Clerk of Circuit Court - Duties and Responsibilities

An independent elected official, the Clerk of Circuit Court is Clerk to the Courts, Chief Financial Officer, Official County Recorder; Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) for Hernando County.

As the custodian of all Court records, the Clerk of Circuit Court has the responsibility for providing the support services that help keep Hernando County's Courts running smoothly. Duties include processing all civil and criminal cases, including traffic; collecting and disbursing all Court fines/fees; keeping the Court Registry (the money on deposit with the Court); accounting for child support collections; receiving appellate petitions; conducting mortgage foreclosure sales; auditing Guardianship reports; securing and disposing of all evidence entered by the Court; overseeing jury management and assisting victims of abuse through the Domestic Relations Division.

As the Chief Financial Officer for the County, the Clerk is responsible for safekeeping and investing all County funds. She is responsible for the County’s banking and investment functions; financial statements; accounts payable; payroll; accounts receivable; debt management; and grant and enterprise fund accounting. She also is the independent internal auditor of Clerk and County departments.

As the Official Recorder, the Clerk is custodian of all official records, including deeds, mortgages and liens. She collects and disburses intangible taxes and documentary stamp monies and conducts Tax Deed sales. She is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and performing marriage ceremonies. The Clerk’s Office serves as a Passport Acceptance Facility, participating in the Passport Application Acceptance Program.

As Ex-Officio Clerk to the BOCC, the Clerk is responsible for disbursing hundreds of millions of dollars annually as well as preparing and maintaining BOCC meeting minutes and all related meeting documentation.

As Clerk to the VAB, the Clerk processes appeals and schedules VAB hearings for property owners seeking property value, exemption or classification relief.