Over $3,000 Saved During Month Long Veteran’s Appreciation Passport Event

 

Throughout the month of November, veterans and active-duty service members and their accompanying family members were offered free passport photo services and the waiver of the Clerk’s $35 processing fee that is incurred for each new U.S. passport application.

Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. is pleased to announce that his office’s first annual Veterans Day Passport Savings saved 67 constituents more than $3,000 by waiving the Clerk’s service and photo fees.

Our office thanks these veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice and look forward to hosting the event again next November in appreciation of  our valued veterans.

The Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq. Officiates Second Annual HalloWedding Group Scare-A-Mony, Vow Renewal & Reception

Kissimmee, FL – It was an enchanting morning for a celebration of love and marriage at the Osceola County Historical Courthouse this Halloween. A total of seven couples participated in this unique experience, with six couples committing to “until death do us part” and one couple re-recommitting their eternal love during the 10:00 a.m. wedding, vow renewal and reception.  

The ceremony was officiated by The Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller. The Historic Courthouse was transformed into an upscale Halloween wonderland, adorned with cobwebs, pumpkins, and black and purple roses.   Guests were serenaded by Halloween themed music, and a enjoyed celebrating their loved ones at the reception afterward with sweet treats.  

“May there never be tricks in your marriage, only treats and your love remains sweet for all eternity,” said Clerk & Comptroller Soto during the ceremony.  

Since taking office in January 2021, Clerk & Comptroller Soto and his executive team have taken every opportunity to fulfill the organization’s aspirations, one of which is to advance the well-being of all, one person at a time. The office aspires to serve the community with care, committing to excellence and driving efficiencies. This annual one-of-a-kind event is just one of the many ways Clerk & Comptroller Soto’s team is meeting the public where they want. Our team looks forward to creating more unique experiences to connect with the community we serve.   

Friends and family wishing to relive the experience may do so by viewing the ceremony which was live streamed and saved on the office’s Facebook page, @clerkkelvinsoto. For additional information please visit our website www.osceolaclerk.com.  

 

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Kelvin Soto, Esq. was elected Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller in 2020.  Prior to serving as Clerk & Comptroller, he served two terms on the Osceola County School Board.  Clerk & Comptroller Soto serves more than 400,000 constituents as the Clerk of Court, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, County Comptroller, County Recorder, and County Auditor in the nation’s 18th fastest growing county. 

KELVIN SOTO, ESQ., OSCEOLA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COUNTY COMPTROLLER, ANNOUNCES REDUCTION IN PASSPORT FEES FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, is honored to recognize the service of our military servicemembers by waiving the fees for passport photos and the Clerk’s passport processing fee for appointments occurring during the month of November.

“In honor and recognition of those who have served in our military, for the month of November, our office will waive the Clerk’s processing and photo fees for veterans and their accompanying family members,” said Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto.  “Thank you for your service!”

Beginning Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office will waive the $35 Clerk Processing Fee and $12 Photo Fee for veterans and their accompanying family members who present a valid military I.D. or a copy of their DD-214.  The name on the I.D. or DD-214 must match associated documentation for the issuance of the passport.

Between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office processed more than 16,200 new applications for a U.S. Passport book or card.  The Clerk & Comptroller acts as one of the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Agencies, transmitting applications to designated facilities for final processing by the State Department.

The Clerk & Comptroller’s Office recommends making an appointment for passport services via our website at www.osceolaclerk.com and selecting “Passports” under “Other Services.”  Additional items, such as payment methods and frequently asked questions, are also available at that link or by scanning the QR code below.  Walk-in appointments may be available on a day-by-day basis, but constituents are strongly urged to arrive at 8 a.m. to ensure accommodation. 

 

Kelvin Soto, Esq. was elected Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller in 2020. Prior to serving as Clerk & Comptroller, he served two terms on the Osceola County School Board. Clerk & Comptroller Soto serves more than 400,000 constituents as the Clerk of Court, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, County Comptroller, County Recorder, and County Auditor in the nation’s 18th fastest growing county.

