Florida officials suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Michael Caruso on Tuesday following his arrest on multiple felony child sex abuse charges. Caruso, a 67-year-old Republican and former state lawmaker, was taken into custody by local police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers after a criminal investigation uncovered allegations of abuse involving a young relative.
DeSantis suspends appointee amid abuse allegations
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Caruso from his post less than 24 hours after the arrest was announced. The governor’s office confirmed the allegations include kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, lewd or lascivious molestation and exhibition, and luring or enticing a child, according to a probable cause affidavit. DeSantis stated in the executive order that Caruso had regular and unsupervised access to the child, who is a relative, and that the abuse allegedly occurred on multiple occasions since Thanksgiving 2024. The governor noted that the allegations surfaced during a criminal investigation initiated after the child exhibited unusual behavior at home.
Charges and legal proceedings
Caruso faces five felony counts, including kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, according to arrest records. Investigators allege the abuse took place during fishing outings, a family cruise, and a Thanksgiving gathering. The child has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026, as documented in police affidavits. Caruso was booked into the Palm Beach County jail and remains held without bail pending further proceedings.
Political and policy context
Caruso, a former Florida House representative from 2018 to 2025, was appointed to his current role by DeSantis in August 2025. The governor stated he was unaware of the allegations when Caruso was nominated, describing him as having a clean record and being well-regarded in the community. DeSantis emphasized that Florida law now permits the death penalty for convicted pedophiles, warning that Caruso would face severe consequences if convicted.
Election implications
Caruso is running for re-election in November to retain his appointed position. The Florida Republican Party has called for him to immediately withdraw from the race. His name does not appear on the primary ballot as he is running uncontested. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office confirmed the suspension but did not provide further comment.
Background on Caruso’s legislative record
During his tenure in the Florida House, Caruso supported legislation that expanded the death penalty to include adults convicted of sexually battering children under 12. The 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law, signed by DeSantis in May 2023, took effect six months later. Caruso was listed as a “Yea” vote in the April 13, 2023, House vote on the bill.
Official responses
State Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a statement noting that public trust does not shield individuals from accountability. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local authorities have not provided additional details about the investigation, citing its ongoing nature. DeSantis’ office reiterated that the suspension was immediate upon learning of the allegations.