To search Florida traffic court records, start with the Clerk of Court office in the county where the officer issued the citation. Each of Florida’s 67 counties holds its own traffic case files.
These records show charges, court dates, fines, plea entries, trial results, and final judgments. Anyone can look them up online, by phone, or in person. This page explains every method that works in 2026, including statewide portals, county search tools, and request forms.
Florida Traffic Court Records Explained
Florida traffic court records are official court files that track every traffic ticket, citation, and traffic-related criminal charge from start to finish. These records begin the moment a law enforcement officer hands you a citation. They continue through payment, plea, trial, or dismissal. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps a separate state file showing points on your license, but the court records belong to the county clerks.
What a Traffic Court Record Contains
A complete Florida traffic court record lists the citation number, the charge under Florida traffic law, the date of the stop, the court case number, the assigned judge, the defendant name, the plea entered, and the final outcome. It also includes payment records, bench warrant entries, and any traffic school completion proof.
Who Files These Records
The county Clerk of Court acts as the record keeper. The clerk is an elected officer who works under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The clerk accepts citations, opens cases, enters orders, and produces copies for the public.
Why These Records Matter
Florida employers, insurance companies, and licensing boards often request traffic court records. The records prove whether a ticket was dismissed, paid, or sent to collections. They also show whether adjudication was withheld, which affects insurance rates and driving privileges.
How the Florida Clerk of Court System Works
Florida law places every traffic case under the county where the officer issued the citation. The Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (FLCCOC) supports all 67 county clerks. Each clerk runs traffic court services for one region. Together they form the backbone of public records access for traffic cases.
Statewide Coordination
The FLCCOC manages shared services, technology, and training for all county clerks. It also runs PayFLClerk, a single payment portal that covers traffic fines across every county. You can reach FLCCOC at (850) 487-7878 for questions about statewide traffic court records.
County-Level Authority
Each county has its own rules for online records access, copy fees, and search tools. Some counties charge two dollars per page. Others offer free online docket views. Always check the county clerk’s website before requesting certified copies.
Court System Structure
Florida operates through 20 judicial circuits. Each circuit includes one or more counties. Traffic cases under $500 in fines stay in county court. Criminal traffic offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving causing injury, go to circuit court. Both courts feed into the same clerk record system.
Where to Search Florida Traffic Court Records
Several statewide and county-based tools let you search traffic court records. The right tool depends on what you know: citation number, name, or case number. The list below shows every option available in 2026.
PayFLClerk Statewide Portal
PayFLClerk covers all 67 counties for traffic fine payments and citation lookups. You can search by citation number, name, date of birth, or driver’s license number. The portal shows balance owed, court date, and final disposition. Visit payflclerk.com to start a search.
County Clerk Online Databases
Major counties run their own search portals. Examples include the Miami-Dade Clerk’s e-Courts system, the Broward County case search, the Hillsborough County records portal, and the Orange County clerk search. Each portal lets you search traffic court records by name, case number, or citation number.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal handles document filing and case lookup statewide. Many traffic cases appear in this system after filing. Search the docket at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal also lets attorneys and self-represented people file motions and view hearing schedules.
FLHSMV Driver Record Search
For statewide traffic point counts and license status, order a driver record from FLHSMV. This is not a court record, but it ties directly to court outcomes. Visit flhsmv.gov or call (850) 617-3000 for general traffic court record questions.
Search Methods for Florida Traffic Court Records
The fastest search uses one specific identifier. The more details you have, the faster the lookup. Below are the three main search methods in 2026.
Search by Citation Number
The citation number sits at the top of every traffic ticket. It usually follows a four-letter county code plus numbers. Enter it into PayFLClerk or the county clerk’s portal to see the case status. The record will show open or closed status, fine balance, and next hearing date.
Search by Case Number
After the clerk files the citation, the system assigns a court case number. This number starts with a two-letter county tag plus a year and sequence code, such as 60-2025-CT-001234. Use this number for any legal filings, appeals, or certified copy requests.
Search by Name
If you lack the citation or case number, you can still search by full legal name and date of birth. County clerks maintain an index by defendant name. Be prepared for common-name results. Add a date of birth filter when the portal supports it.
Search by Hearing Date
Some counties list traffic dockets by hearing date. This method helps attorneys and people who need to know the schedule. Daily docket sheets typically post 24 hours before the court session.
Public Access Laws for Florida Traffic Court Records
Florida traffic court records fall under the Florida Public Records Act. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes declares all court files open to inspection and copying. Most records stay available forever, but some limits apply.
What Records Stay Open
Open records include the citation, charging document, plea form, order of withholding, final judgment, sentencing sheet, and any motion filed in the case. Online portals post docket entries and basic case data for most adult traffic cases.
What Records Get Sealed
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lets judges seal specific records for good cause. Cases involving juveniles, victims of certain offenses, or sealed expungements stay closed. Sealed traffic court records do not appear in public searches.
