St Petersburg City traffic ticket records are official court files that show every traffic citation issued inside St Petersburg city limits in Pinellas County, Florida. These records are kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Ken Burke, CPA.
Any driver who got a ticket from the St Petersburg Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol can search these records online, by phone, or in person. The records show the ticket number, the violation, the court date, the fine amount, and the final outcome. Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida court records are public by law.
Who Maintains St Petersburg Traffic Ticket Records
All traffic citations issued within St Petersburg city limits go to one central office. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court stores, updates, and shares these records for the entire county. St Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County with over 260,000 residents, so the clerk’s office handles a high volume of ticket records each year.
Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court is the main office that holds every traffic ticket record for St Petersburg. Ken Burke, CPA, has served as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller since 2006. The clerk’s office files, processes, and stores records for all traffic citations issued in the county. This includes tickets written in St Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and all other Pinellas cities. The clerk’s office also collects payments, schedules court hearings, and keeps track of case outcomes.
6th Judicial Circuit Court
St Petersburg traffic tickets fall under the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Pinellas County and Pasco County. Traffic cases in St Petersburg go before judges at the Pinellas County Courthouse or one of the branch locations. The clerk’s office works directly with the 6th Circuit judges to manage case files and hearing schedules.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, also called FLHSMV, holds driving records and license points. The Pinellas County Clerk holds court records, but FLHSMV keeps the driving record that shows points, suspensions, and license status. Many users need to check both systems to see the full picture of a traffic case.
Office Locations for St Petersburg Traffic Records
Drivers in St Petersburg can visit several clerk office locations to look up records, make payments, or attend hearings. The main office is in Clearwater, but St Petersburg has a convenient branch office. Drivers can also use any branch across the county because the system is linked.
St Petersburg Branch Office
The St Petersburg branch is the closest location for most city residents. This office handles traffic ticket payments, record lookups, and basic court services.
Clearwater Main Courthouse
The main Pinellas County Courthouse sits in downtown Clearwater. This is the central office that holds the full court records database. Drivers with complex cases or those needing certified copies should visit this location.
North County Customer Service Center
The North County center in Clearwater serves residents who live in northern Pinellas cities. This location offers the same traffic ticket services as the main courthouse.
Contact Numbers and Online Access
The clerk’s office provides several ways to reach them. The main traffic phone line is (727) 464-7000. A 24-hour automated payment line works at 727-464-4846. The official website is www.mypinellasclerk.gov. The statewide portal at www.payflclerk.com also accepts Pinellas traffic ticket payments.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| St Petersburg Branch | 545 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33701 | (727) 464-7000 |
| Clearwater Main Courthouse | 315 Court Street, Room 170, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-7000 |
| Justice Center | 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762 | (727) 464-7000 |
| 24-Hour Payment Line | N/A | 727-464-4846 |
How to Search St Petersburg Traffic Ticket Records Online
The fastest way to find a traffic ticket record is through the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal. The system lets users search by name, ticket number, citation number, or case number. The records show real-time status updates. The portal works on any device with internet access.
Searching by Citation Number
The most direct search method uses the citation number printed on the traffic ticket. This number starts with letters followed by digits and appears at the top of every ticket. Searching by citation number pulls up the exact case file. The system shows the violation code, the fine amount, the court date, and the current status.
Searching by Name
Drivers who lost their ticket can search by full legal name. The name search returns all traffic cases linked to that person in Pinellas County. Users should enter the last name, first name, and middle initial for best results. The search returns matching cases along with birth year filters to confirm the right person.
Searching by Case Number
Each traffic case gets a unique case number assigned by the clerk. Users who already received a case number can pull up records instantly. Case numbers appear on court notices and payment receipts. This search method gives the most complete file view.
Search by Court Date
The system also lets users search cases scheduled for a specific court date. This helps attorneys and individuals track multiple hearings. The date search shows the time, courtroom, and assigned judge for each case.
Types of Records Available for St Petersburg Traffic Tickets
The Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal shows several types of records for each traffic case. Users can view basic case data, court filings, hearing results, payment history, and final outcomes. Each record type serves a different purpose for drivers, attorneys, and insurance companies.
Case Information Records
Case information records show the basic facts of every traffic citation. These records include the ticket number, the issuing officer, the violation date, the location, the statute violated, and the current status. Drivers can check these records to confirm what they were charged with and where the case stands.
Court Filing Documents
Court filings include the original citation, any written pleas, motions, affidavits, and orders from the judge. These documents appear in the electronic court file once a case moves past the initial payment stage. Drivers who pleaded not guilty can review all filings related to their hearing.
Disposition Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of each traffic case. A disposition might show “paid fine,” “found guilty,” “dismissed,” “driver improvement course completed,” or “adjudication withheld.” These records matter because insurance companies and future employers often check disposition status.
Hearing Schedules and Results
The portal shows upcoming hearing dates and past hearing results. Drivers who pleaded not guilty can see when their court date is set and which courtroom to attend. After a hearing, the result posts to the portal within a few days.
