(The Center Square) – Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Mike Caruso has been arrested on child sex abuse charges, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday.
Caruso, 67, of Riviera Beach, was appointed to the position by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2025. Before that, he spent seven years as a legislator in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability,” said Uthmeier. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, this individual will face the full force of the law.”
DeSantis said Tuesday that he has suspended Caruso from his position.
Caruso is facing five felony counts including kidnapping, luring or enticing a child, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, and child abuse (mental injury), according to the governor’s executive order of suspension.
Caruso will be held in the Orange County jail without bond pending his first appearance. Uthmeier said more charges are expected as the investigation continues.
“When allegations involve harm to a child, we mobilize every resource to uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “Our team conducted a comprehensive investigation with close coordination from partner agencies. We are steadfast in protecting Florida’s children and will continue our work with the Office of Statewide Prosecution.”
The governor has ordered law enforcement to ensure neither Caruso or his staff remove any files, papers, documents, notes, records, computers, or storage media from his office.
Special Counsel Rita Peters and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day are prosecuting the case.
As the Clerk of Court for Palm Beach County, Caruso led a team of almost 650 employees and oversaw an annual operating budget of $76 million, according to his website.
Caruso has spent years in public service since he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and subsequently reelected. His affiliations include the Delray Beach Police Advisory Board, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, Delray Beach National Little League Coach for over 30 years, and more.
As a legislator, the committees he sat on included the Higher Education Budget Subcommittee, Commerce Committee, and the State Affairs Committee.