Redaction and Confidential Data
Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain personal identifiers are always redacted. Under Administrative Order AOSC 15-18, clerks follow an Access Security Matrix that sets how much detail shows up in online traffic court records for each county.
Free vs Paid Records Access
Basic docket searches stay free on most county websites. Certified copies cost more. The standard fee is one dollar per page for regular copies and up to eight dollars per page for certified copies. Clerk fees vary by county.
Florida Traffic Court Case Outcomes
Every Florida traffic case ends with a final outcome. The disposition appears in the court record and on your driver history through FLHSMV. Knowing the possible outcomes helps you read any record you pull.
Paid Civil Penalty
You paid the fine, the court found you guilty, and points were added to your driver license. This is a conviction under Florida law and triggers insurance reporting.
Withholding of Adjudication
The court took payment but withheld formal guilt. No points appear on your record. Insurance companies cannot surcharge for withheld adjudication, but the case still counts as a conviction.
Dismissal
The officer did not appear, the state dropped the charge, or the court granted a motion. A dismissal removes liability but stays in the public record.
Driver Improvement Course
You completed a Florida-approved traffic school course. The court withheld adjudication. You may elect this option only five times in a lifetime and only once per year. Commercial driver’s license holders cannot elect this option.
Criminal Traffic Conviction
For DUI, reckless driving, or other criminal traffic offenses, the court entered a guilty finding at trial or by plea. The conviction appears on your criminal record and stays on file for life.
Failure to Appear and Bench Warrant
If you failed to appear at a hearing, the court may issue a bench warrant. The record shows the warrant, the bond amount, and any later recall order.
Records Retention Policy
Florida retention rules keep traffic court records for a minimum of seven years after final disposition. Criminal traffic records are kept permanently. Sealed cases follow special retention timelines.
Criminal vs Civil Traffic Records in Florida
Florida separates traffic cases into civil infractions and criminal offenses. The type affects fines, court process, and record visibility.
Civil Traffic Infractions
Civil traffic infractions cover most moving violations, such as speeding, running a red light, and unlawful lane changes. The penalty is a fine, points, and possible traffic school. These cases never lead to jail time but stay on your driving record.
Criminal Traffic Offenses
Criminal traffic offenses include DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, and driving with a suspended license causing death. These cases carry possible jail time. They appear in both criminal court searches and traffic court searches.
DUI Records
DUI records stay in the Florida courts system as criminal cases. They also appear on your driver record through FLHSMV. The clerk files the case in the county where the arrest took place.
Reckless Driving Records
Reckless driving carries four points on your license. It can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the harm caused. The court record shows the charge level, plea, sentence, and any probation order.
How to Handle Unpaid Florida Traffic Fines
Unpaid traffic fines trigger late fees, license suspension, and collections. Florida law sets out a strict timeline. Acting fast protects your driving privileges and credit.
The 30-Day Response Window
You have 30 days from the citation date to pay, elect school, or request a hearing. Missing this window means a default conviction, additional fines, and license suspension.
Collections After 90 Days
Under Florida Statute 28.246, unpaid fines move to a collection agency after 90 days. The agency may add up to 40 percent in fees. Collections can also reach your credit report.
License Suspension Triggers
Points-based suspensions begin at 12 points in 12 months. A 30-day suspension starts the process. Your license stays suspended until you pay the reinstatement fee and show proof of insurance.
Payment Plan Options
Many clerks offer payment plans for unpaid fines. Contact the clerk’s office before the deadline. You may need to fill out a financial affidavit and set up monthly payments.
Traffic Court Records by Florida County
Florida’s 67 counties each hold their own traffic court files. Below are the largest counties and the direct search tools they use.
Miami-Dade County Records
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs the e-Courts portal. Search traffic court records by case number, citation number, or defendant name. The main phone line is (305) 275-1155. The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
Broward County Records
Broward County offers a free online case search through the Clerk of Courts website. You can pull traffic citations, court dates, and dispositions. Call (954) 831-6565 for clerk assistance.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County uses the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court records search. The portal covers Tampa area traffic cases. Contact the clerk’s office at (813) 276-8100 for hearing questions.
Orange County Records
Orange County runs the Orange County Clerk of Courts search for Orlando traffic tickets. Look up traffic court records by citation number or party name. Call (407) 836-2000 for clerk support.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County posts traffic dockets online through its official records portal. Search traffic court records free of charge. Main office line: (561) 355-2996.
Duval County Records
The Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville maintains traffic records. Search by name or citation at the official website. Call (904) 255-2000 for traffic case questions.
Pinellas County Records
Pinellas County uses its official records portal to post St. Petersburg traffic cases. Search traffic court records by name or case number. Main office line: (727) 464-7000.
Lee County Records
Lee County Clerk of Courts runs an online portal for Fort Myers traffic citations. Call (239) 533-5000 for general traffic court record questions. Most searches are free of charge.
Tips for Searching Florida Traffic Court Records
Smart search steps save time and reduce errors. Use the tips below for the best results.
- Always start with the citation number. It is the fastest key.
