Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday morning on child sexual abuse charges, according to an announcement by Attorney General James Uthmeier on the social platform X. Caruso, a 67-year-old appointee of Governor Ron DeSantis and a former Florida House member, faces ongoing criminal investigations while running uncontested for re-election in November.

The Arrest and State Level Announcement

State officials disclosed the enforcement action early Tuesday morning. According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, the arrest of the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court proceeded with substantial assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation remains active, and authorities have stated that additional information will be released to the public at the appropriate time.

Political Background and Career Timeline

Michael Caruso assumed the role of Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in August 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the position following the resignation of Joe Abruzzo, who left to serve as the Palm Beach County administrator. Prior to his executive appointment, Caruso spent seven years representing his district in the Florida House of Representatives, beginning in 2018, during which time reporting from the Sun Sentinel identified him as a staunch ally of Governor DeSantis.

Having filed to run for election in November to retain his seat permanently, he did not appear on the Tuesday primary ballot because no Republican challengers filed against him for the office.

As state investigators continue gathering evidence, local stakeholders await further announcements from the Attorney General’s office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.