Bradford County traffic ticket records are the official files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Starke, Florida. These records hold the full history of every traffic citation issued in the county, including speeding tickets, careless driving charges, seatbelt violations, and other civil infractions.
Drivers, attorneys, insurance companies, and the general public can search these records to check a ticket’s status, view fines, confirm court dates, or pull a driver’s Bradford County traffic ticket history.
How Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records Are Maintained
Every traffic citation written in Bradford County flows through the county’s Clerk of Court office. The clerk is the official record keeper for all court cases in the 8th Judicial Circuit, which covers Bradford, Alachua, Baker, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. After a law enforcement officer issues a citation, the ticket is filed with the clerk, who logs it into the official case management system.
The Role of the Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the central office for traffic ticket record keeping in Bradford County. This office processes every uniform traffic citation, accepts payments, schedules hearings, and stores case documents. The clerk also reports unpaid citations to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which can trigger a license suspension for the driver.
What Types of Traffic Records Are Stored
Bradford County traffic ticket records include several data points for each case. These records show the citation number, the date of the violation, the specific charge, the issuing officer, the fine amount, the court date, and the final disposition. The records also show whether the driver paid, completed traffic school, or appeared in court. Older records remain on file for several years, giving the public a long history of past citations.
Who Can Access These Records
Most Bradford County traffic ticket records are public under Florida law. Any person can request a record lookup at the clerk’s office or through the online portal. Court records for traffic cases do not require a special reason to view. However, some sealed or expunged cases may be limited, and juvenile records follow different rules. Personal data such as Social Security numbers is removed from public copies to protect privacy.
Where to Find Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records
Drivers and other interested parties have three main ways to pull Bradford County traffic ticket records. Each method gives a different level of detail. The fastest option is the online portal, but the in-person office provides certified copies and helps with complex cases.
Bradford County Clerk of Court Office
The Bradford County Clerk of Court office sits at 945 North Temple Avenue in Starke, Florida. This is the main location for in-person traffic ticket record searches. Visitors can ask staff to pull a citation by number, name, or case number. The office is open during regular business hours and can issue printed copies of the ticket, payment history, and court disposition.
| Contact Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Address | 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Drawer B, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Phone Number | 904-966-6280 |
| Official Website | bradfordclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Official Bradford County Court Records Portal
The clerk’s office maintains an online case search tool that allows users to look up traffic ticket records from any computer or phone. This portal lets users search by name, citation number, or case number. The portal shows case status, fines owed, scheduled court dates, and past dispositions. Users can also pay fines directly through the same system.
In-Person Records Request Procedure
Anyone visiting the clerk’s office to request Bradford County traffic ticket records should bring a photo ID and as much citation detail as possible. Helpful information includes the citation number, full legal name, date of birth, and the date of the stop. Staff can pull records in minutes and print or email copies for a small fee. Certified copies cost slightly more and carry an official court seal for use in other legal matters.
How to Search Bradford County Traffic Citation Records
The search process is simple once a user knows what details they have. The Bradford County citation lookup uses the same case management system that the clerk uses internally, which means the results match what the office sees. Searching online takes less than a minute, and searching in person takes only a few minutes longer.
Searching by Citation Number
A citation number search is the fastest and most accurate method. The citation number is printed on the traffic ticket near the top of the form. Each citation in Bradford County has a unique number that links directly to the case file. Enter this number into the online portal or provide it to the clerk, and the system will display the full record, including the charge, fine, and current status.
Searching by Name or Case Number
When the citation number is not available, a name-based search still works well. Users enter the last name, first name, and date of birth to narrow the results. A case number search also pulls the right file. Case numbers are assigned by the clerk and appear on past court notices. Each method produces a list of matching traffic cases, which the user can open one at a time.
What Information Appears in Search Results
The search results for a Bradford County traffic ticket case include the charge description, citation date, court date, fine amount, and current status. Users also see whether the case is open, closed, paid, or pending court action. Past dispositions show if the driver completed traffic school or attended a hearing. These details give a complete picture of the ticket’s life cycle from issuance to final outcome.
Paying a Bradford County Traffic Ticket
Bradford County offers three payment methods for traffic citations. Drivers can pay online, in person, or by mail. Each method requires the citation number and the full fine amount. Missing the 30-day deadline from the citation date adds a $16 late fee and may lead to license suspension.
Online Payment Through the Clerk Portal
The fastest way to pay a Bradford County traffic ticket is through the online portal at bradfordclerk.com or the MyFloridaCounty payment site. Users select Bradford County from the county dropdown, enter the citation number, and pay with a credit or debit card. A small convenience fee applies to card payments, but the payment posts to the case the same day.
In-Person and Mail Payment Options
In-person payments are accepted at the clerk’s office in Starke. Drivers can pay with cash, check, money order, or card. Mail payments should include a check or money order payable to the Bradford County Clerk of Court, along with the citation number written on the memo line. Mail the payment to P.O. Drawer B, Starke, FL 32091, and allow enough time for delivery before the deadline.
