Clerk Soto is the first Osceola Clerk of Courts to hold office after his duties were restructured by the passage of Amendment 10 to the Florida Constitution. The amendment transitioned the County Auditor, County Comptroller and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners duties to create the reformed Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office.
The office performs a wide range of record keeping, information management and financial management for the judicial system and county government through its various roles as Clerk of the Circuit and County Court, County Recorder, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, as well as the Accountant and Custodian of County Funds and County Auditor.
With the collaboration of our talented staff, Clerk Soto conducted a full assessment of policies, procedures and operations, which resulted in major reforms for the office to operate efficiently, effectively and ethically. Focusing on what needed to happen to provide quality and accessible services, he performed a thorough analysis that led to the restructuring of procedures throughout his office. Perhaps one of the most notable changes is the greatly improved technology for easier online access to reports, payment of fines and marriage licenses.
Additionally, many processes, procedures and technologies have been updated to help manage increasing caseloads, along with streamlining and expanding the collection of funds. The Clerk’s Office has also adapted their customer service model to ensure the safety of both staff and the public during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Clerk Soto’s mission is to break boundaries and modernize the office by adding state-of-the-art enhancements in every department to better serve the citizens of Osceola County. The ultimate result has been improved customer service, enhanced efficiency and good stewardship of public funds. What follows is Clerk Soto’s 2021 Year in Review.