Committee backs bill letting clerks retain full Article V revenue excess and clarifies foreclosure sale procedures

While temporarily chaired by Senator Wright, the committee took up CS for SB 532 concerning clerks of court. Senator Simon said the bill authorizes clerks to retain the full amount of Article V revenue excess for their combined budgets rather than returning 50% to the state. Senator Garcia offered a late‑filed substitute amendment to reinforce statutory foreclosure‑sale procedures under Chapter 45 and to emphasize the clerk’s role as the judicial sale administrator.

Senator Garcia said the substitute was prompted by reporting on judicial sale practices in Miami‑Dade and Broward alleging customized auction procedures and disputed online sale mechanics; the amendment was aimed at increasing transparency and consistency across foreclosure transactions. The committee adopted the substitute amendment and reported the bill favorably.

Supporters on the record waived in favor, including representatives of the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation and individual clerks.