Miami City traffic court records hold every traffic ticket and case file handled by the local court system. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.
Anyone who gets a citation in Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Homestead, or any other city within Miami-Dade County will have a case file stored at this clerk office. The records show what you were charged with, what you paid, the court date if one was set, and the final outcome of the case. You can look up these records online, by phone, by mail, or in person. You do not need to be a lawyer to run a search. This page covers the full picture of how these records work and how to use them when you face a traffic case in Miami.
What Are Miami City Traffic Court Records
Miami City traffic court records are the official paper and digital files for every traffic case in Miami-Dade County. They start the moment a police officer hands you a citation. They end only after the fine is paid, the case is dismissed, or the judge makes a final ruling. Each record shows the date of the citation, the type of violation, the officer’s agency, and the case number assigned by the clerk office.
Who Files These Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and Comptroller files every traffic case. This office is part of Florida’s state court system. It acts as the record keeper for all county courts in Miami-Dade. The clerk office receives the citation directly from the police agency that issued it. From that point, the clerk stores the case file in the system, updates it when payments come in, and seals it once the case closes. Records kept here can stay on file for years, and they affect your driving record for decades in some cases.
What Types of Traffic Cases Exist
Two main types of traffic cases pass through the Miami court system each year. The first type covers civil infractions. These are non-criminal violations like speeding, running a stop sign, driving without a seat belt, or using a cell phone behind the wheel. Civil infractions carry fines and may add points to your license. The second type covers criminal traffic offenses. These include reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. Criminal traffic cases follow a stricter path and can lead to jail time and higher insurance rates.
Civil vs Criminal Traffic Cases
Civil traffic cases stay on your driving record through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). They show up when insurance companies check your history or when employers review your record. Criminal traffic cases show up on criminal background checks too. A civil ticket lets you pay a fine by mail or online without going to court. A criminal charge usually requires you to appear before a judge unless your lawyer handles a plea for you. Knowing which type you have shapes every choice you make after the ticket is issued.
| Item | Civil Traffic Case | Criminal Traffic Case |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Speeding, red light, no seat belt | DUI, reckless driving, hit and run |
| Fines | Set by statute or judge | Set by judge; higher amounts |
| Court Appearance | Rarely needed | Often required |
| Driving Record | Points may apply | Points and possible suspension |
| Jail Time | No | Possible |
| Background Check | No | Yes |
How the Miami-Dade Clerk Handles Records
The Miami-Dade Clerk office plays a central role in every traffic case. Without this office, no ticket could be filed, no fine could be paid, and no case could be closed. The clerk works under Florida Statute Chapter 316, which spells out how traffic violations must be processed by the local county.
The Clerk’s Role in Processing Cases
The clerk office accepts the citation from the police. A clerk indexes the case, assigns a uniform traffic citation (UTC) number, and enters the record into the court’s online system. From there, the clerk tracks payments, court dates, and judge decisions. When a driver pays a fine or completes traffic school, the clerk updates the file. When a judge issues an order, the clerk enters it and sends notice to the driver. Every action taken on your case shows up in the clerk file over time.
Where the Records Are Stored
Miami-Dade stores traffic court records in two places. The first is the paper file kept at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in downtown Miami. The paper file holds the original citation, court orders, and signed documents. The second is the digital case file in the clerk’s online search tools. The digital record includes all docket entries, payment history, scanned documents, and judge notes. Florida law requires the clerk to keep both forms of the record for the full retention period set by state rules.
Key Office Locations in Miami
The main office for traffic cases sits at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building at 1351 NW 12 Street, Miami, FL 33125. This is the only place where you can see the full paper file. Smaller satellite offices around the county handle payments and basic questions but cannot pull paper files from the main office. The clerk’s mailing address for written requests is PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office | Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building |
| Street Address | 1351 NW 12 Street, Miami, FL 33125 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321 |
| Phone | 305-275-1111 |
| Website | www.miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
How to Search Miami Traffic Court Records Online
You can search your Miami traffic court record online from any computer or phone. The clerk runs two separate search tools. One is the Miami-Dade Traffic Search, and the other is the statewide MyFLCourtAccess portal. Both are free to use and open to the public.
