Florida Governor suspends Palm Beach Clerk of Court after child abuse arrest

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, 67, was arrested on Tuesday on several charges including lewd molestation, kidnapping and child abuse, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The arrest was made with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local police.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Caruso from his duties, prohibiting him from receiving pay or accessing office resources. The order also directed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to secure office files and equipment.

The affidavit accompanying the arrest alleges that the victim, a boy under 12 who is a family member of Caruso, was abused beginning in fall 2024 and again during a Royal Caribbean cruise in August 2025. Investigators say Caruso separated the child from his parents on the cruise under the pretext of getting ice cream, then showered with him and committed sexual assault.

Caruso reportedly admitted to taking the child fishing and separating him from his parents but denied the abuse. He is being held without bond in Orange County Jail pending his first court appearance, and additional charges may be filed.

The Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts office released a statement acknowledging the arrest and indicating it is awaiting further guidance from the governor's office.