DeSantis Signs Court Fees Bill for St. Johns County

Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/HB 925 into law May 26, allowing Florida's county Clerks to retain more court-related revenues they collect locally.

The legislation addresses a longstanding gap where court fees and fines were pooled statewide and redistributed, starving local Clerk offices of operating funds. The bill closes an estimated $75 million statewide funding gap.

St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court Brandon J. Patty said the change will reduce the amount of locally generated court revenues his office must return to the state. "This allows more funds to remain within the county to support court operations," Patty said.

St. Johns County projects an additional $79,098 in funding for fiscal year 2027-2028, rising to $189,836 the following year. The extra revenue will reduce the county's subsidy to the Clerk's Office.