In this episode of the Let's Talk SWFL Podcast, we're joined by Kevin Karnes, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Lee County.

Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 and later elected by local voters, Kevin plays a vital role in serving our community. From safeguarding public records to overseeing county finances, his office is responsible for nearly 1,000 constitutional and statutory duties that impact residents every day.

As Lee County's Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Auditor, Kevin manages and invests nearly $2 billion in tax dollars, pays over $1 billion in county bills annually, and collects more than $50 million in tourist tax revenue. His leadership has also brought forward groundbreaking programs, including the state's first Property Fraud Prevention Pilot Program, protecting homeowners and ensuring transparency in Southwest Florida.

🎧 In this episode, we discuss:

– Kevin's journey from FGCU to becoming Clerk & Comptroller

– Protecting homeowners with property fraud prevention tools

– How transparency and cybersecurity are shaping public trust

– The inner workings of county finances, tourism taxes, and budgeting

– Hurricane recovery, resilience, and keeping government services accessible

– Why modernization matters for courts and public records

– What residents can do to stay informed and involved

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply want to understand how your tax dollars are managed, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways.

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