Your Clerk of Court
Cecil “Trey” Hightower III is proud to serve as the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Jefferson County, Florida. Born and raised in Jefferson County, Trey lives in Waukeenah with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Beau.
A graduate of Aucilla Christian Academy, Trey has dedicated his career to public service and financial stewardship. Before becoming Clerk, he spent eight years in the Operations Department at Farmers & Merchants Bank and later served for more than a decade in the Treasurer-Clerk’s Office for the City of Tallahassee. These experiences provided him with extensive knowledge in governmental accounting, budgeting, cash management, and customer service.
In August 2024, Trey was elected by the citizens of Jefferson County to serve as Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. Following his election, he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in November 2024 to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, allowing him to begin serving the community prior to the start of his elected term. Since assuming office, Trey has focused on strengthening financial accountability, enhancing transparency, and modernizing operations to better serve the citizens of Jefferson County.
As Clerk, Trey serves as the official record keeper for the courts and county government, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, County Comptroller, and custodian of public records and county funds. The office is responsible for a wide range of services, including maintaining court records, recording official documents, processing marriage licenses, supporting jury operations, managing county financial records, and providing oversight of county expenditures.
Under Trey’s leadership, the Clerk’s Office has worked to improve internal controls, implement more efficient financial processes, expand public access to information, and embrace technology that enhances both customer service and operational effectiveness. He is committed to ensuring that government remains accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.
Trey believes that public service is both an honor and a responsibility. He is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service while ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed with integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
When he is not serving the citizens of Jefferson County, Trey enjoys spending time with his family, attending church, hunting, and fishing.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Jefferson County. My commitment is to lead with integrity, provide exceptional service, and ensure the trust placed in this office is earned every day.”
— Clerk Trey Hightower