How to Pay a St Petersburg Traffic Ticket
Drivers have 30 calendar days from the citation date to pay or respond to a St Petersburg traffic ticket. This rule comes from Florida Statute 318.14. Missing the deadline leads to late fees, a license suspension, and a possible warrant. Pinellas County offers many payment methods to make this easier.
Online Payment Options
Online payment is the fastest method. Drivers can pay through the Pinellas County Clerk portal at www.mypinellasclerk.gov or through the statewide portal at www.payflclerk.com. Both systems accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. The online system charges a 3.5% convenience fee on credit and debit card payments.
Phone Payment Options
The 24-hour automated phone line at 727-464-4846 accepts payments any time of day. The phone system also charges a 3.5% convenience fee. Drivers should have their ticket number, citation number, or case number ready before calling.
In-Person Payment Methods
Drivers can pay in person at any Pinellas County Clerk location. The St Petersburg branch at 545 First Avenue North accepts cash, check, money order, and debit or credit cards. Drop boxes sit outside every office for after-hours payments. AMSCOT locations across Florida also accept cash payments for a $2.50 service fee.
Payment by Mail
Mail payments require a check or money order made out to “Clerk of Court.” Drivers should use the return envelope included with the citation. The mailing address appears on the back of the ticket. Mail payments need at least 7 days before the deadline to reach the office.
Options After Getting a St Petersburg Traffic Ticket
Florida law gives drivers five options after receiving a traffic citation. Each option has different rules, deadlines, and results. Picking the right option depends on the violation, driving history, and personal needs.
Pay the Fine and Accept Points
The simplest option is paying the fine. Paying counts as a conviction under Florida law. Moving violations add points to the driving record. The base fine for a moving violation is $60 under Florida Statute 318.18. Speeding tickets range from $25 for 6 to 9 mph over the limit to $250 for 30 mph or more over. School zone and construction zone fines double.
Elect a Driver Improvement Course
Drivers can avoid points by electing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. The civil penalty must be paid in full at the time of election. The course must be completed within 60 calendar days. Drivers submit the completion certificate to the clerk. This option works once every 12 months and up to 8 times in a lifetime. CDL holders cannot use this option. Failing to finish the course adds an $18 processing fee, late fees, license suspension, and full points.
Plead Not Guilty and Request a Hearing
Drivers who believe the ticket was issued in error can plead not guilty. The clerk must receive a written plea within 30 calendar days. The Written Plea of Not Guilty and Request for Hearing form is available online and at all clerk offices. The court sets a hearing date, and the citing officer may appear to testify.
Submit an Affidavit of Compliance
Corrected equipment violations can be dismissed with an Affidavit of Compliance. Drivers fix the problem (like a broken taillight) and submit proof within the deadline. The court charges a small dismissal fee.
Show Proof of Insurance or Registration
Drivers charged with no insurance or no registration can submit proof they had valid coverage before the ticket date. The clerk may dismiss the case with a dismissal fee.
Out-of-County Residents
Drivers who do not live in Pinellas County can file an Affidavit of Defense. This form lets out-of-county drivers fight the ticket by mail without coming to court. The clerk’s office accepts this form for most noncriminal infractions.
Common St Petersburg Traffic Violations and Fines
St Petersburg police enforce traffic laws at busy intersections, school zones, and major roads. Some violations appear more often than others in the records database. Knowing common fines helps drivers plan for ticket costs.
| Violation Type | Base Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (6-9 mph over) | $25 | 3 |
| Speeding (10-14 mph over) | $100 | 3 |
| Speeding (15-19 mph over) | $150 | 3 |
| Speeding (20-29 mph over) | $200 | 4 |
| Speeding (30+ mph over) | $250 | 4 |
| Running a Red Light | $158 | 3 |
| Careless Driving | $129 | 3 |
| No Valid Driver’s License | $60 | 0 |
| No Insurance | $60 | 0 |
| Texting While Driving (First Offense) | $106 | 0 |
St Petersburg Parking Tickets vs. Traffic Tickets
Parking tickets in St Petersburg follow different rules than moving violations. The City of St Petersburg handles parking tickets directly, not the Pinellas County Clerk. Drivers must pay parking tickets to the city within 15 calendar days. Parking tickets do not affect a driver’s license or driving record. However, three or more unpaid parking tickets can block vehicle registration renewal. One unpaid handicap parking ticket can also block registration.
How to Check Traffic Ticket Status
The clerk’s online portal shows real-time ticket status. Status updates happen automatically after each step in the process. Drivers can also check status by phone through the automated system.
Status Types in the System
The records database shows several status types. “Pending” means the case has not been resolved yet. “Paid” means the fine has been paid in full. “Dismissed” means the court threw out the case. “Adjudication withheld” means the driver paid but the court withheld a formal conviction. “Failure to pay” means the driver missed the deadline. “Warrant” means the court issued an arrest warrant for failure to appear or pay.
How to Get Certified Copies of Traffic Ticket Records
Certified copies of traffic ticket records are often needed for insurance disputes, immigration cases, or background checks. The Pinellas County Clerk provides certified copies at all office locations. The fee is $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. Online requests for certified copies are available through the clerk’s portal with an additional convenience fee. Certified copies include the clerk’s official seal and signature.