Osceola Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq., Publishes FY22 Popular Annual Financial Report Osceola on the Rise

 

KELVIN SOTO, ESQ., OSCEOLA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COUNTY COMPTROLLER, PUBLISHES THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SECOND EDITION OF OSCEOLA ON THE RISE, THE OFFICE’S POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kelvin Soto, Esq., the Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, proudly presents the second edition of Osceola on the Rise, the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for Fiscal Year 2022. Following the prestigious recognition received for their inaugural PAFR for Fiscal Year 2021, the Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., continues to enhance transparency and accessibility in financial reporting.

Osceola on the Rise serves as an accessible summary of the financial information presented in the Osceola County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Presented in a simplified format, this report offers citizens a clearer understanding of Osceola County’s financial trends. New to this edition is “Helpful Chirps,” designed to provide insights into the PAFR presented by “Mocki,” the mockingbird from the office’s seal. To provide context, the report also includes statistics about the county’s rapidly growing and diverse community.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to excellence, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office introduces the inaugural Community Services Guide alongside financial summaries. This guide comprises a directory of parks & recreation facilities, libraries, emergency services, public services, hospitals, utilities, transportation, secondary education institutions, County services, and achievements of the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq., expressed, “We take immense pride in presenting not only our financial report but also our Community Services Guide. Our ethos is rooted in integrity, accountability, and profound social responsibility. This comprehensive document embodies our dedication to transparent financial practices and our passion for delivering valuable information to our community.”

Aligned with Clerk & Comptroller Soto’s vision of engaging the public, Osceola on the Rise can be accessed digitally on www.osceolaclerk.com, through various social media channels, and on ISSUU.com. Print copies are available upon request.

 

Osceola Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. Announces Comprehensive Compensation Plan for Current & Future Employees

 

OSCEOLA CLERK & COMPTROLLER KELVIN SOTO, ESQ., ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CURRENT & FUTURE EMPLOYEES

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, has announced the June 17, 2023, rollout of a comprehensive compensation strategy designed to enhance recruitment efforts, increase retention of valued employees, and to provide a long-term strategy tied to a merit-based philosophy in lieu of prior administrations’ longevity-based systems.

In 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to implement a minimum wage of $15 per hour by September 2026. Upon taking office in 2021, Clerk & Comptroller Soto committed to swiftly implementing a $15 minimum starting pay which he realized in 2022. The Soto Administration’s new compensation plan will ensure the average hourly pay of operations employees is $18.80 in FY23 and that the office’s minimum starting salary will well exceed the 2026 constitutional mandate at a rate of $16.50—$1.50 per hour more and three years ahead of the constitutional mandate.

“I am pleased to announce a competitive compensation strategy that is designed not only to entice recruitment, but to reward our employees by ensuring their compensation is competitive in both the private and public markets,” said Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. “Our mission is to advance the well-being of all, one person at a time. This necessarily includes our valued employees who serve our constituents every day.”

The compensation strategy takes into consideration various factors, including salary adjustments for eligible employees, market research based on industry standards and local market trends, as well as adhering to transparency and just pay in establishing job responsibilities and competencies. To ensure future success of the compensation plan, the Soto Administration committed to excellence in innovation, reclassifying staff where necessary to maximize efficiency, combining departments with complimentary duties, and embracing the use of technology to assist the office in reducing costs wherever possible.

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Statement from The Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, on the Passage of HB 837

 

STATEMENT FROM THE HONORABLE KELVIN SOTO, ESQ., OSCEOLA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT & COUNTY COMPTROLLER, ON THE PASSAGE OF HB 837

“Over the last several days, my office has processed an unprecedented number of circuit civil cases related to auto and other negligence claims in response to the legislature’s passage of HB 837.

