Martin County Traffic Ticket Records are public court files kept by the Martin County Clerk of Courts in Stuart, Florida. These records show every civil traffic citation issued in Martin County, the court case number, the fine amount, and the final outcome.
Anyone can look up a ticket by citation number, driver name, or case number using the clerk’s online system or by visiting the courthouse at 100 E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994.
Where Martin County Traffic Ticket Records Are Stored
All civil traffic ticket records in Martin County are filed and stored by the Martin County Clerk of Courts. The clerk runs the official record system used by the 19th Judicial Circuit. The clerk’s office keeps both paper and electronic files for every traffic case filed in the county. These records stay on file for many years, even after the case is closed. The clerk handles all steps related to a ticket, including payment, court hearings, traffic school elections, and dismissals.
Role of the Martin County Clerk of Courts
The Martin County Clerk of Courts is the main custodian of all traffic case files in the county. When a law enforcement officer writes a citation in Stuart, Indiantown, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Port Salerno, or Sewall’s Point, the ticket goes to the clerk’s office. The clerk adds the ticket to the public record system within 5 to 10 days of the stop. The clerk also collects payments, sets up court dates, and tracks whether a driver has completed traffic school. Anyone needing a copy of their ticket record can request one through the clerk.
Address, Phone, and Office Hours
The Martin County Clerk of Courts is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on official county holidays. The office closes for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on some days, so it is best to call before visiting. The traffic division has its own direct phone line for ticket questions and payments.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Martin County Clerk of Courts |
| Address | 100 E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994 |
| Main Phone | 772-288-5576 |
| Traffic Division | 772-288-5547 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | martinclerk.com |
Which Tickets Are Filed in Martin County
Martin County traffic ticket records include any civil traffic infraction issued by local police, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol. This covers speeding tickets, red light camera tickets, careless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to carry insurance. Parking tickets issued on private property are not filed in the court system. Parking tickets from county or city lots may go through a separate code enforcement process.
How to Search Martin County Traffic Ticket Records Online
The fastest way to find a Martin County traffic ticket record is through the clerk’s online search system. The clerk runs a public case search tool that lets you look up active and closed cases. Most ticket records show up in the system within 5 to 10 days after the citation date. If the ticket does not show up right away, check back in a few days.
Search by Citation Number
Searching by citation number gives the most exact result. The citation number is printed on the upper right corner of the paper ticket. The number usually starts with a letter followed by numbers. Type the full citation number into the clerk’s online search tool. The system will show the case number, the charge, the court date (if any), and the current balance.
Search by Driver Name
If the citation number is missing, a name search will still pull up traffic records. Enter the last name, first name, and date of birth to narrow the results. The system may show multiple cases if the driver has more than one ticket. Each case will list the citation date, charge, status, and balance due. Name searches work best when the spelling matches the driver’s license exactly.
Search by Court Case Number
Drivers who already have a court case number can use that number to pull up records fast. Case numbers in Martin County start with a year followed by a sequence, such as “2024-CT-001234.” The online case search accepts both old and new case number formats. The record will show every filing in the case, including motions, plea entries, and the final judgment.
What Information Is Included in a Martin County Traffic Ticket Record
A Martin County traffic ticket record contains a complete history of the case from the date of the stop to the final outcome. The record shows personal details about the driver, details about the violation, the court actions taken, and the final disposition. Both the driver and the public can see most of this data, with a few limits for sealed or expunged cases.
Driver and Vehicle Details
The record shows the full name of the driver, date of birth, and driver license number. The license plate number, vehicle make, and vehicle model are also listed. The address on the ticket is the address shown on the driver’s license at the time of the stop. If the driver moved, the clerk’s record may not show the new address.
Citation Details
The citation date, time, and location of the stop are listed in the record. The officer’s name, agency, and badge number are also shown. The charge section lists the exact Florida Statute the driver is accused of breaking. Common charges include speeding (316.183), careless driving (316.1925), and failure to obey a traffic control device (316.074).