- If you have no citation, search by full legal name plus date of birth.
- Use the county clerk’s website for free docket views.
- Order certified copies only when court documents require proof.
- Check the FLHSMV site for statewide driving record data.
- Note the record retention rule. Older records may be archived.
- Contact the clerk before placing a bulk record request.
- Keep the case number for any future appeal or motion filings.
Sealed and Expunged Florida Traffic Court Records
Florida law allows limited sealing and expungement of criminal traffic records. Civil infractions cannot be sealed. The process follows Florida Statute 943.0585.
Who Qualifies for Expungement
Most first-time criminal traffic offenders may qualify. The case must be resolved with a withholding of adjudication or a full dismissal. Sealing requires a court order and a certificate of eligibility from FDLE.
What Expungement Removes
An expungement removes the case from public court searches. The record stays with FDLE for limited law enforcement use. Insurance companies and most employers cannot see the record after expungement.
What Stays Visible
Sealed cases vanish from online searches but stay available to law enforcement agencies, the courts, and certain employers listed under Florida law.
How to File for Expungement
File a petition with the clerk in the county of conviction. Pay the filing fee, usually $75. Attach the FDLE certificate. The judge reviews the request at a hearing.
Florida Traffic Court Records and Your Driving License
Court outcomes feed directly into your driving record. The connection runs through FLHSMV and affects license status.
Point System Overview
Florida points range from three to six per violation. Speeding over 15 mph costs four points. Running a red light costs three points. Reckless driving costs four points. Leaving the scene costs six points.
Suspension Triggers
Twelve points in 12 months trigger a 30-day suspension. Eighteen points in 18 months trigger a three-month suspension. Twenty-four points in 36 months trigger a one-year suspension.
Hardship Licenses
You may apply for a hardship license after 30 days of suspension. You need SR-22 insurance, completed traffic school, and a reinstatement fee. The court record must show eligibility.
Reinstatement Steps
Pay the citation, complete any required course, pay the reinstatement fee, and prove insurance. The court record updates FLHSMV after each payment. Online reinstatement is available at flhsmv.gov.
How to Request Certified Copies of Traffic Court Records
Certified copies of Florida traffic court records are needed for many legal matters. The request process is simple but requires payment.
In-Person Requests
Go to the clerk office in the county of filing. Bring a photo ID, the case number, and cash or card. Most clerks produce the certified copy the same day.
Online Requests
Many clerks accept online record requests. Pay the fee by credit card. The clerk emails or mails the certified copy. Processing times vary from 24 hours to two weeks.
Mail Requests
Send a written request to the clerk. Include the case number, party name, copy type, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check or money order for the fee.
Florida Traffic Court Contacts and Hours
Use the contact list below for statewide and county clerk support. Phone lines are open during business hours, Monday through Friday.
Statewide Contacts
- FLHSMV main line: (850) 617-3000
- FLCCOC office: (850) 487-7878
- FDLE public records: (850) 410-7676
- PayFLClerk support: available through portal only
Office Hours
Most Florida county clerks open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. local time. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. Phone lines follow the same schedule.
Official Website Links
PayFLClerk: payflclerk.com
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
FLHSMV Traffic Citations: flhsmv.gov/traffic-citations
Florida Clerks of Court: flccoc.org
Florida Statutes: leg.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Traffic Court Records
The following questions cover the most common concerns from people searching Florida traffic court records. Each answer draws on current state law and real search practices used in 2026.
How long do Florida traffic court records stay online?
Florida traffic court records stay online through the county clerk’s portal for the full retention period. Civil traffic records stay for at least seven years after final disposition. Criminal traffic records stay permanently. Some clerks remove older civil records from public view but still hold them in archive.
Can anyone look up my Florida traffic court record?
Yes. Florida law declares all court records public under Chapter 119. Anyone can view basic case data online. Only sealed or expunged cases are hidden from public view. Your driver record through FLHSMV is not a court record but is also publicly available for a fee.
Do I have to pay to search Florida traffic court records?
Basic docket searches are free on most county portals. You only pay when you need certified copies or full document images. The fee is usually one dollar per page, with certified copies costing more.
What if I lost my citation number?
You can still search by full legal name and date of birth. The county clerk’s portal can pull up your traffic case. If the search is too broad, narrow it with the county of stop and year.
Can I clear a Florida traffic conviction from my record?
Only criminal traffic cases may be sealed or expunged under Florida Statute 943.0585. You must qualify, get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, and win a court order. Most civil traffic convictions cannot be cleared except by a pardon.
What does a withholding of adjudication mean on my record?
Withholding of adjudication means the court accepted payment or a plea but withheld a formal conviction. No points hit your license. The case still counts as a prior for insurance scoring and for future sentencing.
How do I fight a Florida traffic ticket I already paid?
Once paid, the case closes. To reopen it, you must file a motion to vacate the judgment within a short window. After that window, the only path is an appeal or a post-conviction motion. Most people cannot reverse a paid civil ticket.