Beginning March 17, 2023, attorneys from across Florida began filing cases in anticipation of the Governor’s approval of the bill, which took effect Friday, March 24, 2023.  As a result, my office received more than seven times the anticipated number of circuit civil cases we would expect for March.

Our office actively monitors the legislative process and anticipated the passage of HB 837.  As such, we nimbly deployed staff to ensure that we could stay within state mandated timeliness requirements for the processing of new cases.  As of today, I’m proud to share that 99 percent of these cases were completed within those guidelines.

This was only possible due to the hard work undertaken by this Administration to modernize personnel management, prioritize training, and our commitment to a robust recruitment process; this has enabled a more agile workforce that can more easily address changing needs made apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This in turn allowed us to benefit from our cross-training efforts, permitting deputy clerks to learn new competencies and to provide opportunities for professional growth.  These efforts reduced the backlog in half by the end of the weekend.  While we still have some outstanding cases to process, we have confidence that they will be complete before the week’s end.

Moving forward, we are fully prepared to address the proportionate increase in subsequent filings.  We are equipped to manage these increases without any hindrance to our customers, maintaining the high level of customer care and service our constituents have come to expect.”

Kelvin Soto, Esq.
Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller

The Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, Hosts Operation Greenlight

The Office of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, Hosts Operation Greenlight

This upcoming event is an opportunity for individuals who have overdue financial obligations in Osceola County court cases to save 20 percent in collection surcharges and to potentially have their driver’s license reinstated.

In Osceola County, Operation Greenlight will be held online from March 11-25, 2023 or in person, Monday-Friday, March 13-17 and March 20-24, 2023 from 8:00am-5:00pm. For added convenience, extended hours are available, and payments will be accepted until 6:00pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays March 14, 16, 21 & 23. 

This year, many of the state’s clerks of court are participating in coordinated events throughout March to highlight the importance of fulfilling past due court obligations and reinstating driver’s licenses.  Individuals must ensure payment of all financial obligations in each separate county where a case is suspending their driver’s license to be eligible for reinstatement. To find more information about other counties’ events, please visit https://www.flclerks.com/page/greenlight.

The Clerk & Comptroller first offered Operation Greenlight in 2015 to help drivers save money and get back on the road.  During 2022’s event, 377 drivers become eligible for reinstatement.  

“It is our sincere hope that individuals with suspended driver licenses will take advantage of this limited time opportunity to have their additional fees waived.” Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller, Kelvin Soto, Esq. said.  “Driving on a suspended license can have significant consequences and we encourage those eligible to let us help then get back on the road soundly.”

To participate online, individuals may request a payment plan at www.osceolaclerk.com. Prior to requesting a payment plan, individuals must confirm there are not any out of county or out of state suspensions or revocations, child support suspensions, or judicial department ordered revocations.  Individuals can check the status of their driver license by clicking here.

To request a payment plan online, individuals will fill out the Partial Payment Agreement Form.  Once the form has been completed, individuals will email the form to [email protected].  A Customer Care Clerk from the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office will email or call the person requesting the payment plan to confirm the status of the application and take the initial payment.  Once the license is cleared, constituents may return to driving on the road or visit the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office if necessary.

For questions, please contact the Traffic Division at (407) 742-3566 or email [email protected].

Remembering Larry Whaley, Clerk of the Court from 1997-2008

 

We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Larry Whaley, former Osceola Clerk of the Court.  Mr. Whaley dedicated his life to serving Osceola County as a County Commissioner for 18 years and as Clerk of the Court for 11 years from 1997-2008. 

Mr. Whaley was a warm, welcoming and personable community leader, mentor, friend and Clerk.  Tenured members of our office have fond memories of his time in office. They describe Mr. Whaley as someone who was “Well respected but also genuinely loved by all he met. He was someone who truly advocated for his staff and for Citizens of Osceola County.”  Mr. Whaley positively impacted everyone he interacted with.  Under his support and guidance, many of his staff enjoyed long careers with the Clerk’s office and others went on to serve the community in roles such as the Tax Collector.  Staff members warmly recall celebrating milestones, holidays while laughing and working hard together alongside Mr. Whaley.