Court Actions and Disposition
The record tracks every step the case goes through. This includes the plea entered, any court hearing dates, the final judgment, fines paid, traffic school completion, and points assessed. The disposition line at the bottom shows whether the case ended in a conviction, a withhold of adjudication, a dismissal, or a traffic school election. A “paid” status means the fine was paid, which counts as a guilty plea under Florida law.
How to Pay a Martin County Traffic Ticket
Martin County offers four ways to pay a traffic ticket: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Each method has the same end result. The clerk records the payment and the case moves to a closed status. Payments must be made within 30 days of the citation date to avoid a late fee and possible license suspension.
Online Payment Through the Clerk’s Website
The clerk’s website at martinclerk.com links to the statewide payment portal at PayFLClerk.com. Pick Martin County from the drop-down list. Enter the citation number or case number. Add the payment amount using a credit or debit card. A small convenience fee is added to all card payments. The system sends a confirmation email once the payment clears.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order to the Martin County Clerk of Courts at 100 E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994. Write the citation number on the memo line of the check. Do not mail cash. The payment must arrive within 30 days of the citation date. A late fee of $16 is added if the payment is late.
Pay by Phone
Call the traffic division at 772-288-5547 during office hours. The clerk can take payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. A convenience fee applies. Phone payments are processed the same day they are made. A receipt can be mailed or emailed on request.
Pay in Person
Visit the Martin County Clerk of Courts at 100 E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. In-person payments are posted to the record right away. A printed receipt is given at the counter.
Martin County Traffic Ticket Fines and Court Costs
Traffic ticket fines in Martin County follow the state fine schedule set by Florida Statute 318.18. The base fine changes based on the type of violation and how fast the driver was going over the speed limit. Court costs and surcharges are added to every ticket. The total amount due is higher than the base fine in most cases.
Speeding Fine Schedule in Martin County
Speeding tickets in Martin County are charged based on the number of miles per hour over the limit. The base fine is set by state law and applies across Florida. Court costs and county fees are added on top of the base fine.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 mph over | Warning (no fine) |
| 6 to 9 mph over | $25 |
| 10 to 14 mph over | $100 |
| 15 to 19 mph over | $150 |
| 20 to 29 mph over | $175 |
| 30 mph or more over | $250 |
Other Common Martin County Traffic Fines
Moving violations like careless driving or failure to obey a traffic signal carry a $60 base fine. Non-moving violations like expired registration carry a $30 base fine. School zone speeding and construction zone speeding can double the base fine. Fines for these zones can reach $1,000 for the most serious cases. Court costs and surcharges are added to every fine.
Traffic School Options in Martin County
Florida law lets drivers keep points off their license by completing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. Martin County drivers can elect this option through the clerk. The election must be made within 30 days of the citation date. The course must be completed within 90 days of the citation date. The state lists approved course providers on the FLHSMV website.
Who Can Use Traffic School in Martin County
Most drivers with a civil traffic ticket can elect traffic school. There are a few rules that limit who can use it. Commercial driver license (CDL) holders cannot use the BDI course for a regular traffic ticket. Drivers who were going 30 mph or more over the speed limit also cannot use the BDI option. Each driver can only use the BDI option five times in their lifetime, and no more than once in any 12-month period.
How to Elect Traffic School
Call the Martin County traffic division at 772-288-5547 or visit the clerk’s office in person within 30 days of the citation date. Tell the clerk you want to elect the BDI course. Pay the reduced fine, which is 18% lower than the standard fine. Sign up for an approved BDI course through the FLHSMV list of providers. Complete the course within 90 days. The course provider sends the completion certificate to the clerk.
Contesting a Martin County Traffic Ticket
Drivers who want to fight a ticket can plead not guilty within 30 days of the citation date. The clerk sets a court date and mails a notice. A traffic hearing officer or county court judge hears the case. The driver can bring evidence, call witnesses, and question the officer who wrote the ticket.
