From the Orange County Clerk of Courts
In Summary:
The Orange County Clerk of Courts is increasing its entry-level wage to $21 an hour, up from $17. The change follows a series of pay increases that began in 2020 and was supported by additional state funding and a more reliable funding structure for Florida clerks. Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell said the investment recognizes employees’ contributions to the court system and Orange County residents.
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The Orange County Clerk of Courts is raising the starting wage for entry-level positions from $17 to $21 per hour, effective August 17, 2026, as part of its long-term strategy to attract and retain talented employees.
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“When I became Clerk in 2014, our starting pay was just $11.17 an hour,” said Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell. “I knew then that we needed to become more competitive in how we compensate our employees. I’m proud that years of advocating with Clerks across Florida for a stronger funding model from legislators have helped put us in a position to make this important investment in our people.”
Since 2020, the Orange County Clerk of Courts has steadily increased employee pay to strengthen recruitment and retention. That effort began with an increase in the starting wage to $14 per hour in 2020 and has continued through subsequent investments in employee compensation. The increase to $21 per hour represents the latest step in that ongoing strategy.
This year’s 2026–27 state budget provides additional recurring funding for Clerks statewide, including $4.8 million in additional annual funding for jury-related expenditures, bringing statewide funding for jury-related due-process costs to $16.5 million, which began July 1, 2026.
In addition, HB 925 provides Clerks with a more reliable long-term funding structure by allowing offices to retain a greater share of certain revenues collected through court operations and public services.
“These changes at the state level have helped strengthen the financial foundation for Clerk offices across Florida,” Russell said. “I want to thank our state legislators, and especially the members of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, for recognizing the importance of adequately funding the work of Clerks of Court. Their support has helped make investments like this possible.”
“Investing in our employees is an investment in the people we serve,” Russell said. “This wage increase recognizes the value of the work our employees do every day. Our clerks handle sensitive matters and cases daily, and what they do makes a difference in the lives of Orange County residents.”
Key Points:
- The entry-level starting wage will increase from $17 to $21 an hour.
- The new wage takes effect Aug. 17, 2026.
- Starting pay has risen from $11.17 an hour since Russell became clerk in 2014.
- Florida’s 2026-27 budget provides additional recurring funding for clerk offices statewide.
- Russell said higher compensation will support recruitment, retention and public service.
