St Lucie County traffic ticket records are public files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Fort Pierce, Florida. Anyone can search these records for free using the county clerk’s online portal.
You can look up a ticket by name, case number, citation number, or date of birth. The system shows the violation, the fine, the court date, and the final outcome. This page explains exactly how the search works, what each record means, and what steps to take next.
What Are St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records
St Lucie County traffic ticket records are official court files for every civil traffic citation written inside the county. The records show the driver’s name, the date of the stop, the charge, the officer’s name, and the case status. A case status can be open, closed, paid, dismissed, or sent to collections. These records stay in the clerk’s database for at least seven years. Some records stay forever if the case involved a serious violation or a fatality.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court holds these records under Florida’s public records law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to view and copy most court files. The clerk must release the records unless a judge has sealed them. St Lucie County traffic ticket records cover all citations issued by the Florida Highway Patrol, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and city police departments in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce.
Types of Records You Can Search
The clerk’s office keeps several types of records for each ticket. Each type answers a different question a person might have after getting pulled over.
- Citation records: show the original charge, the location, and the date the officer wrote the ticket
- Case records: show the court case number, the assigned judge, and the next hearing date
- Disposition records: show the final outcome, such as paid fine, dismissed, or adjudicated
- Payment records: show every payment made, the amount, and the date received
- School election records: show whether the driver chose traffic school and the course deadline
Who Maintains the Records
The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official record keeper for the 19th Judicial Circuit. The clerk’s traffic division files every citation, tracks every payment, and stores every court order. The clerk also reports unpaid tickets to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This reporting can lead to a license suspension if the driver ignores the ticket.
How to Search St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records Online
The fastest way to search St Lucie County traffic ticket records is through the clerk’s online portal at stlucieclerk.com. The site runs a public search tool that works from any computer or phone. The search takes about one minute once you have the right data. No login or account is needed for basic case lookups.
Search by Name
A name search works for anyone who knows the full legal name of the person cited. The clerk’s system pulls every case linked to that name, including old and recent tickets. The results list the case number, the violation date, the charge, and the current status. A name search is the best method when you do not know the citation number.
To run a name search, type the last name first, then the first name. Add a date of birth if you know it. A date of birth removes common-name mistakes and narrows the list quickly. The system then shows matching cases in reverse order, with the most recent ticket on top.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the cleanest results. Every St Lucie County traffic ticket gets a unique case number once the clerk files it. The case number starts with a year code, followed by a sequence of letters and numbers, such as 2026-TR-001234. The clerk assigns this number five to ten days after the officer writes the ticket.
You can find the case number on the bottom of your printed citation, on any mailed notice from the clerk, or on your court summons. If you lost the paper copy, the name search will give you the case number to use later.
Search by Citation Number
A citation number search works before the clerk files the ticket. The citation number is the number the officer writes at the top of the paper ticket. The clerk’s system shows this number on the printed copy you received at the stop. The citation number often starts with a four-digit agency code, followed by a sequence.
Use the citation number search in the first week after the stop. The clerk’s system may not show the case yet during this window. Wait at least seven days before searching with the citation number. If the search returns no result, switch to a name search after ten days.
Search by Date of Birth
A date of birth search acts as a filter rather than a standalone tool. The clerk’s portal lets you pair a date of birth with a name to confirm you have the right person. The date of birth also helps when two people share the same name in the same county. Adding the date of birth removes the second person from the results.
Information You Need Before You Start Searching
A good search starts with the right details. Before opening the clerk’s portal, gather the items below. Having these details ready saves time and cuts down on false results.
- Full legal name of the person cited, spelled the same way it appears on the ticket
- Date of birth for that person, in MM/DD/YYYY format
- Citation number from the printed ticket, if you still have the paper copy
- Case number from any mail or court notice you received
- Date the officer issued the ticket, written on the bottom of the citation
What Each Search Result Means
The search result page shows a list of matching cases. Each row links to a full case file. The full file shows every step the clerk has taken on that ticket. Read each line carefully so you know what action to take next.
Open Status
An open status means the case is active and the driver has not finished all required steps. The driver may need to pay a fine, finish traffic school, or attend a court hearing. An open case also means the 30-day payment deadline has not passed. The driver must act before the deadline to avoid extra fees and license problems.
Closed Status
A closed status means the case ended. The closure may be a paid fine, a dismissed charge, a completed traffic school, or a court judgment. A closed case no longer needs action from the driver, unless the closure came with extra court costs. The case file shows the closure reason in the disposition field.
Disposition Records Explained
The disposition line tells the final result of the case. Common disposition codes include “Paid,” “Adjudication Withheld,” “Dismissed,” “School Election Completed,” and “Bond Forfeited.” Each code carries a different effect on the driver’s record and insurance rates. A “Dismissed” result means the driver won the case. An “Adjudication Withheld” result means the driver paid a fine but avoided a formal conviction.
Outstanding Balance
The results page also shows any unpaid balance on the case. The balance includes the base fine, court costs, late fees, and collection fees. A balance of zero means the case is fully settled. A positive balance means the driver still owes money. The clerk’s portal will not let you close a case with a positive balance until the balance drops to zero.
