 2009 to an average of
145 per month in 2014, these filings remain up from the pre-recession number of 50 cases per
month.
In land records, deeds are up 18% (from 26,734 in 2013 to 27,215 in 2014) while mortgages have
dropped 26% (from 17,811 in 2013 to 13,112 in 2014).
Once again, the office received the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial
Reporting recognition and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
from the Government Finance Officers Association. I’m very proud to say this office has received
the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for 30 consecutive years. Both of these financial
publications may be found by going to SarasotaClerk.com, selecting Finance Department under
the Comptroller Services and clicking on County Financial Reports.
The Internal Audit Department, Office of Inspector General performed 41 audit and investigative
projects during 2014. I am pleased to report that much progress has been made toward
positioning the office to obtain accreditation from the Commission for Law Enforcement
Accreditation. This team of highly qualified Certified Public Accountants, Certified Fraud
Examiners, Certified Internal Auditors and Certified Inspector General Auditors has
demonstrated compliance with over 42 principles and standards, and is under contract for an
accreditation assessment in 2015. As such, this office will be one of a handful of accredited Clerk
and Comptroller Inspector General Offices in the State of Florida.
As Treasurer of Sarasota County, this office managed an investment portfolio of $878+ million
during 2014. The portfolio has been rated AAf/S1 by Standard and Poor’s Rating Service. A
rating that I am very proud of, and which fulfills our number one objective: Safety of principle.
The valued employees of this office have embraced our mission statement, which is: “To Meet the
Needs and Exceed the Expectations of Those We Serve…” This is how we begin each and every
day, as we carry out our responsibilities set out in the Constitution, and state law.
Thank you, citizens and community, for your support and guidance. It is my pleasure to serve as
your Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
Karen E. Rushing
Clerk of the Circuit Court
and County Comptroller
5
THE ROLE OF THE CLERK
OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND
COUNTY COMPTROLLER
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller derives its authority from the Florida State
Constitution and Florida Law. This elected official is commonly referred to as a Constitutional
Officer. The Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller targets five major areas of responsibility.
1
3
2
4
The Clerk of the Circuit and County Court
is responsible for aiding and promoting the
judicial process. As an Officer of the Court,
the Clerk attends each courtroom session.
Service to our customers includes filing official
documents, overseeing jury orientation, receiving
and enforcing the payment of fines, collecting child
support and alimony payments, processing domestic
violence petitions, collecting and disbursing victim’s
restitution, conducting real property foreclosure sales,
and auditing the accountings in guardianship matters.
As County Recorder, the Clerk is
responsible for “recording all mortgages,
liens, deeds, and other documents having
an effect on real property”— by assignment
of a document number—into the county’s Official
Records. Each document is indexed pursuant to law.
The County Recorder collects the documentary tax
on behalf of the State of Florida, performs and issues
marriage licenses, and conducts tax deed sales.
6
Responsibilities as County Comptroller
and Treasurer include accounting for the
county’s financial resources, preparing
and publishing the Sarasota County
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
and investing county funds. As a service to the
community, the Comptroller publishes other county
financial documents including the Consolidated
Major Revenue and Debt Report, the IMPACT
Report, and the Report on Indebtedness.
As Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of
County Commissioners, the Clerk serves
as the custodian of the Board’s records—the
official minutes taker of Board meetings
and other boards as designated. As the custodian of
records, the Clerk has custody of the official seal and
administers it according to law.
5
In the role of County Auditor, the
Comptroller establishes and tests compliance
with internal controls, with the use of a risk
assessment tool for prioritization.
7
$97.6 million
in collections
and enforcement
Over 50 million
records managed by
Information Services
infrastructure
$878 million
WE DO
MORE
THAN
JUST
SUMMONS
PEOPLE
FOR
JURY
DUTY.
8
managed in
investment portfolios
$738 million
managed in
financial services
Assistance
provided
• Filing lawsuits
• Issuing marriage licenses
• Passport services
• Child support,
and other domestic
relations matters.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH
TO STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic planning is an approach used to direct the Clerk and Comptroller’s organization. This
strategy positions the office to meet the challenge of controlling costs, offering quality service
through the innovative use of technology, and maintaining a high performance workforce. Our
goal is to enhance the value and reputation of the office of the Clerk and Comptroller in the eyes
of the community, and to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and efficiency in operations.
