Meet Clerk Ryan L. Butler

Ryan L. Butler became Indian River County’s eighth Clerk of the Courts and Comptroller on July 1, 2023, following his appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis. Ryan succeeded Jeffrey R. Smith, who retired after eleven years as Clerk.

A native of Vero Beach, Ryan has over 25 years of experience in the public sector and has worked in the Indian River County Courthouse since 1995. He has served as an Assistant State Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, and the Chief Deputy Clerk.

After graduating from Vero Beach High School, Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Duke University and a law degree from the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Florida Law Review and the Order of the Coif. He is licensed as an attorney in Florida and Colorado, and has practiced in Florida and Colorado state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11^th Circuit. He also maintains a law enforcement officer certification with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and served for fourteen years as a reserve deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan is a member of organizations including the Florida Government Finance Officer’s Association, the Hundred Club of Indian River, and the Taxpayer’s Association of Indian River County. He also volunteers with the United Way of Indian River County and the Sebastian River Days Festival.