Florida traffic-ticket representation
What Do I Do When I Get a Traffic Ticket?
If you were issued a Uniform Traffic Citation, you generally have three choices: pay it, contest it, or—if eligible—take a driver improvement course.
You typically have 30 days to make that election with the clerk of court listed on the citation. Miss the deadline and you can face extra fines and a suspension of your driving privilege.
Option 1: Pay the Fine
If you elect to pay, you pay the civil penalty listed on the front of the citation to the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred. Clerk contact information is listed by county on the FLHSMV locations page: flhsmv.gov/locations.
To pay online for any of Florida's sixty-seven counties, use payflclerk.com.
Payment of the civil penalty is considered a conviction, and points will be assessed to your driver's record if applicable.
For certain violations, you must also show the clerk proof of compliance (a driver license or registration certificate, whichever applies), in addition to payment, if you were cited for:
- Driver license expired less than six months
- Expired tag less than six months
- Failure to display a valid driver license
- Failure to display a valid registration
You are required to complete a driver improvement course in addition to the fine if you are convicted of:
- Passing a school bus
- Racing
- Reckless driving
- Running a red light
- Traffic control device
Accumulation of points may increase your insurance cost or lead to license suspension. Related reading: Negative Consequences of Paying a Traffic Ticket and Don't Pay Your Traffic Ticket Yet.
Option 2: Contest the Citation
To contest the citation, contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred. Find clerk contact information on the FLHSMV locations page: flhsmv.gov/locations.
If you request a hearing and the County Judge, Magistrate, or Hearing Officer determines that you committed the offense, they may impose a penalty and/or require completion of a driver improvement course.
Many people hire an attorney to appear for them so they do not have to miss work or navigate the hearing alone. Call before you decide that paying is your only path.
Option 3: Elect a Driver Improvement Course
Eligible customers may receive an 18% reduction in citation fees, and points may be withheld, if they take a Basic Driver Improvement Course.
After 30 days from the date of the citation, if you have not elected the course, you are no longer eligible. A customer may only elect to take a driver improvement course eight times in a lifetime.
What you need to do:
- Contact the Clerk of Court within 30 days in the county where the citation was issued and elect the Basic Driver Improvement Course.
- Pay the reduced citation — the fine is reduced by 18%, and each clerk also imposes court costs.
- Submit the certificate of completion to the same Clerk of Court after you finish the course.
FLHSMV-approved course providers are listed on the state's Basic Driver Improvement page. You can check your driver license status on the FLHSMV Driver License Check page.
Common Questions
How long do I have to respond?
Generally 30 days from the citation to elect with the clerk of court listed on the ticket. Missing that window can mean extra fines and a license suspension.
Is paying the same as a conviction?
Yes. Payment of the civil penalty is considered a conviction, and points are assessed when they apply.
How do I contest?
Contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred and request a hearing.
When can points be withheld with a course?
If you timely elect and complete an eligible Basic Driver Improvement Course, fees may be reduced by 18% and points may be withheld. Lifetime limit: eight elections.
Call Before You Elect
The state's three options are not equal. Paying locks in a conviction. Contesting or hiring counsel may protect your record, insurance, and license. A short call can tell you which path fits your citation and history.
Call before you click pay.