CS/HB 397 - Court Fiscal Administration Summary

• Revises the calculation for presumed ability to pay court fees and fines to the greater of 2% of annual net income divided by 12 or $25 per month, and sets down payment requirement at the lesser of 10% of total owed or $100.

• Requires Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation to annually prepare a budget request for reimbursement amounts that is not subject to change by the Justice Administrative Commission except for technical modifications.

• Authorizes circuit court clerks to request quarterly reimbursement from the Justice Administrative Commission at $40 per petition or order filed under specified mental health and substance abuse statutes (ss. 394.459, 394.463, 394.467, 394.917, and 397.6814).

• Allows court clerks to conduct reviews of property records and motor vehicle title records to determine indigence status, and permits use of review results when making indigent status determinations.

• Requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to work with clerks of court associations to implement technology enabling clerks to reinstate suspended driver licenses for unpaid court obligations.

• Effective date: July 1, 2022.