1st District Court of Appeal rules against County Clerk John Crawford

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

Nassau County Attorney David Hallman confirmed to the Fernandina Observer that Florida's First District Court of Appeal ruled against County Clerk John Crawford.  The ruling was a simple statement, "Per Curiam Denied."  All three Judges with the First District  concurred with the ruling.  To view ruling, click here.

Crawford's comment on the outcome of the case follows:

"I'm astounded that there's no detail, no written opinion, and no

instruction as to the law in the court's response.  They appear to take

no position on the law except to just deny the appeal. But, regardless

of what appears to be the present position of the First District Court

of Appeals, a Clerk and Comptroller is clearly not allowed to pay a bill

which appears to be illegal, pursuant to 129.09 Florida Statutes.

This places an incredible burden on a Clerk because if he/she willingly

and knowingly ignores 129.09 Florida Statutes, he/she then subjects

himself/herself to severe civil and criminal penalties, but worse, fails

to uphold the trust vested in the office."

Crawford's decision to seek an opinion before the Court of Appeal is estimated to cost $85,000 for outside legal fees.* The disagreement was over a $4,500 court fee for mediation ordered by Judge Foster in a divorce case. Crawford refused payment claiming state funds for this purpose were available. Chief Judge Donald R. Moran from the 4th Judicial Circuit intervened and ordered payment. The mediation fee was eventually paid by Crawford under protest.

We have requested comments from Nassau County Clerk John Crawford and Judge Robert Foster. More information will be added to this post throughout the day.

To view oral arguments, click here.

*On November, 24, the Fernandina Observer asked Crawford about the $85,000 legal fees being reported.  His reply was he has yet to receive the final bill.  So when given the opportunity, Crawford did not dispute the figure.  In addition Board Chair Danny Leeper was questioned as to where he obtained the $85,000 figure, Leeper responded,  "I just confirmed the fees were reported through October by the Clerk's Office. November fees are not available yet."

November 27, 2013 12:11 p.m.