By adopting a three year planning cycle, the strategic plan remains in alignment with the fiscal
year budget development process, identifying major strategic goals, establishing measures of
strategic success using the balanced scorecard measurement system, specifying major initiatives
to achieve goals, and aligning resources to priorities through the deployment of formal
departmental business plans.
The Clerk and Comptroller uses a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) comprised of members
of the organization’s leadership team, representing each functional area of the organization:
Operations Support Services, Court Services, Clerk Finance Services, Finance, Internal Audit
and Office of Inspector General, Information Technology and Performance Management, and
Human Resource Services.
Working as a collective body, the SPC’s focus is not only strategy and comprehensive
strategic plan development, but also addressing any challenges facing the plan and successful
implementation of solutions. Additionally, the group responds to actual data gathered as the plan
unfolds, and identifies opportunities to refocus energies and resources as needed throughout the
year.
For your convenience, we are pleased to present you with a few of this year’s specific
accomplishments which demonstrate how our planning process resulted in improvements,
efficiency, transparency, and ultimately enhanced service levels.
9
GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1
MAXIMIZE FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE
Used new technology and automation to eliminate the
need for paper intensive processes.
BENEFIT: Using analytical software, the Internal
Audit Department and Office of Inspector General
reduced the cost of operations and increased the
number of audits and investigations performed from
25 to 41.
Implemented a new, more flexible Clerk payment plan.
BENEFIT: Increases citizen compliance with courtimposed financial obligations (fines, fees and costs) by
providing additional payment options and minimizing
the requirement of those accepted by the program.
Implemented Governmental Accounting Standards
Board (GASB) Statements for Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Pensions, government mergers,
acquisitions and transfers of operations, Accounting
and Financial Reporting for Nonexchange Financial
Guarantees.
BENEFIT: Provides citizens with the assurance
that Sarasota County’s financial statements are in
conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles and the Governmental Accounting
Standards Board, allowing government officials
to demonstrate their accountability over public
resources.
Completed the transition of computer systems server
hardware over to a virtualized environment.
BENEFIT: Controls the total cost of the hardware
and maintenance required to run multiple computer
systems.
2
ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY
Implemented a new probate and guardianship division in
Sarasota County’s southern area.
BENEFIT: Improves access to courts for citizens,
and expands service to the Venice, Englewood and
North Port areas.
Completed the indexing and microfilming of 10,000
paper court records.
BENEFIT: Improves accessibility and increases the
speed of providing access to records.
Implemented a new software system
to manage Sarasota County Official Records.
BENEFIT: Provides a fully-integrated land records
system in partnership with the Property Appraiser
and Tax Collector.
3
ENHANCE VALUE, REPUTATION
AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH
STAKEHOLDERS
Implemented electronic verification, ensuring the secure
and accurate transmission of court-ordered offender
release documents to the Department of Corrections.
BENEFIT: Prevention method for mitigating
fraudulent release documents.
Implemented an automated arrest warrant process.
BENEFIT: Public safety.
Received four Inspector General credentials within the
Internal Audit department.
BENEFIT: Provides citizens with a recognized
measurement of skill and expertise of the Audit team.
Awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence
in Financial Reporting for FY2013 by the Government
Finance Officers Association of North America and Canada,
for the 30th consecutive year.
BENEFIT: Provides citizens with the assurance this
office complies with proper governmental accounting
and financial reporting.
4
CREATE A UNIFIED, ENGAGED
AND PRODUCTIVE CULTURE
Published the Records Management News, a proprietary
newsletter serving Sarasota County management and
records management staff.
BENEFIT: Provides training and guidance to county
employees on the statutory requirements of records
management best practices.
Held two in-service training days targeting critical
customer service and statuatory duties performed by
deputy clerks.
BENEFIT: Equips employees to provide excellent
service to citizens and stakeholders.
Developed an in-house, online training program targeted
at employees responsible for cash handling.
BENEFIT: Provides employees with additional
training, and citizens with the assurance that Sarasota
County personnel are being equipped with current
cash handling principles and best practices.
Awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual
Financial Reporting Title by the Government Finance Officers
Association of North America and Canada for the 2013
IMPACT Report, for the second consecutive year.
BENEFIT: Provides citizens with a reader-friendly,
informative publication that addresses the origin of
Sarasota County revenues, and how expenditures are
managed during the fiscal year.
Received the Investment Policy Certificate of Excellence
Award by the Association of Public Treasurers United
States and Canada (APTUS&C). This is the first time
Sarasota County has received this recognition.
