Clerks to disburse money; payments to jurors and witnesses.

(1) All moneys drawn from the treasury under the provisions of this chapter by the clerk of the court shall be disbursed by the clerk of the court as far as needed in payment of witnesses, except for expert witnesses paid under a contract or other professional services agreement pursuant to ss. 29.004-29.007, for the legal compensation for service during the quarterly fiscal period for which the moneys were drawn and for no other purposes.

(2) The payment of jurors and the payment of expenses for meals and lodging for jurors under the provisions of this chapter are court-related functions that the clerk of the court shall fund from filing fees, service charges, court costs, and fines.

(3) Jurors and witnesses shall be paid by the clerk of the court in cash, by check, or by warrant within 20 days after completion of jury service or completion of service as a witness.

(a) If the clerk of the court pays a juror or witness by cash, the juror or witness shall sign the payroll in the presence of the clerk, a deputy clerk, or some other person designated by the clerk.

(b) If the clerk pays a juror or witness by warrant, he or she shall endorse on the payroll opposite the juror’s or witness’s name the words “Paid by warrant,” giving the number and date of the warrant.