How to Plead Not Guilty in Martin County
To plead not guilty, the driver must contact the clerk within 30 days. The clerk accepts written not-guilty pleas by mail, in person, or through the online portal. Once the plea is entered, the clerk schedules a hearing and sends a notice with the date, time, and courtroom. Missing the court date can result in a default judgment and additional fines.
Possible Outcomes of a Contested Hearing
A driver who wins the hearing has the ticket dismissed, and no points go on the record. A driver who loses the case may be fined up to $500 for most violations. The judge can also order traffic school, community service, or a higher fine. School zone and construction zone violations carry fines up to $1,000 under Florida Statute 318.18.
License Suspension from Unpaid Martin County Traffic Tickets
Florida law suspends the driver license of anyone who fails to pay or contest a traffic ticket within 30 days. The Martin County Clerk reports unpaid tickets to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). FLHSMV then sends a suspension order by mail. The license goes inactive 20 days after the letter is mailed.
How to Clear a Martin County Traffic Suspension
Pay the full balance due on the ticket. Add a $60 reinstatement fee paid directly to FLHSMV. The clerk sends a certificate of compliance to FLHSMV once the balance is paid in full. The suspension is lifted once FLHSMV receives the certificate. The driver can check the status of the suspension at the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.
How Long the Suspension Stays on Record
A traffic-related license suspension stays on the driving record for seven years. The suspension does not appear on a background check after the seven-year period. Insurance companies can still see the suspension during that time. The driver can still apply for a hardship license during the suspension period if they meet the state requirements.
Common Questions About Martin County Traffic Ticket Records
Many people have similar questions about how traffic ticket records work in Martin County. Below are answers to the most common ones. The answers are based on Florida state law and the rules used by the Martin County Clerk of Courts.
How Long Does It Take for a Martin County Ticket to Show Up Online?
Most tickets show up in the clerk’s online system within 5 to 10 days of the citation date. The delay is because the officer must file the paper ticket with the clerk before it can be entered. During busy periods, the delay can stretch to 14 days. If the ticket does not show up after 14 days, call the traffic division at 772-288-5547.
Can Someone Else Pay My Martin County Traffic Ticket?
Yes. A friend or family member can pay the ticket on the driver’s behalf. The payment just needs the correct citation number or case number. The person paying the fine does not need to be the driver. The clerk does not require proof of identity for someone paying on another person’s behalf.
Are Martin County Traffic Ticket Records Public?
Yes. Civil traffic records in Martin County are public records under Florida law. Most case details can be seen by anyone who searches online. Sealed or expunged records are not visible to the public. A driver can also request a certified copy of the record from the clerk for use in court or with the insurance company.
Will a Martin County Traffic Ticket Affect My Insurance?
Yes. Most insurance companies raise the rate after a driver gets a conviction on a moving violation. The increase usually lasts three to five years. Drivers who complete traffic school and avoid points on the license may avoid the increase. Each insurance company sets its own rules for which violations lead to a rate increase.
Can I Get a Copy of My Martin County Traffic Ticket Record?
Yes. The clerk sells certified and uncertified copies of court records. Certified copies cost more but are accepted by courts and government agencies. Uncertified copies cost less and are good for personal use. Records can be picked up in person or mailed for an extra fee. The clerk’s website lists the current copy fees.
What Happens If I Miss My Court Date in Martin County?
A driver who misses a court date in Martin County gets a default judgment entered against them. The driver is found guilty and charged the full fine. An additional $50 fee is added for the failure to appear. The clerk also reports the missed court date to FLHSMV, which can add points or start a license suspension.
Can I Fight a Martin County Red Light Camera Ticket?
Yes. Red light camera tickets in Martin County are civil infractions and can be contested. The driver must request a hearing within 30 days of the citation date. The hearing is held before a traffic hearing officer. The officer who issued the citation does not have to appear, but the recorded images and video can be used as evidence.