A suspension will be entered against your driver license which could affect your insurance rates and will subject you to additional penalties and costs.
You may pay by mail via personal check, money order or cashiers check. You may pay over the internet for timely payments at www.myfloridacounty.com . In the office we take cash, money orders, cashiers checks, and have a third party vendor for MasterCard/VISA/American Express. Please note that this vendor charges a service charge for processing your transaction and forwarding the funds to our office.
Are there other options available?
Yes, payable civil infractions may be satisfied by entering a plea of Not Guilty (PENDING OUTCOME OF TRIAL), by electing to attend a driver improvement course (THIS GIVES A SLIGHT REDUCTION IN THE FINE AMOUNT), or by submitting an Affidavit of Compliance for cases involving safety equipment violations which have been corrected by you and the affidavit signed by a law enforcement officer indicating the correction was made. Traffic tickets written for certain driver license, registration or insurance violations may be dismissed by the Clerk if proof of compliance can be shown within 30 days. There are minimal fees for dismissal.
What types of cases are heard in court?
The Traffic Division of the County Court is set-up to hear criminal traffic and civil traffic infractions. Traffic cases are heard by the County Judge.
How do I enter a not guilty plea to a civil traffic infraction?
You must notify the Clerk's Office, in person or in writing, within the required time frame of thirty (30) calendar days from the date of issuance of the ticket. You will be required to fill out appropriate paperwork and pay a clerk’s preparation fee. Your case will be scheduled for a court date and you will be advised when and where to appear.
Who will be present at the hearing?
The officer who issued the traffic ticket and any other witnesses called by the officer or any witnesses that you may wish to call to testify on your behalf.
What must I do if the court finds me guilty?
If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may assess fine and costs, order you to attend a defensive driving 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.
For a moving violation, can I do anything to avoid points and higher insurance costs?
You have the opportunity to attend a driver improvement school. Anyone who does not hold a commercial driver’s license may elect traffic school. However, a person may not make this election if an election has been made in the last 12 months. A person may make no more than 5 elections within 10 years.
Can the Clerk's office advise me about points assessed against my license?
No, deputy clerks cannot advise you on the number of points assessed against your driver history record or on how points will affect your insurance. You must address these concerns with the Bureau of Driver Licenses and/or your insurance agent.
Can I plead not guilty to a traffic ticket if I live out of Wakulla County?
Yes, you may plead not guilty by completing an Affidavit of Defense and filing it with the Clerk's Office. You will be required to post a bond for the full amount of your citation at the time you file the Affidavit of Defense. The Affidavit of Defense will be read in open court, you are encouraged to be present, however if this is not possible, you will be notified by mail of the outcome of the hearing.
What are the fine amounts?
Fines for civil infractions are governed by Florida Statutes. For the most current fine schedule refer to a current "Schedule of Service Charges" available in the Clerk's Office, as well as online, for the applicable fee.
Where does the fine money go?
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.
What is a D6?
A D6 is a notification sent to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by the Clerk of Courts for failure to pay a citation within the required time. The Division of Motor Vehicles issues the suspension against your driver’s license.
If my license is under suspension, How can I reinstate my driving privilege?
If your license is suspended for failure to pay a civil infraction in Wakulla County, you may pay the fine amount owing plus the assessed delinquent fee. The Clerk's Office can assist you in reinstating your license. If there are other reasons for the suspension, you will need to go to a driver license office for reinstatement. A reinstatement fee is required.
If I received a traffic ticket in another county, can I take care of it in Wakulla County?
Tickets must be satisfied in the county in which they were issued.
