What types of cases are handled in Traffic Court?

The Traffic Division of the County Court handles criminal traffic cases, civil infractions and violations of county and municipal ordinances.  The County Court Judge hears criminal traffic cases and ordinances. Civil infractions maybe heard by the County Court Judge or a hearing officer.

What is a criminal traffic charge?

A criminal traffic charge, such as driving under the influence, requires a court appearance and subjects a person to penalties that include a fine and/or the possibility of a jail term. Payment of the ticket cannot be made automatically to the Clerk's Office. Persons charged with a criminal offense, if not given a court date at the jail, will be mailed a notice of hearing.  If a court date is not received within 14 days it is recommended you contact the Clerk's office for information by calling 352-341-6424.

What is a civil traffic infraction?

A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal charge that usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or an election to attend a driver improvement course. A court appearance is not required, except in cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury to another or fatality, or if required by Florida statute. Payment can be made by mailing the payment to 110 N Apopka Avenue, Inverness, Fl 34450,  or paying in person at the Clerk's office, 110 N Apopka Avenue, Inverness, Fl, or the West Citrus Government Center at 1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd Suite 300, Crystal River, Fl. Debit and credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express) are accepted at the Customer Service Counters in both locations, or by phone, by calling  352-341-6424. Tickets that have been issued within the last 29 days may be paid on line at http://www.myfloridacounty.com

When do I have to pay my ticket?

Infraction violations must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued.

What if I can't pay my ticket within 30 days?

As of October 1st, within 30 days after the date of the issusance of the citation for non-criminal infractions, you may enter into a payment plan with the Clerk. There is a $25.00 administrative fee, which is due at the time the payment plan agreement is signed.  You will be required to make monthly payments.  Please see additional information under FAQ regarding payment plans.

What happens if I don't pay my ticket on time?

A suspension will be entered against your driver's license, and this could affect your insurance rates and subject you to additional penalties. Further, your case will be referred to a collection agency for collection of the past due amounts. 

Do I have other options besides just paying the ticket?

With payable civil infractions, you may enter a plea of not guilty; elect to attend a driver improvement course; or in some cases  an Affidavit of Compliance along with a $93.75 dismissal fee if the case involves tag/DL regulations or $75.90 for Proof of compliance Insurance violations.  Also, for tickets issued for no valid driver's license, no registration certificate, or no proof of insurance, the ticket can be dismissed for $10.00, if you are able to furnish proof that you had the document at the time you were charged and the document was valid.

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 period. Your case will be scheduled for an infraction hearing, at which you will be formally advised of the charge against you. If you enter a plea of not guilty by mail,  you must provide your citation number, your correct mailing address, and a day-time telephone number.  A notice of hearing will be mailed to you. It is recommended that you contact our office the day prior to your infraction hearing at 352-341-6433, to verify that your case is still on the court docket and has not been rescheduled.  

Who will be present at the hearing?

The officer who issued the traffic ticket, any witnesses called by the officer, and any witnesses you wish to call, will be present at the hearing.

What happens if the court finds me guilty?

If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may assess the fine and costs, order you to attend a defensive driving course, or impose other penalties. If you fail to pay the fine and costs in the time allotted by the court, a suspension will be issued against your driver's license and additional penalties will be imposed.

Can the Clerk's Office advise me about points assessed against my license?

No, deputy clerks cannot offer advice concerning the number of points assessed against your license or how points will affect your insurance. You must address these concerns with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and/or your insurance agent.

How do I figure out what I owe on my ticket?

Please be aware that, while a law enforcement officer may tell you a fine amount for a particular violation, Florida Statutes, court rules, and administrative orders require the payment of court costs for various traffic infractions.  Current listings for fine amounts can been viewed at the Clerk of the Circuit Court's website at www.clerk.citrus.fl.us, once on the site click on Courts, located on the left hand side. Click Traffic.  On the right hand side under related forms, click Traffic Fine Schedule. Or, you may contact the Clerk of Courts office in the county you received the citation to verify the amount owed on your citation.  In Citrus County, call (352) 341-6424.