BENEFIT: This certification develops trust and
confidence in citizens who view Sarasota County as
a local government with a strong investment policy,
that meets the stringent requirements established by
the APTUS&C.
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CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW
CASES FILED IN 2014
Criminal Law cases are governed by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Florida
Constituion provides that Circuit and County Courts may hold criminal trials within the
jurisdiction of the Court as designed by the Circuit’s Chief Judge. Circuit Criminal includes 592
Juvenile Delinquency cases.
13,004
CRIMINAL LAW
COUNTY CRIMINAL
18,408
5,404
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
FINES AND FORFEITURES FUND
The Constitution of the State of Florida authorizes
the Clerk of the Circuit Court to collect all fines
and forfeitures arising from offenses tried in the
courts or assessed by the various law enforcement
agencies,byasthedirected
Court. The
total as
assessed
various by
lawthe
enforcement
agencies,
fines, forfeitures, court costs, and service charge
collections in fiscal year 2014 were $12,191,124.
was $11,179,204.
CIRCUIT COURT
0
FINES AND
FORFEITURES
FUND
10,000
12,000
14,000
$ 8,518,772
State of Florida
City of Sarasota
382,517
Sheriff
175,335
FINES AND FORFEITURES FUND
Teen
Court
State
of Florida
$7,879,959136,242
Board of County Commissioners
$2,627,727
City of North Port
City of Sarasota
$274,676
$155,660
City of Venice
Teen Court
$130,870
97,644
22,487
3,363
Longboat
Key
City
of North Port
$80,370
City
of Venice
TOTAL
$27,247
$12,191,124
Longboat Key
$2,695
TOTAL
16,000
2,854,764
Board of County Commissioners
$11,179,204
FINES AND FORFEITURES FUND 2012
$10 MILLION
5
1
$ 500 THOUSAND
100
736
1,379
1,108
4,286
5,361
6,749
300
50
25
16,396
2
3,223
Longboat Key
City of Venice
City of North Port
Probate Court
Teen Court
County Civil
City of Sarasota
19,619
Circuit Civil
Board of County
Commissioners
CIVIL LAW
State of Florida
0
Civil Law cases are governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Family Law Rules of
12
Procedure, Probate Rules and Small Claim Rules. The Circuit Court is responsible for family,
probate, and other matters exceeding $15,000. Circuit Civil includes 3,587 circuit cases, 4,041
family cases, and 229 Juvenile Dependency cases. Probate includes probate, guardianship, and
mental health cases.
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OFFICIAL RECORDS
The State Constitution and Florida Statutes provide that the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall
be the recorder of all instruments that are required or authorized to be recorded in one general
series of books called “Official Records.” The chart below reflects changes in the volume of
documents recorded by type and the fees collected in 2014 as compared to previous years. Of the
154,119 documents recorded, and from the total fees collected, over $54.8 million was paid to the
Florida Department of Revenue, $986 thousand was distributed to Sarasota County, and $36,323
was distributed to a Court Technology Fund.
285.6
300
275
275
250
250
226.6
180.5
154.1
163.0
152.2
161.4
175
58.6 million
54.6 million
46.1 million
39.5 million
50
35.5 million
75
35.8 million
125
52.7 million
125
100
100
75
50
25
25
0
0
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
Documents Recorded in Thousands
14
200
150
86.4 million
150
157.1
135.3 million
91.6 million
106.5 million
175
155.9 million
200
225
191.7
225
167.9
248.4
300
154,119 documents were recorded,
indexed and verified into the Official Records
of Sarasota County in 2014
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2014
Fees Collected in Millions
15
BY THE NUMBERS
Every day, employees of the Clerk and Comptroller’s office strive to improve services and
product delivery, and are focused on transparency, efficiency and accountability. When working
for citizens, the courts, local government and other agencies, we are committed to offering a
variety of products and services designed to meet the needs of the people. We are proud to
share with you how we have helped, and just how often our customers counted on the Clerk and
Comptroller’s office during the past year.
