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1. How can I satisfy a traffic civil infraction?

Payable civil infractions may be satisfied in one of several ways:

• Electing to attend a basic driver improvement course
• Entering a plea of Not Guilty
• Submitting an Affidavit of Compliance for cases involving safety equipment violations that have been corrected by you.
• Traffic tickets written for certain driver license, registration or insurance violations may be dismissed by the Clerk if proof of compliance at the time the ticket was issued can be shown

2. The fee owed is different than what the deputy or officer listed on my citation. Why is that?

Fees for traffic fines may change during the year. The fine provided by the deputy may not be accurate. Please refer to the current fee schedule for the most current information.

3. Can I get a payment extension?

Extensions to pay are granted for a one-time, 60 day period if requested on or before the original 30 days due date. This can be done by calling our Clerk’s Call Center during office hours, or you must notify the Clerk’s office, in person, or in writing, within the required time frame of 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the ticket. Once this option is selected, it waives your right for a court date or to elect to attend a basic driver improvement course.

4. How long do I have to enter a not guilty plea to a civil infraction?

You must notify the Clerk’s office, in person or in writing within the required time frame of 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the ticket.

5. What if I live outside of Polk County?

If you wish to plead not guilty to a traffic infraction ticket, and you cannot appear for a hearing because you live outside Polk County, you must complete an Affidavit of Defense (PDF) and file it with Polk County Clerk’s office on or before the 30-day due date.

Effective October 1, 2006, speed in excess of 30 mph over the posted speed limit requires a mandatory court appearance. The fine is doubled for a second or subsequent conviction within 12 months when speed exceeds the limit by 30 miles per hour or more. A person may not elect to attend a basic driver improvement course in lieu of a court appearance.

6. What if I'm found guilty of a civil traffic infraction?

If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may assess fine and costs, order you to attend a basic driver improvement course, or impose other penalties. If you should fail to pay the fine and cost within the time allotted you by the court, if any, a suspension will be issued against your driver’s license and additional penalties will be imposed. Fines for civil infractions are governed by Florida Statutes. For the most current fine schedule refer to a current Civil Infraction Fine Schedule for the applicable fee.

Fines are distributed to various funds established by the legislature with a portion being returned to the issuing law enforcement agency and a service charge retained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

7. What are my options for paying court imposed fines and costs for traffic tickets?

Please allow 5 to 7 days for our office to receive and process your citation before attempting to make a payment. Methods of paying traffic fines include:

• Debit or Credit Card. Debit or credit card payments can be accepted only if the payment is not more than 89 days past due.
  • Online - This service requires you to enter your citation number as it appears on the citation (such as Number-AAA). If the citation has a four number-three letter format, do not include the additional number after the citation.
  • Phone: 877-716-1781, 24-hour, automated payment line. This payment option is not available for past due payments.
  • In-Person: Visit the locations page for the nearest Clerk’s office. The credit card processing vendor charges a 3.5% convenience fee for this service. The Clerk’s office does not receive any portion of this fee.
• Check or Money Order: Make checks payable to "Clerk of Court" in the envelope you received:
  • Mail: Payments by mail must have the proper postage and must be received by the due date to avoid late fees and suspension of your driver’s license. Mailing instructions are available at the bottom of traffic citations.
  • In-Person: Visit the locations page for the nearest Clerk’s office.
• Cash: Pay with cash at any Amscot. (Amscot charges a $2.50 service fee) or Clerk’s office locations.

8. Can I pay for traffic citation in Polk County that I received in another county?

Tickets must be satisfied in the county in which they were issued. For example, if you received a traffic ticket in Orlando, Florida, you must pay for it in Orange County. You may not pay for it in Polk County.