Using the Miami-Dade Traffic Search Tool
The Miami-Dade Traffic Search is the fastest way to check on a ticket issued in Miami or any city within the county. The tool lives on the clerk’s website at www.miamidadeclerk.gov. You can look up a case using a citation number, your full name, your date of birth, or your Florida driver license number. The system then shows the case status, the amount you owe, your court date, and any judge orders on the file. You do not need to set up an account to run a basic search.
Searching by Citation Number
If you still have your paper ticket, the easiest way to search is by citation number. The number is printed on the bottom of the ticket. It may be called the UTC number, the case number, or the citation number. Enter it in the search box along with the year of the citation. The system will pull up the exact case the officer filed. This method gives you the most accurate result.
Searching by Name or Driver License
If you lost your paper ticket, search by name. Enter your full legal name as printed on your driver license. Add your date of birth to avoid pulling up someone with a similar name. The system shows every open and closed traffic case under your name. You can also search by driver license number for a clean match. The license search pulls every case across all Florida counties tied to your license number.
Using MyFLCourtAccess
MyFLCourtAccess is the statewide portal run by the Florida Clerks of Court. It lets you search traffic cases across all 67 counties from one site. Type in your name and pick Miami-Dade County. The portal shows the same case data as the local clerk site. Use MyFLCourtAccess when you got a ticket in Miami but live in another county or state. It saves you from learning a new search system for each county.
What You Can Do After Getting a Miami Ticket
Once you receive a Miami traffic citation, the clock starts. Florida law gives you 30 days from the date the citation was issued to respond. If you miss that window, late fees kick in and your case grows harder to close cleanly. The clerk lays out three main choices for drivers who want to handle a Miami ticket the right way.
Pay the Fine
Paying the fine is the simplest path. When you pay, you accept responsibility for the violation. The clerk enters a guilty plea on your behalf and closes the case. Points may go on your license based on the type of violation. The court keeps the payment unless you win a later appeal. Pay the fine when you accept the ticket and want the matter closed fast.
Elect Traffic School
Electing traffic school is a way to keep points off your license. You plead no contest, pay the fine, and complete a state-approved driver improvement course. The court withholds adjudication, which means no points and no conviction on your public record. You do not go to court for this option. CDL holders cannot use this path. Tickets for red light camera violations, tag problems, and registration issues are also barred from traffic school in Miami.
Contest the Ticket in Court
You can plead not guilty and ask for a hearing. The clerk sets a court date and sends you a notice. At the hearing, a hearing officer or judge hears both sides. You can bring photos, dashcam video, or witness names. If the officer does not show up, the case is often dismissed. If you lose, the fine stays the same and points may apply.
The 30-Day Deadline Rule
The 30-day deadline is strict. Tickets 30 days old or less can be handled online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Tickets 31 to 180 days old add a $16 late fee. Tickets older than 180 days require a written motion to the administrative traffic judge. The court can add extra fees, suspend your license, or send the debt to a collection agency if the case sits open too long.
| Ticket Age | Action Available | Added Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 days | Pay, school, contest | None |
| 31 – 180 days | Pay, school, contest | $16 late fee |
| 181+ days | Motion to judge | Higher fees apply |
How to Pay Miami Traffic Fines
Miami offers several ways to pay a traffic fine. Pick the path that matches your case and timing. Each path closes the case the same way once the clerk confirms the payment and posts it to the file.
Online Payment Options
The clerk accepts online payments through the traffic online payment system and through PayFLClerk. Both sites let you enter your citation number and pay by credit card. The clerk takes Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A small service fee may apply to credit card payments. The online payment posts to your case the same day for most tickets.
