TITLE
title
Consideration of Request to Forgive Outstanding Civil Restitution Lien Order Filed Against Robert Norman Benson
body
BRIEF OVERVIEW
On March 18, 2011, a Civil Restitution Lien Order (CRLO) was recorded against Robert Norman Benson in Official Records Book 2810, Page 526 resulting from Criminal Case No. 09-CF-2035 for Possession of a Controlled Substance (a third degree felony) and Trespass Other Than Structure or Conveyance (a first degree misdemeanor). Said lien is in the amount of $14,150.00 and has been accruing interest pursuant to Florida law since that time. The interest owed through February 28, 2026, plus the recording fee of $10, brings the total amount due to $26,870.68.
On January 16, 2026, Mr. Benson submitted a request that the CRLO including all interest and costs be forgiven because of financial hardship. Also, he was unaware that the CRLO existed until recently applying for a loan, as he was incarcerated when notice of the obligation was mailed to his residence of record back in 2011. All other court fines and costs associated with the case have been paid in full.
Should the Board vote to grant the request, the County Attorney’s Office will sign and record the attached Discharge of Civil Restitution Lien Order and the Clerk’s Finance Division will be directed to issue Mr. Benson an U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 in the amount forgiven as cancellation of a debt.
Neither the Board nor staff will need to take any further action should the vote be to deny Mr. Benson’s request for forgiveness.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact would be the potential future collection of the outstanding amount or forgiving and canceling the outstanding amount, depending on the decision.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
The County Attorney’s Office makes no recommendation. This agenda item presents purely a public policy matter, and the Board should determine whether or not it wishes to approve the request with the terms outlined above.