Getting a traffic ticket can be an unpleasant and inconvenient experience. However, technology has made it easier than ever for Florida drivers to view and manage their traffic citations online. Checking your traffic ticket online allows you to view important details about the violation, check the status of your case, make payments if needed, and more.
Why Check Your Florida Traffic Ticket Online?
There are several key benefits to checking your Florida traffic citation online rather than in-person:
- Convenience – You can access your ticket information 24/7 without having to go to the courthouse or clerk’s office.
- Efficiency – Online services allow you to take care of tasks like making payments, registering for traffic school, etc. in just a few clicks.
- Stay Informed – You can get real-time updates on your case status, court date, balance due, and other important details.
- Avoid Lines – Checking your ticket online helps you skip long wait times at the courthouse.
- Documentation – Online ticket websites allow you to view and print documents related to your case.
How to Look Up a Traffic Ticket in Florida
Looking up a Florida traffic ticket online is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Determine what county you received the ticket in. This information will be on the actual citation.
- Visit that county’s online traffic ticket website. Most Florida counties have an official website where you can search for and view tickets.
- Provide identifying information. This usually includes your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, ticket/citation number, tag number, or some combination of these.
- Search for your ticket. After entering the required info, click search to pull up your traffic citation.
- View ticket details. The website will display key info like the violation charged, fine/cost, court date, case number, and options to make payments or contest the ticket.
Florida Counties with Online Ticket Payments
While options vary somewhat by county, most local governments in Florida allow drivers to view their traffic tickets online. Additionally, many counties let you pay traffic tickets and related fees through their websites. Here are some of the largest Florida counties that offer online traffic ticket payments:
| County | Online Ticket Payment Website |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | www.miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Broward | www.browardclerk.org |
| Palm Beach | www.mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Hillsborough | www.hillsclerk.com |
| Orange | www.myorangeclerk.com |
| Pinellas | www.mypinellasclerk.org |
| Lee | www.leeclerk.org |
What Information is Available Online?
Florida’s online traffic citation websites provide drivers with a comprehensive view of their ticket details and case status. Here are some of the key things you can expect to see when checking your ticket online:
- Citation Details – Date/time, location, issuing agency, statute violated, charge, officer badge number, etc.
- Fine/Fee Amount – The total civil penalty and/or court costs owed.
- Court Date – If you requested a hearing or your offense requires a court appearance.
- Case Number – Unique number assigned to your ticket case.
- Payment History – Record of any payments made on the citation.
- Adjudication – Status of your case (open, closed, found guilty, dismissed, etc.).
- License Points – Number of demerit points assessed to your license.
- Options – Ability to pay ticket, request traffic school, reschedule court date, etc.
Paying Your Ticket Online
To pay your Florida traffic ticket online, start by looking it up through your county clerk’s website. On the ticket details page, look for a “Pay This Citation” button or link. This will walk you through the steps to make a secure payment by credit/debit card or electronic check.
Things to know about online traffic ticket payments in Florida:
- A convenience fee may be charged for online payments.
- Tickets can often be paid in full or partial payments.
- Payments are typically posted to your account within 1-2 business days.
- You will receive an emailed receipt as proof of payment.
- Be sure to pay the full amount owed by your court date to avoid late fees.
- Partial payments and payment plans may require court approval.
Contesting a Ticket Online
If you wish to contest your traffic citation or have a hearing, most Florida counties allow you to submit that request online. The process varies slightly by county but generally involves:
- Looking up your ticket online and accessing your account.
- Clicking on an option to contest the ticket or request a hearing.
- Selecting a reason why you are contesting the citation.
- Reviewing and acknowledging the request submission.
- Appearing in court on your assigned hearing date.
Prior to submitting a hearing request, be sure to research defense strategies for traffic infractions so you are prepared for court. You may also want to seek legal advice from a traffic ticket attorney.
Other Online Plea Options
Pleading no contest is another option that may be available through your county ticket website. No contest pleas neither admit guilt nor contest the charges. The court will likely find you guilty and impose fines/fees. Here are some other common online plea choices:
- Guilty Plea – Admit the violation and agree to pay associated penalties.
- Driving School – Plead guilty but attend traffic school to avoid points.
- Withhold of Adjudication – Plea deal to avoid a conviction on your record.
- Payment Plan – Request extended payment terms.
Carefully review your options and consult with an attorney if needed before entering any plea online. Also be sure you understand the implications of different pleas on your license, auto insurance, and driving record.
Signing Up For Email/Text Alerts
To stay on top of your traffic ticket case, sign up for email and/or text alerts through your county clerk’s website. These notifications will keep you updated on important dates, deadlines, account balances, and any status changes.
Alerts you may be able to enable include:
- Upcoming court dates
- Case dispositions and judgments
- License suspensions
- Overdue payment notices
- Receipts for payments made
- Cancellation of scheduled hearings
- Eligibility for traffic school
Being informed of any developments or deadlines related to your citation ensures you avoid additional penalties and keep your license valid.
Other Online Traffic Ticket Functions
In addition to viewing ticket details and making payments, Florida’s county clerk websites offer other useful online functions including:
- Rescheduling Your Court Date – If permitted, you can postpone your hearing to a later date.
- Case and Fine Searches – Look up other traffic cases associated with your name or license.
- Driver License Reinstatements – Submit applications to reinstate suspended licenses.
- Printing Documents – Download copies of traffic tickets, receipts, judgements, notices to appear in court, and other case documents.
Common Questions About Florida Traffic Tickets
Who do I call if I have issues checking my ticket online?
If you experience technical difficulties or have trouble accessing your traffic ticket online, contact your county clerk’s office directly during regular business hours. Many also have live chat features on their websites for assistance.
Can someone else pay my ticket online?
Yes, Florida allows third parties to view and pay traffic tickets online as long as they have the required identifying details including the citation number, driver’s license number, tag number, or case number. Attorneys can also access client ticket information.
How long do I have to pay my traffic ticket?
Payment deadlines vary by county but are typically 20 or 30 calendar days from the issue date. Be sure to pay by the due date listed on your citation to avoid late fees and other penalties.
What if I miss my traffic court date?
Failing to appear for your scheduled court hearing will result in additional fines and penalties being imposed. Your license may also be suspended. Contact the court immediately and request a new hearing date.
Will traffic school keep my ticket off my record?
Completing driving school prevents points from being assessed on your license but typically does not prevent a conviction from appearing on your record. Check with the court about your options.
Conclusion
Checking and managing Florida traffic tickets online is fast, convenient, and easy. Take advantage of your county clerk website to view ticket details, make payments, schedule hearings, enroll in traffic school, sign up for alerts, and handle other citation-related tasks.
Online services allow you to take control of your traffic violation case from any computer or mobile device. And by exploring all of your options in advance, you can make informed decisions on pleas, fines, schooling, and other aspects to contain the impact of the ticket on your driving privileges and auto insurance rates.