16 Judges supported in court
7 Hearing Officers (6) and Magistrates (1) supported in court
74,779 Citizens summonsed as jurors for trials
600 Citizens summonsed for Grand Jury
144 Jury trials conducted (not including Grand Jury trials)
8,407 Criminal Citations filed in Sarasota County
68,025 Civil Citations, including traffic infractions (66,001) and parking tickets (2,024)
1,550 Foreclosure cases filed
2,554 Marriage licenses issued in Sarasota County
547 Wedding ceremonies performed
154,119 Documents recorded, indexed, and verified into the Official Records of Sarasota
County, including mortgages, liens, bankruptcies, and court documents
1,374,935 Public records microfilmed and official records imaged
$26,767,197 Accounted for in child support payments
13,976 Deposits verified and entered into the Sarasota County accounting system
58,813 Invoices pre-audited and paid on behalf of Sarasota County
61,169 Payroll direct deposits and checks processed on behalf of Sarasota County entities
(Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Tax Collector, Property
Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and Board of County Commissioners)
41 Audit and investigative projects completed
84 Public meetings attended and recorded, including 63 Board of County
Commissioner, 14 Planning Commission, 3 Charter Review Board,
and 4 Value Adjustment Board meetings
309 Ordinances (82) and resolutions (227) processed
273 Code Enforcement cases filed
370 Value Adjustment Board hearings coordinated and scheduled
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Copyright David H. Fauss
17
SERVICES AND E-PRODUCTS
The Clerk and Comptroller’s five areas of
responsibility provide the opportunity to serve
citizens and other stakeholders in a variety of ways,
leveraging the latest in technology, efficiency and
best practices and incorporating these benefits into
our many e-services and e-products.
Court Services
Electronic Courts
The Clerk provides access to public records while
working closely with filers to ensure the protection
of documents that are confidential, or exempt from
public inspection.
Convenience must be carefully balanced against
protection as determined by the Florida Legislature,
and in some circumstances, by the Court, through a
legal process of sealing the record.
Electronic Signatures
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration state
pleadings and other documents of a party
represented by an attorney must be signed. This office
has obtained approval from the Supreme Court of
Florida to accept pleadings and documents using an
electronic signature format.
E-Filing
After offering attorneys a custom electronic case
filing system for over 10 years, in 2013 this office
implemented a Florida Supreme Court mandate
requiring that all documents be filed electronically.
Attorneys and other stakeholders can now e-file
through a statewide portal built by the Florida Clerks
of Court and Comptrollers.
The Florida E-Portal was expanded in 2014 allowing
self-represented filers, court reporters, mediators,
process servers, mental health professionals, law
enforcement and other customers to register and file
court documents through this single portal. Florida’s
e-Filing service is now one of the most advanced and
trouble-free of any state, and this office continues
to work towards greater portal uniformity among
Florida’s counties.
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Access to Electronic Case Files
In 2014, the Florida Supreme Court lifted restrictions
and paved the way for citizens and agencies to
receive enhanced access to electronic court records.
Standards and a security matrix were developed to
identify access levels for each user group, and to
provide a safe gateway to court documents while
safeguarding confidentiality and the integrity of the
official court record.
Electronic Access for Non-Attorneys
In anticipation of the Supreme Court granting public
access to court documents through the Internet, this
office upgraded its electronic access products to allow
public inspection, while protecting confidential and
exempt information from unauthorized viewing.
Upon receipt of permission from the Supreme Court
to allow expanded Internet access, this convenience
will be extended to all.
Electronic Court Dockets
In an effort to minimize the cost of assembling and
transporting paper files, this office offers electronic
delivery of all cases set for a court event. Judges,
courtroom staff, attorneys, and citizens can access
real-time electronic case files in the courtroom,
alleviating wait time and the cost of processing and
transferring paper from one facility to another.
Judge’s Electronic Signatures
Most documents containing a judge’s signature must
be provided to another agency or institution such as
jails or other courts. Access to these documents is
critical, and process time is minimized through filing
electronically. This electronic feature allows seamless
processing, and minimizes delays in accessing
documents.
Online Foreclosure Sales
Once the Court has issued a judgment on real
property, this office is ordered to sell the property at a
public auction. Due to advancements in technology,
foreclosed property sales are now held online.
Conveniences to bidders include remote access to the
site using the Internet, an auto-pilot bidding feature,
the ability to bid on multiple properties at one time,
and access to other resources such as the County
Property Appraiser website.
Financial Services
Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Petitions
Disputing the assessed value from which property tax
is calculated falls under the Value Adjustment Board.
The Clerk and Comptroller is the official record
keeper for VAB, and Clerk to the official proceedings.