Payment Deadlines and Late Fees
Florida law gives drivers 30 days from the citation date to respond. Paying within this window closes the case quickly. Paying late adds a $16 fee, but the ticket still goes on the record. Drivers who do not pay at all face a license suspension once the clerk reports the case to FLHSMV. The clock starts on the date the officer wrote the ticket, not the date the driver received it in the mail.
Options After Receiving a Bradford County Traffic Citation
Florida law gives drivers three choices when they receive a Bradford County traffic ticket. The options come from Florida Statute 318.14 and apply statewide. Drivers must pick one within 30 days of the citation date. Picking the right option depends on the charge, the driving record, and the driver’s budget.
Paying the Full Fine
Paying the full fine is the most common choice for minor tickets. This payment counts as a guilty plea and closes the case. Points are added to the Florida driving record based on the violation. A speeding ticket adds three or four points, while a nonmoving violation adds zero. Drivers with clean records often pick this option because it is fast and final.
Electing Traffic School
Drivers can choose traffic school to avoid points on their record. This option requires paying a reduced fine, which is about 18 percent lower than the full amount, and completing a Basic Driver Improvement course from an FLHSMV-approved school. The course takes a few hours and can be completed online. A completion certificate must reach the Bradford County Clerk within 90 days of the citation date.
Contesting the Ticket in Court
Drivers who want to fight the ticket can request a court hearing within 30 days. The case goes before a Bradford County judge, and the driver presents evidence or testimony. Winning a hearing can lead to a dismissed ticket, but losing a hearing can raise the fine. Court fines for most violations can reach $500, and school zone violations can reach $1,000.
Bradford County Traffic Ticket Fines and Court Costs
Bradford County follows the statewide fine schedule set by Florida Statute 318.18. The base fines are set by law, but court costs and county surcharges are added on top. The total amount a driver pays is always higher than the base fine shown in the statute.
Base Fine Schedule Under Florida Law
Base fines for speeding start at $25 for going 6 to 9 mph over the limit and rise to $250 for going 30 mph or more over the limit. A regular moving violation carries a $60 base fine, and a nonmoving violation carries a $30 base fine. These amounts are statewide and apply in Bradford County the same as anywhere else in Florida.
Court Costs and County Surcharges
Court costs get added to every traffic ticket in Bradford County. Moving violations add $35 in court costs, while nonmoving violations add $18. County surcharges and other fees are stacked on top. A standard speeding ticket in Bradford County often totals more than $200 once all the fees are included.
School Zone and Construction Zone Penalties
Fines double in school zones and active construction zones in Bradford County. School zone speeding can reach $1,000 under Florida law. Construction zone fines only double when workers are present at the time of the violation. Officers note the conditions on the citation, and the judge reviews them if the case goes to court.
License Suspension and Compliance for Bradford County Tickets
Ignoring a Bradford County traffic ticket puts the driver’s license at risk. The clerk reports unpaid citations to FLHSMV, which sends a suspension order to the driver. The suspension takes effect 20 days after the notice is mailed and stays on the record for seven years.
How Non-Payment Triggers Suspension
The process starts when a driver misses the 30-day payment window. The clerk marks the case as unpaid and reports it to FLHSMV. The state mails a suspension notice to the driver’s address on file. Twenty days later, the license is officially suspended. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can lead to fines and jail time.
The Reinstatement Process
Getting the license back requires clearing the Bradford County ticket first. The driver must pay the full fine, any late fees, and a $60 reinstatement fee to FLHSMV. Once the clerk confirms payment, a compliance certificate is sent to the state. The suspension is lifted once FLHSMV receives the certificate and the reinstatement fee.
Checking Driver License Status
Drivers can check their license status anytime through the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov. The portal shows active suspensions, reinstatement fees, and any pending citations. Drivers can also call FLHSMV at 850-617-2000 for help. Checking the portal before paying a ticket confirms whether a suspension is already in place.
Bradford County Traffic Court Records and Hearings
Bradford County traffic court handles every contested traffic ticket and every hearing where a driver pleads not guilty. The court sits in Starke and operates under the 8th Judicial Circuit. All hearings are open to the public, and case files are part of the official record system.
Traffic Court Docket Search
The clerk’s office posts a daily court docket that lists every traffic hearing for the day. Anyone can view the docket online or at the courthouse. The docket shows the case name, citation number, charge, and hearing time. This helps attorneys and drivers prepare for upcoming cases without calling the clerk.
Hearing Records and Dispositions
After a hearing, the judge issues a ruling that becomes part of the official court record. The clerk files the ruling and updates the case status. Dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or traffic school completion. These records stay on file and are part of the driver’s public traffic ticket history.
Public Access to Court Documents
Most Bradford County traffic court documents are open to the public. Drivers, attorneys, and other parties can request copies of the citation, court orders, and final judgment. Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted by other courts and government agencies.
Florida Statutes That Govern Bradford County Traffic Tickets
Several Florida statutes control how Bradford County traffic tickets are issued, processed, and resolved. These laws apply statewide and give drivers clear rights and deadlines. Knowing the statutes helps drivers make smart choices about their citations.