His passionate involvement and steadfast relationships in the community helped advance the Clerk’s office and the services provided.  Mr. Whaley was a visionary as County Commissioner and in his leadership of the Clerk’s office. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in the development of Osceola County and was involved in the planning and constructing of the Osceola County Stadium, now Osceola Heritage Park, and the Jon B. Morgan Courthouse. During his administration at the Clerk’s office, Mr. Whaley implemented transformative digital services, taking the Clerk’s office from pen, paper, typewriters and tablets toward digital operations, using technology, computers and the internet. He implemented the first Osceola Clerk’s website and first digital imaging department. He was influential in executing the Comprehensive Case Information Service (CCIS) system with the Florida Clerks and Comptrollers Association (FCCC) which allowed communication between all 67 Clerk’s Offices to serve the Citizens more effectively and effectively using rapidly evolving systems.  

We are grateful for his service to Osceola County and upholding the public trust as the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Larry Whaley will truly be missed. His legacy will live on in the hearts and halls of the Osceola County Clerk’s Office.

 

 

Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller Hosts Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller

Hosts Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Ceremony & Reception

 

 

Kissimmee, FL – This Valentine’s Day, eight couples said “I Do” during the Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony & Reception held at the Historic Osceola Courthouse.  The Ceremonies were officiated by the Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller in English at 10:00am and in Spanish at 2:00pm.  Immersed in the rich, antique courtroom decorated with Valentine’s themed décor, couples processed down the aisle and into the ceremony to romantic music.

Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. was honored to be part of this special occasion, open to all who wished to participate. During the ceremony, Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. shared, “love is the great unifier, our one universal truth. No matter who we are, where we have come from, what we believe, we know this one thing… love is what we are doing right.”

Afterward, the couples received a decorative certificate and a commemorative photo in addition to their officially recorded marriage licenses. The wedded couples and their guests enjoyed romantic reception music while enjoying festive cupcakes by Candyland Designs, a local Downtown Kissimmee Mainstreet bakery. Family and friends surrounded their loved ones in celebration.

Valentine’s Day is a popular day to get married at the Osceola County Courthouse. During this day of love, Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto, Esq. performed 9 of the 27 ceremonies recorded today.  For comparison, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office issued more than 11,000 marriage licenses in 2022 alone.  More than a number, today’s couples will always remember their special Valentine’s Day anniversary.

Since taking office in January of 2021, Clerk Soto and his new executive staff have taken every opportunity to fulfill their organizational aspirations, one of which is to advance the well-being of all, one person at a time. The office aspires to serve the community with care, commits to excellence and to drive efficiency. This inaugural, one-of-a-kind event is just one of the many ways Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s team is meeting the public where they want. The office looks forward to announcing additional themed weddings and unique experiences to best serve our constituents with care.

To recap the wedding ceremonies, please visit Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto Esq. Facebook page @clerkkelvinsoto for the videos of the live streamed ceremonies. For additional information please visit www.osceolaclerk.com.

 

Get Married During the Month of LOVE at the Osceola County Courthouse

The Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq.

Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller 

To Host Valentine’s Day Group Ceremony and Reception 

 

Spanish Below 

Kissimmee, FL – 15 couples per group ceremony are invited to participate in a romantic celebration of love and marriage during the Valentine’s themed Wedding Ceremony and Reception to be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The event will be held in the courtroom at the renowned Osceola County Historic Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in active use in Florida located at 3 Courthouse Square in Kissimmee. In honoring Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto’s vision to “meet the public where they want,” two ceremonies will be offered: one at 10:00am in English and one at 2:00pm in Spanish.  

 

Couples may register for the Group Valentine’s Day Wedding & Reception at the Osceola County Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square at the time of marriage license application. Registration will be open Monday, January 9th until Friday, February 10th or until each ceremony reaches capacity. Due to the forecasted popularity of the event, couples are encouraged to make their marriage license appointment as soon as possible to ensure participation.  