Mail and Phone Payments
You can mail a check or money order to the clerk’s PO Box. Write your citation number on the payment so the clerk credits the right case. Mail the payment at least seven days before any deadline to give the clerk time to process it. The clerk’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone line at 305-275-1111 accepts credit card payments 24 hours a day.
In-Person Payment at Gerstein Building
You can pay in person at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. Go to the traffic payment window on the second floor. Bring your ticket or case number. Cash, check, money order, and most credit cards are accepted. The clerk gives you a printed receipt for your records that day.
Payment Plans and Late Fees
The clerk offers payment plans for people who cannot pay in full. You must ask for the plan before the case goes to collections. A collection agency can add up to 40% on top of the fine under Florida Statute 28.246. A payment plan lets you pay in monthly parts and stops the debt from being sold to collections. Call 305-275-1111 to set up a plan.
Public Access Rights Under Florida Statute 119
Miami traffic court records are public records. Florida law treats all government files as open for inspection unless a specific rule seals them. This rule comes from Florida Statute Chapter 119, the state’s main public records law.
Who Can View These Records
Anyone can view a Miami traffic court record. You do not have to be the driver named on the ticket. The clerk does not require you to prove your identity before running a search. Personal data like Social Security numbers and bank account details are kept out of public view, but case facts, fines, and court orders are open to the public.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some records can be sealed or expunged. This mostly applies to criminal traffic cases where the court withholds adjudication or dismisses the charge. Florida law sets strict limits on who can seal a record and how the record is wiped from public systems. Civil traffic infractions generally cannot be sealed. The clerk can tell you if your case is eligible for sealing.
Getting Certified Copies
Certified copies of a Miami traffic court record cost more than regular copies. The clerk charges a per-page fee set by Florida statute. A certified copy carries the clerk’s seal and can be used in another court or for immigration, insurance, or employment purposes. Plain copies can be printed at the clerk window for a smaller fee.
Nearby Florida Counties and Their Traffic Records
Miami-Dade sits among several other large counties in Florida. Each county runs its own clerk office with its own search tools and rules. Drivers who travel across county lines or move around Florida often deal with more than one clerk. Knowing each county’s setup helps you handle cases wherever they happen.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the surrounding area. The Hillsborough Clerk of Court runs a traffic search tool through its website. Drivers who get a ticket in Tampa, Plant City, or Temple Terrace will have their case filed there. Hillsborough uses the same basic process as Miami but has its own fee schedule and court address.
Broward County Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale and its suburbs. The Broward Clerk of Court handles traffic cases for the county. Fort Lauderdale traffic cases do not file in Miami, even though the cities sit close together. Broward runs a separate online search and uses a different case numbering system that does not match Miami’s.
Orange County Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the central Florida tourist area. The Orange County Clerk of Court handles traffic tickets issued in Orlando, Winter Park, and Kissimmee. Orange County’s search tool works like Miami’s, with lookup by name, citation, or driver license. Tourists who get ticketed near Disney or Universal often run their search through the Orange County site.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and the surrounding area. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court processes traffic tickets for cities across the county. Palm Beach runs an online traffic search and offers mail and in-person payment options just like Miami does.
Duval and Pinellas Counties
Duval County covers Jacksonville on Florida’s east coast. The Duval Clerk of Court runs the traffic search for Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court handles traffic cases for the county’s cities. Each of these counties uses its own system and fees but follows the same Florida state traffic laws.
| County | Main City | Clerk Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | 305-275-1111 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | 813-276-8100 |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | 954-831-6565 |
| Orange | Orlando | 407-836-2000 |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | 561-355-2991 |
| Duval | Jacksonville | 904-255-2000 |
| Pinellas | St. Petersburg | 727-464-7000 |
Miami-Dade Clerk Office Details and Location
You can reach the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. The office sits in downtown Miami and handles every traffic case filed in the county. Drivers can visit in person, call the clerk, mail in paperwork, or check records online at any time during open hours.
