Issuu

Report to the Citizens of Orange County

The Clerk’s Office maintains and protects more than 96 million digital court documents, as well as millions of paper records for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court – numbers that grow each day. As the Information Hub of the Justice System, our website provides online access to millions of the court records we manage.

We help customers with affordable Self Help legal services, file domestic violence injunctions, and seek help for a loved one with mental health or substance abuse issues. Customers come to us to pay traffic and criminal fines, initiate or contest a civil case, pursue probate issues, and make child support payments. We process passport applications and issue marriage licenses, and we even perform wedding ceremonies.

Navigating our digital document

• The digital version of this report is interactive.

• There are tools that allow you to move forward and backward.

• Links are also highlighted that click into more information.

• Look for our mascot “Slice” and click on him to interact with the report.

• Scan the code or go to MyOrangeClerk.com to view the digital version

From Your Clerk of Courts

Reflecting on the past year, I’m truly honored to be re-elected unopposed as your Orange County Clerk of Courts. I was also installed as the President of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptroller’s Association (FCCC), a position that gives me the opportunity to lead Clerks from across the state to advance our shared priorities in serving our customers and the community.

I kicked off my term as FCCC President with the theme, “Let’s Change the Game Together.” This theme emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and a solid game plan – much like in sports – to ensure we’re delivering the best possible services to our communities. This past year, with the support of state legislators, the Clerk’s Let’s Make It Work 2024 Clerk Legislative Priorities initiative was passed, which resulted in an estimated $28.8 million in new revenues for all Florida Clerk Offices. This bill was a vital step in our continued efforts to provide a long-term solution to the system that funds Clerk services.

With more than 1,000 statutory responsibilities, the work we do has a direct impact on public safety, commerce, and access to justice. To ensure we are continually improving, my office launched a new strategic plan with a focus on three key areas: Customer Experience, Operational Excellence, and Employee Experience. As you review this annual report, you will see the many accomplishments that my dedicated team has achieved to better serve you.

One major success was the upgrade of our Court Case Management System (CMS). We continued to make significant strides in technology improvements to reduce cybersecurity risks. We also expanded our Self-Help services, which launched at a new Winter Park Courthouse. Additionally, we continued to offer our Saturday hours to make it more convenient to do business with us.

None of this would be possible without the incredible work of my staff. They go above and beyond every day to ensure the highest level of service. That’s why I increased starting pay to be competitive with the market and prioritized employee engagement to support staff well-being, knowing a positive work environment leads to better service.

I invite you to explore this report and learn more about how my team and I are elevating everything we do to serve you. We are deeply committed to improving our services and strengthening the trust you place in us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Tiffany Moore Russell

Orange County Clerk of Courts

Click here to meet your Clerk!

Recognitions

Clerk Russell received multiple prestigious awards for her exceptional contributions to the justice system and community, including:

• 2024 Trailblazer Award from the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, recognizing her groundbreaking work in the legal field.

• 2024 Women Breaking Barriers and Blazing Trails Award from Guardian Care, celebrating her leadership in empowering women in public service.

• Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida exhibit.

• 2024 Citizen of the Year by the Chi Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. highlighting her dedication to justice, leadership, and community service.

Our Strategy to Serve

This past year, we launched a brand-new strategic plan focused on our customers, our community, and our employees. That focus is what led us to develop what we believe is a meaningful Purpose Statement which is summed up by #SupportCareServe. We strive to deliver exceptional service by focusing on our operational excellence, customer experience, and employee experience.

In the first year of our strategy, we made considerable progress. Successes include extending Saturday hours at two branch locations, holding several Sealing and Expungement events, the expansion of a hybrid remote flexible work schedule for staff, and the strengthening of our cyber security posture to protect and secure court records.

Managing Our Money

The Clerk’s Office provides critical services that affect public safety, commerce, and access to justice. Per state statute, we operate by the fines and fees we collect, not by traditional taxes, and the money we collect helps fund many other entities.

The Orange County Clerk’s total court related budget for fiscal year 2024 was $31.6 million. One of the main responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office is to collect fines and fees and distribute them to the appropriate entities. By statute, we disburse millions of dollars collected each year to state, county, and local municipalities. In the end, we only keep a small portion of the money we collect each year.

Total Collected in Fiscal Year 2024

$104 million Court Only

What We Collect, What We Keep, and What We Disburse

State Agencies

Orange County Clerk of Courts

Unclaimed Money Returned to Customers

Orange County Other Local Municipalities & Agencies

Each year, we work hard to return unclaimed money such as uncashed vendor payments, refunds, restitution, and cash bonds to the rightful owners. The unclaimed checks were mailed but for various reasons never cashed. In the end, we reissued 206 checks totaling nearly $42k.

In 2024, we returned $41,998.31

Clerk in the Sunshine

We are proud to support and celebrate the importance of public records and open government. Want to see our approved budget and audits? Check out our “Clerk in the Sunshine” page.

Operational Excellence

Delivering value in our services with quality and efficiency.