How to Pay a St Lucie County Traffic Ticket
St Lucie County traffic ticket records show a payment deadline 30 days after the citation date. Florida Statute 318.14 sets this deadline for every civil traffic infraction in the state. Missing the deadline adds a $16 late fee and risks a license suspension. The clerk accepts payment online, by mail, by phone, and in person.
Online Payment Through the Clerk Portal
The clerk’s online payment portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The site adds a small convenience fee for card payments, set by the payment processor. Electronic checks carry no extra fee. The portal gives a confirmation number at the end of the transaction. Save the confirmation number for your files.
To pay online, open stlucieclerk.com and click the “Pay Traffic Ticket” link. Type the case number or citation number into the search box. The site pulls the case and shows the total due. Choose your payment method, type the card or account data, and confirm. The system updates the case record within 24 hours.
Paying by Mail
Mail payments work for anyone who wants to pay by check or money order. Make the check payable to the “Clerk of Court.” Write the citation number on the memo line of the check. Send the payment to the address printed on the citation or to the clerk’s main mailing address. Keep a copy of the check and the mailing receipt.
Paying in Person
The clerk’s office accepts in-person payments at the main courthouse in Fort Pierce. The cashier window takes cash, check, money order, and card payments. The office gives a printed receipt at the window. The line can run long at lunch and on Fridays, so plan an early visit when possible.
Phone Payments
The clerk’s office also takes phone payments through an automated system. Call the traffic division during business hours and follow the voice prompts. The system reads the case data back to you before charging the card. Phone payments carry the same convenience fee as online card payments.
St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Fine Schedule for 2026
Florida Statute 318.18 sets the base fine for every traffic violation. The fine goes up based on how fast the driver was going over the limit, the type of violation, and the court costs added by the county. St Lucie County adds $35 in court costs for moving violations and $18 for non-moving violations. The table below shows the base fines for common violations in 2026.
| Violation Type | Base Fine | Court Costs | Total Before Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1 to 5 mph over | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| Speeding 6 to 9 mph over | $25 | $35 | $60 |
| Speeding 10 to 14 mph over | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Speeding 15 to 19 mph over | $150 | $35 | $185 |
| Speeding 20 to 29 mph over | $175 | $35 | $210 |
| Speeding 30 mph or more over | $250 | $35 | $285 |
| Moving violation (non-speeding) | $60 | $35 | $95 |
| Non-moving violation | $30 | $18 | $48 |
| Pedestrian violation | $15 | $0 | $15 |
| School zone speeding | Double the base fine | $35 | Varies |
| Construction zone speeding (with workers) | Double the base fine | $35 | Varies |
Your Three Options After a St Lucie County Traffic Ticket
Every driver cited for a civil traffic infraction in St Lucie County has three options under Florida law. The driver must pick one of these options within 30 days of the citation date. Failing to act triggers late fees, a license suspension, and possible arrest on a bench warrant.
Option One: Pay the Fine
Paying the fine in full counts as a guilty plea. The clerk reports the conviction to the FLHSMV. The FLHSMV adds points to the driver’s record based on the violation type. Points stay on the record for three years and can raise insurance rates. A typical speeding ticket adds three to four points. A careless driving charge adds four points.
Option Two: Pay the Fine and Elect Traffic School
Drivers can keep points off the record by paying a reduced fine and completing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. The fine drops by 18 percent when the driver elects the course. The driver must tell the clerk about the election at the time of payment. The course must be finished within 90 days of the citation date.
A driver can use the BDI option up to five times in a lifetime. The driver cannot use it more than once in any 12-month period. Commercial driver’s license holders cannot use this option. Drivers cited for going 30 mph or more over the limit cannot use this option. The FLHSMV maintains a list of approved BDI course providers on its website.
Option Three: Contest the Ticket in Court
Contesting a ticket means asking for a court hearing before a St Lucie County judge. The driver enters a plea of not guilty at the hearing. The officer who wrote the ticket must show up to testify. The driver can bring evidence, question the officer, and argue the case. A judge decides the outcome.
A driver who loses the hearing pays a higher fine, up to $500 for a standard violation. School zone and construction zone violations can carry fines up to $1,000. A losing driver also pays court costs. A winning driver pays no fine and the case gets dismissed. The clerk removes the citation from the driver’s record after a dismissal.
What Happens If You Ignore a St Lucie County Traffic Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket in St Lucie County starts a chain of penalties. The clerk reports the unpaid ticket to the FLHSMV under Florida Statute 318.15. The FLHSMV then mails a suspension notice to the driver. The suspension takes effect 20 days after the notice is mailed.
The license suspension stays on the driver’s record for seven years. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal charge that can lead to arrest, fines, and jail time. The driver must pay the full amount owed, a $60 reinstatement fee, and any additional late fees before the FLHSMV will lift the suspension. The clerk issues a certificate of compliance after full payment.