Invoice Processing using OnBase 9.2
In an effort to minimize delay, invoice processing
allows various approval levels to occur at the same
time, allowing invoices to be paid in an average of two
Taxpayers can access forms and complete an electronic
days from approval. Additional efficiency is gained
petition to the VAB, make application fee payments,
using automated clearing house (ACH) solutions—a
follow case progress, provide evidence, and review
plus for large vendors.
the Property Appraiser’s evidence using an electronic
Web Access To County Financial Reports
service on SarasotaClerk.com.
A variety of web-based services provide Internet
Recording Services
access to all bond disclosure matters, as well as
financial reports and invoices.
eRecording
Time Keeping Systems
The eRecording service provides a means for Official
Records to be electronically filed by using a thirdAutomated time keeping systems are used for
party vendor application. Customers can review
processing payroll for the approximately 2,600
documents, and receive immediate confirmation once
employees working for Sarasota County and its
Constitutional Officers. In addition, electronic delivery their documents have been accepted.
and authorization of payroll-related information adds
Domestic Partnership Registry
another efficiency to the process.
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners
enacted an Ordinance creating Article XII of Chapter
Audit and Investigative
62 of the Code of Ordinances, establishing a domestic
Services Fraud Hotline
partnership registry. The Recorder’s office accepts and
Fraud Hotline
records registrations.
Available for anyone’s use—citizens, employees or
Other Services
vendors—a toll free Fraud Hotline is a service that
allows reporting through a call center managed by
e-Marriage Applications
a third-party vendor. The identity of the caller may
This service provides an easy-to-use program for
be kept confidential if the caller chooses to remain
couples to complete their application for a marriage
anonymous.
license, allowing them to take all the time they need
Electronic Access to Reports
without filling out a paper application.
Audit and investigative reports are available for public
Passports and Photo Services
inspection on the Clerk and Comptroller’s website.
As a processing agent for the federal government for
Board Services
passport applications, this office offers both passport
book and passport card application processing. Photo
Meeting Minutes
services are also available onsite, with no appointment
The Clerk and Comptroller is the official record
necessary. Additional resources are available online
keeper of the minutes for the Sarasota County Board to assist applicants with required forms of payment,
of County commissioners. Meeting minutes are
identification, and necessary forms.
available on a dedicated website called Meetings On
Clerks in the Sunshine
Demand, a video and document archive. Sarasota
County Board of County Commission meetings,
To meet the objectives of transparency and
agendas and supporting documentation, minutes
accountability, the Clerk and Comptroller offers
from Planning Commission and Charter Review
citizens a dedicated section on SarasotaClerk.com
Board meetings are also available electronically.
where financial information, budgets and performance
standards are compiled into one easy-to-find area of
the website.
19
LOCATIONS
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historic Courthouse, Sarasota
Jury Duty
Why did I get called and how does jury selection work?
Prospective jurors are randomly selected from a
Department of Motor Vehicles list of all licensed
drivers living in Sarasota County who are at least
18 years of age. The list also includes citizens who
are not licensed drivers, but who have asked to be
included in the potential juror pool so that if selected,
they may serve.
How long will I be expected to serve?
Jury service is limited to one day or one trial, with the
average service lasting one day.
Why are some people excused from jury service?
If you receive a summons for jury service, your
attendance is required. However, a potential juror
may be automatically excused by law, or may be
excused for personal reasons. Reasons for not
attending jury service include disqualification,
exemption and extreme hardship.
State law determines juror eligibility. A potential
juror would be deemed ineligible to serve under
certain limited circumstances, such as not being a
citizen of the United States, no longer residing in
Sarasota County, being under prosecution for any
crime or not having their civil rights restored.
County Administration Center, Sarasota
Alternately, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court may
accept an exemption from a potential juror for being
70 years of age or older and requesting a one-time
or permanent excusal, for being a full-time law
enforcement officer, or for having already served as
a juror in Sarasota County within the last 365 days.
Other excusals may be accepted, and are listed on the
jury summons.
Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice
20
Those requesting to be excused must complete the
Juror Excuse Statement included in their summons
and return it to the Jury Office. A requested
reschedule date may not exceed six months from
your original summons date.
Why did I get called for jury duty but was not
chosen for a trial?
The rules governing the selection process require
that a sufficient number of jurors be summonsed
based on the scheduled court events. Since cases can
be resolved right up to the last minute before starting
a trial, the Clerk works proactively with the Court to
ensure that an adequate number of jurors are available
in the event trials proceed as scheduled.
Why did I get called to the Sarasota courthouse
when I live closer to the Venice court?