As a public facing organization, our strategy is to improve processes, enhance the quality and accessibility of our services while fostering greater public trust.

The Best Practices Excellence Program highlights our commitment to operational excellence. Our office achieved a perfect score of 10 out of 10 best practices, as recognized by the Florida Court Clerks and Comptroller’s Association (FCCC). A few of the key practices include Appeals, Evidence Storage and Destruction, and Guardianship Audits. These practices enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and foster stronger collaboration with our justice partners.

Operational Excellence

Data Disaster Recover Site Moved

This past year, we relocated our Data Center Disaster Recovery (DR) site from Tallahassee to Orlando. The DR site is a backup facility where critical IT infrastructure, data, and applications are replicated and stored to ensure our office can stay in business in case of a disaster. The primary purpose is to minimize downtime in the event of unexpected disruptions, such as natural disasters, power outages, cyberattacks, or hardware failures. This ensures that data is kept safe and services are restored with minimal impact to our customers.

Case Management System Upgraded

Another milestone was an upgrade to the Clerk’s Office court case management system, marking a major advancement in user functionality. The system, known as Odyssey, is a fully integrated case and financial management tool. This upgrade not only enhanced the user experience but also strengthened the security and protection of the millions of court documents the Clerk’s Office manages. With Odyssey’s improved capabilities, the system ensures more secure and efficient handling of vital court records, further solidifying our commitment to operational excellence and public service.

Improving Cybersecurity for Better Protection

Thanks to an Orange County grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), our office was able to continue with strategies to improve our cybersecurity. Our Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) team worked on several projects to reduce cybersecurity risks and better protect court records. The improvements included adding new software, providing training, updating outdated computer programs, and strengthening the security of our network equipment. This also involved making sure our data centers are ready to handle any unexpected problems, ensuring that important information remains safe and secure.

Process Reviews

This year, we initiated process reviews in criminal division procedures, and key areas like evidence handling, and web pay to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accuracy of our operations. These reviews are crucial for the public because they directly impact the effectiveness of the services we provide to our community. For instance, by reviewing evidence handling, we ensure that critical evidence is managed securely and correctly, supporting fair and just outcomes in the courtroom.

Sign Up for our Newsletter!

Stay up to date on the latest updates, events, information about our dedicated staff, and more, subscribe to Center Court, Clerk Russell’s newsletter.

Customer Experience

Delivering exceptional customer experiences and building impactful partnerships with our community.

Our strategy is to continuously improve our customer experience by making it more efficient and convenient to access our services to do business with us.

Customers Served

Customer Experience

Saturday Hours Extended for Your Convenience

Our Saturday hours were so successful we continued to offer them to make it easier for customers to do business with us. This began as a pilot at our Ocoee and Winter Park branches, but more than 1,100 customers took advantage of the extra Saturday hours. Services such as marriage licenses, ceremonies, passports, and payments are available with both appointments and walk-ins welcomed. Click here for more information.

Self Help Expanded to New Winter Park Courthouse

To enhance customer experience, we prepared for the relocation of the new Winter Park Courthouse last year. The new space is three times larger, allowing for expanded Self Help services. Affordable in-person and remote attorney consultations are now available in Winter Park. Ten years ago, Clerk Russell established the first Self Help Center to serve customers with legal advice in Family Law, Small Claims, and Residential Evictions. Our office partners with the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) to offer consultations at just $1 per minute. Click here to schedule an attorney consultation.

Free Legal Forums

Each year, we host free “Legal Matters” forums to provide valuable legal information to the community. Experts, lawyers, and judges join our office to discuss topics like domestic violence, child support, and guardianship. Attendees can ask questions, learn about services, and receive tips. Initiated by Clerk Russell, these forums are part of her commitment to improve access to justice. Click here to view the forums.

Providing Hope to Domestic Violence Survivors

In support of recent Florida Legislation, our office and Clerks statewide implemented a “Hope Card” Program to assist people affected by domestic violence. The wallet-sized card is issued to individuals who have a valid domestic violence restraining order. It serves as a legal tool to verify they have a protective court order to help ensure their safety and peace of mind. Click here for more information.

Sealing and Expunging Records

In an effort to get customers back on track, our office teamed up with other justice partners for two sealing & expungement events this past year. Our deputy clerks helped more than 78 people get their non-violent court records sealed or expunged. In all, a total of 231 people were assisted.

Operation Green Light Assists Thousands

During Operation Green Light, we helped more than 1,200 customers with payment plans for unpaid traffic tickets and criminal fines. This annual initiative, required by Florida statute, helps drivers take the first step toward reinstating their licenses. But you don’t have to wait for an event like this! We offer flexible payment plans year-round for outstanding traffic or criminal court debts. Click here to contact us and explore your options.