Records of Disposition and Final Outcomes
The disposition record is the most important document in any traffic case file. Insurance companies ask for disposition records to confirm whether a driver was convicted. The disposition shows the final legal outcome and whether points were added to the license. Users can download disposition records from the online portal in PDF format.
St Petersburg Police Department Records Requests
The St Petersburg Police Department keeps copies of the original citations, crash reports, and body camera footage. The Police Department address is 1300 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33705. The non-emergency phone number is 727-893-7780. Drivers can request copies of police reports directly from the department for a fee. Crash reports cost $10 per copy. Records requests may take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Expungement of St Petersburg Traffic Tickets
Most noncriminal traffic tickets cannot be expunged under Florida law. However, drivers who received a withhold of adjudication may qualify for a sealing of record in some cases. Expungement removes the case from public view. Drivers seeking expungement must file a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The process takes 6 to 12 months on average.
Florida Uniform Traffic Citation Number Format
Every Florida traffic ticket has a Uniform Traffic Citation number. This number identifies the specific ticket in the state database. The format starts with a county code, followed by a sequential number, and ends with a four-digit year code. For example, a Pinellas County ticket might look like A123456B-2025. Knowing this number helps users search records online or by phone.
Contact and Location Summary
St Petersburg drivers can reach the Pinellas County Clerk through several channels. The main phone number for traffic ticket questions is (727) 464-7000. The 24-hour automated payment line is 727-464-4846. The official website is www.mypinellasclerk.gov. The St Petersburg branch office is located at 545 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The statewide payment portal is www.payflclerk.com. The FLHSMV website is www.flhsmv.gov. Drivers can check license status at the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Petersburg Traffic Ticket Records
The following questions cover the most common concerns from drivers who receive traffic tickets in St Petersburg, Florida. These answers reflect current Florida law, Pinellas County Clerk procedures, and FLHSMV policies as of July 2026. Each answer provides specific steps and references to official resources.
How Long Does a St Petersburg Traffic Ticket Stay on Record?
St Petersburg traffic tickets stay on a driver’s record for different lengths of time depending on the type. Moving violations and points stay on the driving record for at least 3 years. Insurance companies typically look back 3 to 5 years. Serious violations like reckless driving can stay on record for 10 years or more. Court records at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office remain accessible indefinitely unless sealed or expunged. Florida does not automatically delete old tickets after a set period. Drivers with old tickets should check both the FLHSMV driving record and the Pinellas County Clerk case records.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s St Petersburg Traffic Ticket?
Yes. Florida court records are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal by name, citation number, or case number. The records show basic case information, court dates, and final dispositions. However, some personal details may be redacted from online records under Florida Supreme Court rules. Certified copies may require proof of identity or a notarized request form. Background check companies and attorneys commonly pull these records for legal, employment, and insurance purposes.
What Happens If I Miss the 30-Day Deadline?
Missing the 30-day deadline on a St Petersburg traffic ticket triggers serious consequences. The clerk adds late fees, typically $50 or more depending on the violation. A second notice goes out with a new deadline. If the driver still fails to pay or respond, the clerk reports the case to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. FLHSMV then suspends the driver’s license. A license suspension leads to additional reinstatement fees. In some cases, the court may issue a bench warrant for failure to appear.
Will a St Petersburg Traffic Ticket Affect My Insurance?
Yes. Most moving violations affect insurance rates for 3 to 5 years. Insurance companies check driving records before issuing new policies and at renewal time. Common violations like speeding, running red lights, and careless driving can raise premiums by 20% to 40%. A second ticket within 3 years often triggers a larger increase. Some insurance companies drop high-risk drivers after multiple violations. Drivers who elect a traffic school option avoid points but the conviction still appears on the driving record.
Can I Get a Traffic Ticket Removed From My Record?
Drivers cannot remove a paid or convicted traffic ticket from the public record in most cases. Florida law allows sealing or expungement only for cases that did not result in a conviction. Drivers who received a withhold of adjudication may qualify to seal the record after the case closes. The process requires a certificate of eligibility from FDLE and a court order. A lawyer can help with the petition. Most minor traffic infractions do not qualify for expungement under current Florida statutes.
How Do I Find the Officer Who Wrote My Ticket?
The officer’s name appears on the citation itself and in the Pinellas County Clerk’s online records. Each citation lists the officer’s name, badge number, and agency. Drivers who lost their ticket can search the online portal by name or citation number to find the issuing officer. The St Petersburg Police Department also keeps internal records of every officer’s citations. Drivers can request this through a public records request to the department at 1300 First Avenue North.
Do Out-of-State Drivers Get Special Treatment?
Out-of-state drivers must respond to St Petersburg traffic tickets the same way as Florida residents. The 30-day deadline still applies. Out-of-state drivers can file an Affidavit of Defense instead of appearing in court. This lets them fight the ticket by mail. Florida reports traffic convictions to the driver’s home state through the Driver License Compact. Most states honor Florida convictions and apply their own points. Out-of-state drivers should check their home state’s rules for ticket reporting.