Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso by executive order after his arrest on charges related to child sexual abuse this morning.
"It is in the best interests of the residents of Palm Beach County, and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Michael Allen Caruso be immediately suspended from public office," the executive order stated.
According to the arrest warrant and affidavit attached to the executive order, Caruso is charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, all felony counts.
Caruso was appointed Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller by Gov. DeSantis in August 2025. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives for District 87 from 2018 to 2025.
He is currently running for a re-election as Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller upon his arrest.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Caruso's arrest on social media.
"Early this morning, with substantial assistance from FDLE and local law enforcement, Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse," Uthmeier wrote. "The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information to the public at the appropriate time."
Editor's note: This story will be updated with any further developmentsÂ
