Mike Caruso (politician)
American politician from Florida
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael Allen "Mike" Caruso (born September 14, 1958) is an American politician and businessman who served as Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Palm Beach County from August 2025 until his suspension from the role in August, 2026. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2025.
87th district (2022–2025)
Mike Caruso | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2018 | |
| Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Palm Beach County | |
| Assumed office August 18, 2025 Suspended: August 18, 2026 – present | |
| Preceded by | Joseph Abruzzo |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office November 6, 2018 – August 18, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Hager |
| Succeeded by | Emily Gregory |
| Constituency | 89th district (2018–2022) 87th district (2022–2025) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michael Allen Caruso September 14, 1958 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | George Washington University (BBA) |
| Website | Official website (Archived) |
On August 18, 2026, Caruso was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse and charged with 5 felony counts including kidnapping, molestation and child abuse. [1]
History
A native of Washington, D.C., Caruso moved to Florida in 1986.[2]
Florida House of Representatives
Caruso defeated Matt Spritz in the August 28, 2018, Republican primary, winning 56.2% of the vote.[3]
In the November 6, 2018, general election, Caruso was narrowly elected with 50.02% of the vote, defeating Democrat Jim Bonfiglio. Caruso's margin of victory — just 32 votes — triggered both a machine and manual recount under Florida law.[4]
Caruso was re-elected in 2024 with 59.48% percent of the vote.[5]
According to Florida House of Representatives, Caruso was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader. [6]
On August 18, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Caruso as clerk of the circuit court and comptroller of Palm Beach County.[1] Following Caruso's arrest in 2026, DeSantis suspended him from the position.[7]
Child molestation arrest
On August 18, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Caruso was arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on charges related to child sexual abuse.[8] Following the arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso from his position as clerk circuit court and comptroller.[7]