Main Office Address and Building
The clerk office is on the second floor of the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building at 1351 NW 12 Street, Miami, FL 33125. The building sits near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse and houses both civil and criminal traffic clerk windows. Parking is available in nearby public garages for a fee. Bring a photo ID and your citation number when you visit.
Office Hours and Phone Contact
The clerk office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The office closes on weekends and on federal holidays. You can call the main line at 305-275-1111 any time during open hours to check on a case, ask about a payment, or schedule a payment plan. The IVR phone line accepts credit card payments 24 hours a day.
Map and Driving Directions
The Gerstein Justice Building sits near the corner of NW 12 Street and NW 13 Avenue, just a short drive from I-95 and the Dolphin Expressway. Use the map below to plan your visit. Public transit stops are within walking distance for drivers who prefer the bus or Metromover.
Official Website and Mailing Address
The official Miami-Dade Clerk website is www.miamidadeclerk.gov. The clerk mailing address for written requests, ticket payments, and motions is PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321. Always include your citation number or case number on any document you mail to the clerk.
Common Questions About Miami Traffic Records
This section answers the most common questions drivers have about Miami traffic court records. Each answer covers a topic that the clerk office hears about every day. The answers below are based on Florida law and current clerk office practices for 2026.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s Miami Traffic Record?
Yes, you can look up another person’s Miami traffic record. Florida public records law treats traffic case files as open to the public. The clerk office does not require proof that you are the driver named on the ticket. You can run a search by name or citation number through the clerk’s online tools. Some personal data like Social Security numbers and bank accounts are not shown in public searches. Insurance companies, employers, and lawyers use these searches every day as part of their work.
How Long Does a Miami Traffic Record Stay on File?
Most Miami traffic records stay on file for at least five years after the case closes. Points added to your license through the Florida DHSMV can stay on your driving record for 3 to 11 years based on the violation type. Civil traffic payments and judge orders stay in the clerk’s system for at least seven years. Some criminal traffic cases stay on file much longer, sometimes the rest of your life, unless a court seals them. Always check the retention rules for your specific case type.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Miami Traffic Case?
You do not need a lawyer for a civil traffic infraction. Most civil cases end with a payment or traffic school election. A lawyer can help if you want to contest the ticket and the violation carries high points, a possible license suspension, or a steep fine. For criminal traffic charges like DUI or reckless driving, a lawyer is a smart move. Criminal cases carry jail risk and bigger insurance hikes that a lawyer may be able to reduce.
What Happens if I Ignore a Miami Traffic Ticket?
Ignoring a Miami traffic ticket leads to extra fees, license suspension, and collections. The clerk adds late fees after 30 days. The Florida DHSMV can suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets. After 90 days, the clerk can send the debt to a collection agency that adds up to 40% on top of the fine. A suspended license can lead to arrest if you are caught driving again. Resolve the ticket fast to avoid these problems.
Can I Pay a Miami Ticket in Installments?
Yes, you can pay a Miami traffic ticket in installments through a clerk payment plan. Ask the clerk office for a plan before the case goes to collections. The plan divides the fine into monthly parts. The court can still suspend your license if you miss a payment. Plan terms depend on the total amount you owe and your prior payment history with the court.
Does Traffic School Remove Points in Florida?
Traffic school does not remove existing points from your license, but it can prevent new points from being added when you elect the option. Under Florida law, the court withholds adjudication when you complete a state-approved course, which keeps the points off your record. You can elect traffic school only once every 12 months and up to five times in your lifetime. CDL holders cannot use this option in most cases.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Miami Court Record?
You can get a copy of your Miami court record by visiting the clerk office in person, calling the clerk at 305-275-1111, or downloading it from the online search tools. Plain copies are cheap and ready the same day. Certified copies cost more per page and carry the clerk’s official seal. Bring a photo ID when you pick up records at the clerk window, since the clerk will need to verify your identity for certified copies.