The Sarasota County judiciary is served by two
courthouses: The Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
in downtown Sarasota, and the Robert L. Anderson
Courthouse in Venice. In the past, eliminating
citizens from jury service at the Sarasota courthouse
unduly restricted the pool of available jurors. As a
result, the Chief Judge determined that neither north
nor south county residents summonsed for jury duty
will be guaranteed to report to the location nearest
their residence.
What should I bring if I am called for jury duty?
Jurors should know that proper attire is required in
the courtroom, and you may need a jacket or sweater
for comfort, as all courtrooms are air conditioned.
Potential jurors may want to bring reading glasses
if needed, a book, magazine or other reading
material. Laptops and personal electronic devices are
permitted in the jury waiting room, as are snacks.
Your participation as a juror has a long-lasting effect on
our judicial system, and we thank you for your service.
Need more information?
Scan the code to go to the Clerk’s jury page!
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FAQ
Where can we find a list of registered premarital
course providers?
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of providers can be found on
SarasotaClerk.com.Visit the County Recorder’s
page, then click on Marriage Licenses for more
information.
Getting Married at the Courthouse
What do I need to do to apply for a marriage license?
Visit one of the Clerk and Comptroller’s office
locations and use one of the self-service kiosks,
located in the customer service area, to complete and
submit your application.
Need more information?
Scan the code to go to Marriage License web page!
Are blood tests required before we can apply for
a marriage license?
Public Records & Transparency
What is the definition of a public record?
Public records (for example a police report,
complaint, or civil filing) are defined by Florida
law as all documents, papers, maps, books, tapes,
photographs, films, sound recordings, data
processing software, or other material, regardless
of the physical form, characteristics, or means of
transmission, made or received pursuant to law or
ordinance, or in connection with the transaction
of official business by any agency. (Florida Statute,
Chapter 119.011(12)).
What is the law regarding access to public records?
Unlike other states, Florida has a unique and very
open public records law which provides that all state,
county, and municipal records be open for personal
inspection and available for copying by any person
upon request.
In Florida, a blood test is not required to apply
for a marriage license, but other restrictions may
apply. Please reference SarasotaClerk.com for more
information.
Can we get married at the courthouse?
Providing access to public records is the duty of each
government agency. As each agency increases its use
of and dependence on electronic record keeping, they
must also provide reasonable public access to records
that are electronically maintained, while ensuring
exempt or confidential records are not disclosed
(except as otherwise permitted by law). Therefore, in
the electronic world, automation of public records
shall not erode the right of access to public records.
Marriage ceremonies performed by a Deputy Clerk
are held at the beautiful 1920’s Historic Courthouse
on Main Street, in Sarasota, or at the Venice branch at
the Robert L. Anderson Center on Tamiami Trail. An
additional fee is required for this service. Ceremonies
are performed Monday through Friday between 8:30
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at both locations.
What does redaction mean?
Redaction means to conceal that portion of the record
containing information that is exempt—by law—from
public viewing. Some general examples of redacted
information may be social security numbers, credit
card or bank account numbers, or other confidential
information. The Clerk and Comptroller has the
ability to redact information both from a copy of an
original public record, and from any electronic image
that is available for public viewing.
The marriage parlor, located at the base of the west wing Grand Staircase.
What are the benefits of taking
a premarital course?
Taking a premarital course, conducted by a registered
course provider, offers a reduction in the marriage
license filing fee upon furnishing a valid certificate
of completion. To receive this benefit, Premarital
Course Providers must be registered with Sarasota
County, and courses must be completed. The threeday waiting period is also waived.
The Grand Staircase offers a cozy corner to exchange “I Do’s.”
The Historic Courthouse courtroom offers an elegant backdrop for a marriage ceremony.
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Public Access department in Sarasota
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MAIN OFFICE
Historic Courthouse
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida 34237
FINANCE, BOARD RECORDS,
INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICE
OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Sarasota County
Administration Center
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34236
JURY OFFICE
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth
Judicial Center
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34237
VENICE BRANCH
Robert L. Anderson
Administration Center
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, Florida 34293
Created under the supervision of Karen E. Rushing
Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
Janet C. Cantees, Chief Operations Officer
Joseph V. Chiusano, Legislative Policy and Compliance Assistant
Alicia C. Accardi, Communications Manager
Photography by Lori Sax
941-861-7400
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Online access 24/7
www.SarasotaClerk.com