Joseph Abruzzo is the County Administrator of Palm Beach County, where he oversees more than 7,100 positions and manages a $9 billion budget serving 1.6 million residents. He is dedicated to transparency in government, creating a positive workplace culture, and improving efficiency so residents experience the highest quality of service.
Previously, Abruzzo served nearly five years as Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County, where he directed the county’s financial operations and safeguarded nearly $6 billion in assets. Under his leadership, the county achieved record investment gains, more than $656 million in just 4.7 years, compared to $179 million in the five years prior. He also led Palm Beach County to a worldwide record $745 million investment in Israel Bonds. His tenure was further marked by a landmark transparency victory, when he was recognized by the court in the final Palm Beach County Jeffrey Epstein grand jury record case as one of the primary reasons the records were released, citing his advocacy and legislative experience in successfully helping to amend the law that made disclosure possible.
Before serving as Clerk, Abruzzo represented Palm Beach County in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. During a decade of legislative service, he passed more than 50 bills into law, including the Florida Silver Alert, the Florida Grandparents Bill of Rights, Nicole’s Law, the Yellow Dot Traffic Safety Program, and legislation terminating parental rights for rapists. He was appointed by the Senate President as Chairman of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee and the Public Service Commission Nominating Council, served as Vice Chairman of multiple Senate committees, and was chosen by party leaders as Minority Whip in both chambers.
Abruzzo proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves as a Port Security Specialist from 2005 to 2013, earning numerous awards, medals, and outstanding performance citations. He remains a strong advocate for veterans, first responders, and public safety.
Abruzzo has also served on the Palm Beach County Health Care District Board and the Consumer Affairs Hearing Board. He is a graduate of Lynn University, a Certified Florida Clerk & Comptroller (CFCC), and is completing a Master of Legal Studies at Pepperdine University School of Law. He is married to Abigail, and has one son, Joseph II.