Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stated Tuesday that Michael Caruso, the man he appointed as Palm Beach County’s clerk of court, could face the ultimate punishment if child sex abuse allegations against him lead to a qualifying conviction.
Caruso, a former Republican state lawmaker and once-trusted DeSantis ally, was arrested Tuesday on five felony charges involving a child. DeSantis did not hedge when reporters asked about the case, saying Caruso “could be in for a world of hurt.”
The governor confirmed state law enforcement initiated the investigation and pointed directly to Florida’s 2023 capital-punishment law he signed, which allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases involving sexual battery of a child under 12. DeSantis described Florida as the first state to restore such punishment for child predators and stated he remains proud of signing it.
DeSantis also noted Caruso was thoroughly vetted and well regarded when appointed, though he said removing him was “an easy decision” once state investigators prepared to make the arrest. The governor’s office confirmed Caruso’s appointment took effect on August 19, 2025, after he served in the Florida House from 2018 through 2022.
Caruso, a certified public accountant and attorney with a business-administration degree from George Washington University, was chosen to replace former clerk Joseph Abruzzo. His background includes ownership of a forensic-accounting firm and service on the Delray Beach Police Advisory Board, the West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition, and the city’s Parking Management Advisory Board.
Palm Beach County judges have suspended Caruso’s appointment pending criminal proceedings. WPTV reported Caruso appeared before a judge Wednesday and remains in custody pending transport to Orange County after his extradition bond request was denied. The judge imposed a broad no-contact order covering alleged victims, family members, witnesses, and anyone under 18.
Caruso’s attorney stated his client is innocent and intends to fight the charges, which include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. The Florida Senate’s official summary of HB 1297 specifies capital sexual battery applies when an adult sexually batters a child under 12 or injures the child’s sexual organs during the act. A conviction could result in death or life imprisonment without parole.
DeSantis emphasized that his warning reflects the law’s application regardless of political friendship, stating Florida was the first state to restore this punishment for child predators.