Serving Our Community

We love to make a difference in the lives of others across our community. That’s why we created a program called “Clerks Care”. As part of this initiative, many of our employees volunteer their personal time at an annual service project, raise money for the county wide United Way campaign, and participate in numerous community events. The three community outreach priorities we focus on are access to justice, domestic violence awareness, and mental health awareness which align with our services. One of our largest projects was at United Against Poverty (UP) Orlando where 64 volunteers served by cleaning, stocking shelves, and sorting donated clothing and household items in UP’s Member Marketplace.

Throughout this report, you will see how our staff along with partners like Harbor House, Mental Health Association, Orange County Bar Association, the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and the State Attorney’s Office served Orange County residents.

$30,101.53 raised for the Heart of

17 couples said “I do” on Valentine’s Day

192 Hours volunteered at UP Orlando

550 Seniors served a Holiday Meal

Employee Experience

Delivering an employee experience that is supportive, inspiring, and gives employees purpose.

Our strategy is to create a supportive work environment, offer growth opportunities, and foster a culture of transparency and trust.

Employee Experience

Supporting Employee Wellbeing

We are dedicated to fostering growth and engagement for our staff. To that end, we offered a new certification program for employees interested in higher level positions. We also hosted six lunch and learn sessions, offering valuable insights on healthy eating, mental health, and financial fitness. These sessions provided our employees with tools to improve their well-being, both personally and professionally. All of our divisions are committed to supporting our clerk’s overall health and professional success.

Honoring & Recognizing Our Staff

To honor the hard work and dedication of our employees as public servants, we celebrate them each year during Public Service Recognition Week, an annual national observance to honor government employees. Spirit Week was also held to bring employees together to encourage camaraderie and team spirit.

Starting Pay Raised to Stay Competitive

To remain competitive in the tight job market, Clerk Russell made the bold move to raise the starting pay for entry level employees from $15.25 to $17.00 per hour in 2024. By adjusting the pay structure, it reaffirmed our commitment to attract and retain top talent in an ever-evolving workforce.

Hybrid Work Supports Work-Life Balance

To support our employees’ work-life balance, we expanded our hybrid remote work program to include additional staff in our operations divisions. Offering remote and flexible work schedules where possible, helps empower staff to better manage personal and professional responsibilities, while continuing to provide excellent public service. The Clerk’s Office is committed to creating a supportive and adaptable work environment.

At the Clerk’s Office, we’re excited to foster a culture of excellence and create the best possible experience for our customers! Every year, we proudly celebrate our employees who go above and beyond to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional service.

Quarterly recognition honoring a member of management for demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Monthly recognition to honor an employee nominated by a colleague for going above and beyond.

KristiFamilyWilkinson Division

Michelle Kearse Traffic Division

Vernon Jackson Records Management

MirnaCriminalFontanez Division

Lynne Frey Facilities

JR Gonzalez IT Division

Carol Morris Criminal Division

Janeth Olimon Traffic Division

Naline Bahadur Civil Division

Tiana Johnson Traffic Division

Maria Rodriguez Castillo Civil Division

Mike Gonzalez IT Division

Melissa Geist Director of Court Operations

Chris Johnson IT Manager

Jessica LaBelle Asst. Manager, Civil Division

Jodi Hurtado Manager, Civil Division

Clerk Services

We are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Below are all the ways we make doing business with us easier because you can access many of our services online. In our digital version, just click on the highlighted link. In the print version, go to MyOrangeClerk.com for access to all these services.

1. Self-Help Services

The Orlando and Winter Park locations assist with low-cost attorney consultations in family law, small claims, and residential evictions. You can make an appointment online for an attorney consultation.

2. Payments & Payment Plans

You never have to wait for a special event. We have many payment options and payment plans. These options include making payments for a traffic ticket, criminal fine, child support, and the Family Ties program.

3. Passports

You can apply for a passport at any of our four locations. To save time, read about passport requirements and make an appointment.

4. Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies

You can start your marriage license application right from our website and make an appointment to obtain your license and request a wedding ceremony.

5. Restraining Orders

You can file a petition for a restraining order on our website or at the Orange County Courthouse. There is no fee to file for a restraining order.

6. Search Court Records

You can search for court records by using various criteria such as names and case numbers.

7. Search Court Dates

You can search for court dates and hearing times by searching by name or case number or by date.

8. Traffic Ticket Options

You have several different options when receiving a traffic ticket. On our website, you can determine what traffic option applies to you.

9. My Balance

If you or someone you know has more than one case with our office, you can look up your total balance.

10.

Foreclosure Sales

Foreclosure sales can be viewed and bids on foreclosed properties can be made right from our website.

11. Before You Visit

We have a “Before you Visit” checklist with what you need to know before you visit any of our four locations.

12. Request Copies

You can request copies of court records and other documents directly on our website.

13. Forms & Packets

Free forms and packets of forms are available for the filing of a new case or modifying a case in either the Family or Civil Courts.

Video Resources

Our YouTube channel has an extensive video library, that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at our office, help you access our services, and even show you what it’s like to work for the Clerk.

Scan the QR code or go to MyOrangeClerk.com to view this report online.