The origins of the Clerk's Office extend into early English history. In times past, the custody of court records was entrusted to judges. However, it became apparent that a judge alone was unable to preside over the argument, record the proceedings, and issue writs. Consequently, the office of the Clerk of Court was created. Subordinate judicial officials were chosen from among the clergy, the only literate group at the time. Thus, "clerk" is derived from the Latin word "clericus" which means clergyman. In the English colonies, officers of the common pleas courts were known as county clerks, a title utilized in most states today.

The Florida Constitution, which has governed Florida citizens for over 150 years, established a Clerk of the Circuit Court as an elected public trustee in 1838 and established at the county level a system of checks and balances that has served the public well. The functions and duties of clerks vary from state to state. In most jurisdictions, the clerk is generally vested with a large number of administrative duties. The Clerk is not only Clerk of the Circuit Court, but also the County Treasurer, Recorder, Auditor, Finance Officer and Ex-Officio Clerk of the County Commission.