Administration

The Sumter County Clerk of Court's office is a complex organization that performs a wide range of record keeping, information, and financial management for the judicial system, the Board of County Commissioners, and most importantly, the citizens of Sumter County.

The Clerk of Court:

• As an officer of the Sumter County Court System is responsible for maintaining court records with the utmost care and security. These court records include criminal felony and misdemeanor cases, civil, family, Probate and Small Claims proceedings, Juvenile cases and traffic citations
• Is the official recorder and custodian of all documents placed in the Sumter County Official Records. The Official Records are a permanent repository of those documents which primarily relate to real estate transactions
• Collects and disburses court-ordered child support and alimony payments
• Issues marriage licenses and is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies
• Responsible for issuing jury summons, requisitions and distributes payment of fees to jurors
• As Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk attends all Board meetings, records the proceedings and maintains minutes of each meeting
• Serves as the chief financial officer of the county. In this capacity, the clerk ensures that all expenditures of county funds are authorized by law

The Clerk's office has been designated by the United States Department of State to receive and process passport applications and is the only agency in Sumter County so empowered.

All records filed with the Clerk are available for public inspection during normal business hours with the exception of those records specifically exempt by judicial order or Florida Statute.

The Clerk has designated directors and managers whom are responsible for overseeing the seven divisions and nineteen departments of the Clerk's Office. The Clerk has established the following divisions within the office: Administration, Clerk to the Board Finance, Technical, Official Records, Records Management, Civil & Criminal Courts.

In the area of Courts Management, the Directors with the assistance of their managers oversee the operations of the twelve court departments. The Directors are responsible for coordinating case management within the departments and with outside agencies. Under the supervision of the Clerk, the Directors are responsible for developing and implementing procedures required to fulfill obligations mandated by state statutes and local rules.

In the area of Administrative Services, the Clerk oversees the operations of the following departments including but not limited to marriage license, passport processing, auditing, budgeting, Clerk’s financial, personnel, human resources, purchasing, employment interviews and the Village Annex.

In the area of Clerk to the Board/Finance, the Director is responsible for finance, payroll, and Board Minutes. The Director oversees the operation of the finance department to establish policies and procedures for the day to day checks and balances. This department is responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars, receiving and disbursing county funds, long-term debt services and annual financial statements. The Clerk has two finance departments and the Director helps oversee best accounting practices and budget procedures for both departments.

In the area of Information Systems the Director of Technical Services is responsible for all divisions within the Clerk’s office. The Director is responsible for all hardware; networking, software, maintenance, and Internet access as they are implemented within each division as well as communications between local and state agencies. The Director has also been assigned the responsibility of fixed assets for the Clerk of Circuit Court.