St Lucie County Traffic Court Locations and Hours
The St Lucie County courthouse sits at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34950. The courthouse opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The traffic division cashier window closes at 4:30 p.m. Court hearings take place on specific days set by the judge assigned to the case. The clerk’s office answers phone calls at 772-462-6900 during business hours.
The traffic division can be reached directly at 772-462-6965 for case status and payment questions. The general information line for the clerk’s office is 772-462-6900. Both lines connect to clerks who can look up records and explain the next steps in your case.
St Lucie County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the clerk’s office by phone, by mail, or in person. The clerk’s website is stlucieclerk.com. The mailing address for payments and document filings is P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. The physical address for in-person visits is 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950.
Official Website: https://www.stlucieclerk.com
Traffic Division Phone: 772-462-6965
General Phone: 772-462-6900
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Physical Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How Long St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records Stay on File
St Lucie County traffic ticket records stay on the clerk’s system for at least seven years from the case closure date. The FLHSMV keeps the same records on the driving history file for the same period. A driver can request an early sealing of a record only under specific conditions set by Florida law. A dismissed case or a case that ended in a withhold of adjudication may qualify for sealing after the waiting period ends.
Red light camera tickets stay on the record as civil infractions, not criminal charges. These records follow the same seven-year retention rule. Parking tickets issued by the county or city are not traffic ticket records. Parking tickets go through a separate code enforcement system and stay on that system for three years.
How Traffic Tickets Affect Insurance Rates in St Lucie County
Insurance companies check driving records before writing a new policy or renewing an old one. A single moving violation can raise insurance rates by 20 to 30 percent. The increase stays in effect for three to five years. Multiple violations can trigger a policy cancellation. The clerk’s office does not report records directly to insurance companies. The FLHSMV sells driving records to insurance carriers and other authorized buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records
Many search errors come from simple data entry mistakes. The list below covers the most common mistakes drivers make when looking up their records.
- Typing the name in the wrong order, with the first name before the last name
- Using a nickname instead of the legal name on the citation
- Searching too early, before the clerk has filed the case
- Entering the citation number with dashes or spaces, which the system rejects
- Confusing the case number with the citation number
Frequently Asked Questions About St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records
These questions cover the most common issues drivers face when searching, paying, or contesting traffic ticket records in St Lucie County. Each answer gives specific steps based on Florida law and the clerk’s office policies in 2026.
How Long Does It Take for a New Ticket to Show Up in the Clerk’s System?
New St Lucie County traffic ticket records usually appear in the clerk’s system five to ten days after the officer writes the citation. The officer must submit the citation to the clerk within five days under Florida Highway Patrol policy. The clerk then files the case and assigns a case number. Drivers who search before the case is filed will see no result. Wait at least seven days, and use a name search if the citation number still returns nothing.
Can I Search for Someone Else’s St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Records?
Yes, the clerk’s public records portal allows anyone to search for any St Lucie County traffic ticket records. Florida’s public records law treats court files as open to the public. You do not need the driver’s permission to view the case status or the disposition. You do need the citation number, case number, or full name plus date of birth to run the search. Personal data such as the driver’s address and phone number stays off the public portal.
What Should I Do If I Lost My Traffic Ticket Before Paying?
Drivers who lose the paper copy of a St Lucie County traffic ticket can still pay the fine. Use the name search on the clerk’s portal to find the case number. The case number pulls up the full case file, which shows the amount due. You can then pay online, by mail, or in person. If the name search returns no result, call the traffic division at 772-462-6965 for help locating the case.
Does Paying a Traffic Ticket in St Lucie County Add Points to My License?
Paying a St Lucie County traffic ticket in full counts as a guilty plea and adds points to the driver’s license. The number of points depends on the violation. A speeding ticket adds three to four points. A careless driving charge adds four points. A driver can avoid points by electing the BDI course at the time of payment. The election must happen within 30 days of the citation date.
Can I Get a St Lucie County Traffic Ticket Dismissed Without Going to Court?
Dismissals without a court appearance are rare in St Lucie County. A driver must usually attend a hearing and present evidence to get a dismissal. Some counties offer a “Defensive Driving” program that can lead to a dismissal, but St Lucie County does not currently run that program. Drivers who cannot attend a scheduled hearing can request a continuance from the clerk’s office by phone or in writing.
How Do I Remove an Old St Lucie County Traffic Ticket From My Public Record?
A driver can ask the court to seal or expunge an old St Lucie County traffic ticket record under Florida Statute 943.059. The driver must meet specific eligibility rules, including a waiting period after the case closes. A case that ended in a dismissal or a withhold of adjudication often qualifies for sealing. A case that ended in a conviction does not qualify. The driver files a petition with the clerk and pays a filing fee.
What Happens If I Get a Traffic Ticket in St Lucie County But I Live in Another State?
Out-of-state drivers must still deal with St Lucie County traffic ticket records. The clerk reports any unpaid ticket to the FLHSMV. The FLHSMV shares the information with the driver’s home state under the Driver License Compact. The home state then adds points or takes action against the driver’s license. Out-of-state drivers can pay the ticket online through the clerk’s portal without traveling to Florida.