Florida’s court clerks say they’re grateful lawmakers have agreed to redirect $28.8 million in fines and fees to support their daily operations, but they warn more will be needed to overcome a decade of underfunding.

“We are certainly very appreciative of the Legislature’s efforts to help deal with our budget challenges, and they are significant budget challenges,” said Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Legislative Chair Stacy Butterfield.

Butterfield, the Polk County Court Clerk and Comptroller, spoke with the Bar News a day after the Senate Appropriations Committee voted 16-0 to approve SB 1470 by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast. Moments before the vote, the committee approved an amendment that made the bill identical to the House companion, HB 1077.