 

The cost is $50.00 per couple. Included are a themed reception with cupcakes, beverages, music statutory ceremony and recording fees, a decorative certificate, themed photo opportunities, and a printed photo. 

 

“What better time to celebrate love than Valentine’s Day?” Clerk & Comptroller Kelvin Soto said. “We will provide a memorable setting for our couples to get married at the Historic Courthouse followed by an elegant reception. It’s truly a special occasion to be married at the Historic Courthouse. We look forward to celebrating with the newlyweds!” 

 

Visit www.osceolaclerk.com/marriage/ for additional details about the event and to make an appointment. If additional assistance is needed, please call the Marriage Department at (407) 742-3500 or email [email protected]. 

 

Kelvin Soto, Esq. was elected Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller in 2020.  Prior to serving as Clerk & Comptroller, he served two terms on the Osceola County School Board.  Clerk & Comptroller Soto serves more than 400,000 constituents as the Clerk of Court, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, County Comptroller, County Recorder, and County Auditor in the nation’s 18th fastest growing county. 


El Honorable Kelvin Soto, Esq., Osceola Secretario del Tribunal de Circuito y Contralor del Condado  

Organizara la ceremonia grupal y la recepción del Día de San Valentín  

 

Kissimmee, FL – 15 parejas por ceremonia grupal están invitadas a participar en una celebración romántica de amor y matrimonio durante la ceremonia y recepción de San Valentín que se llevará a cabo el Martes, 14 de Febrero del 2023. El evento se llevará a cabo en la sala del tribunal de el famoso Palacio de Justicia Histórico del Condado de Osceola, el Palacio de Justicia más antiguo en uso activo en Florida ubicado en 3 Courthouse Square en Kissimmee. Para honrar la visión del Secretario y Contralor Kelvin Soto de “conocer al público donde quieran”, se ofrecerán dos ceremonias: una a las 10:00 a.m. en inglés y otra a las 2:00 p.m. en español.    

 

Las parejas pueden registrarse para la boda y recepción grupal del Día de San Valentín en el Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Osceola, 2 Courthouse Square en el momento de la solicitud de licencia de matrimonio. La inscripción estará abierta desde el lunes 9 de Enero hasta el viernes 10 de Febrero o hasta que cada ceremonia alcance su capacidad. Debido a la popularidad prevista del evento, se recomienda a las parejas  hacer su cita de licencia de matrimonio lo antes posible para garantizar la participación.    

 

El costo es de $50.00 por pareja. Esto incluye una recepción con cupcakes, bebidas, ceremonia legal, música, tarifas de grabación, un certificado decorativo, oportunidades para tomar fotos temáticas y una foto impresa.   

 

“¿Qué mejor momento para celebrar el amor que el Día de San Valentín?” Dijo el secretario y contralor Kelvin Soto. “Proporcionaremos un entorno memorable para que nuestras parejas se casen en el Palacio de Justicia Histórico, seguido de una elegante recepción. Es realmente una ocasión especial casarse en el Palacio de Justicia Histórico. ¡Esperamos celebrar con los recién casados!”  

 

Visite www.osceolaclerk.com/marriage/ para obtener detalles adicionales sobre el evento y para hacer una cita. Si necesita ayuda adicional, llame al Departamento de Matrimonios al (407) 742-3500 o envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected].  

Kelvin Soto, Esq. fue elegido Secretario del Tribunal de Circuito y Contralor del Condado de Osceola en 2020.  Antes de servir como Secretario y Contralor, sirvió dos términos en la Junta Escolar del Condado de Osceola.  Secretario y Contralor Soto sirve a más de 400,000 constituyentes como Secretario de la Corte, Secretario de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado, Contralor del Condado, Registrador del Condado y Auditor del Condado en el 18º condado de más rápido crecimiento de la nación.