Florida Statute 318.14
Florida Statute 318.14 sets the three options every driver has after a noncriminal traffic infraction. The law covers the 30-day deadline, the traffic school election, and the right to a hearing. Bradford County follows this statute exactly like every other county in Florida.
Florida Statute 318.18
Florida Statute 318.18 lists the base fines for traffic violations. The law covers speeding, moving violations, nonmoving violations, and school zone penalties. The base fines in the statute are the starting point for every Bradford County traffic ticket.
Florida Statute 318.15
Florida Statute 318.15 addresses driver improvement schools and the point system. The law limits traffic school use to five times in a lifetime and once every 12 months. The statute also excludes commercial driver license holders from traffic school eligibility.
Tips for Handling Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records
Smart record handling saves drivers time, money, and stress. A few simple steps can keep a ticket from turning into a bigger problem. These tips apply to any Bradford County traffic citation, whether it is a speeding ticket or a nonmoving violation.
Keep Your Citation Number Safe
The citation number is the key to every Bradford County traffic ticket record. Drivers should store the ticket in a safe place until the case is closed. A lost citation means a slower lookup at the clerk’s office and a longer wait for any records search.
Respond Before the 30-Day Deadline
Waiting too long to respond raises the cost of the ticket. The 30-day deadline is strict under Florida law. Drivers who miss the deadline pay an extra $16 fee and risk a license suspension. Acting fast keeps the case simple.
Verify the Final Disposition
After paying a ticket or finishing traffic school, drivers should confirm the case is closed in the clerk’s system. A quick online search or a phone call to the clerk confirms the case status. Closed cases protect the driver from surprise suspensions later.
Use Certified Copies for Outside Matters
Insurance companies, attorneys, and other courts often need certified copies of Bradford County traffic ticket records. Certified copies carry an official court seal and confirm the case outcome. These copies are available from the clerk’s office for a small fee.
Contact Details for Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records
The Bradford County Clerk of Court is the only office that issues certified copies of traffic ticket records. Drivers and attorneys should contact the clerk directly for the fastest service. The clerk’s office also answers questions about fines, deadlines, and traffic school elections.
Bradford County Clerk of Court
945 North Temple Avenue
Starke, FL 32091
Phone: 904-966-6280
Website: bradfordclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer B, Starke, FL 32091
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records
The following questions cover the most common topics drivers ask about Bradford County traffic ticket records. These answers give clear, direct facts based on Florida law and current clerk procedures. Each answer covers a specific issue drivers face when searching, paying, or disputing a citation in Bradford County.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records?
Bradford County traffic ticket records are kept on file for several years after the case closes. The clerk follows the statewide retention schedule set by the Florida Department of State. Most traffic records stay in the online system for at least five years, and paper records are stored longer. Drivers who need old records may need to request archived files from the clerk’s office, which can take extra time to pull.
Can I Search Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records for Free?
Yes. The online case search portal at bradfordclerk.com lets users view traffic ticket records at no cost. The search shows the case status, fines, and court dates. Certified copies and printed reports from the clerk’s office carry a small fee based on the page count and the type of certification needed. Most drivers only need the free online search to check their ticket status.
What Happens If I Never Received My Bradford County Traffic Citation?
Drivers who never received their citation in the mail still face the same 30-day deadline. The clock starts on the date the officer wrote the ticket, not the date the driver received it. Drivers who lost the ticket should call the clerk at 904-966-6280 or visit the office in Starke. Staff can look up the citation by name and date of birth, and they can tell the driver the full fine amount and deadline.
Are Bradford County Traffic Ticket Records Public Information?
Yes. Most Bradford County traffic ticket records are public under Florida law. Any person can search for a case by name, citation number, or case number. Sealed or expunged records are not public. Juvenile traffic records also follow different rules and are not open to the general public.
Can I Pay a Bradford County Traffic Ticket With a Credit Card?
Yes. The clerk accepts credit and debit cards for traffic ticket payments online, in person, and over the phone. A small convenience fee applies to card payments, and the fee varies based on the amount paid. Drivers who want to avoid the convenience fee can pay with cash, check, or money order at the clerk’s office or by mail.
What If My Driver License Was Suspended for an Unpaid Bradford County Ticket?
Drivers with a suspended license from an unpaid Bradford County ticket must clear the ticket first. Pay the full fine plus any late fees, then pay the $60 reinstatement fee to FLHSMV. The clerk sends a compliance certificate to the state once the ticket is paid. FLHSMV lifts the suspension after receiving the certificate and the fee. Drivers can check the status of the reinstatement at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.
Can Out-of-State Drivers Handle Bradford County Traffic Tickets Remotely?
Yes. Out-of-state drivers can pay, elect traffic school, or request a hearing by mail or online. The Bradford County Clerk accepts mailed payments and mailed traffic school elections. Out-of-state drivers who want a hearing may need to hire a local attorney or request a written declaration. Florida does not require out-of-state drivers to appear in person for most civil traffic infractions.