Broward County traffic ticket records are public files kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller. These records show every traffic citation issued in the county, along with court actions, fine payments, and case outcomes.
Anyone can look up a Broward County traffic ticket by citation number, driver name, or case number through the clerk’s online system or at one of four regional offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, and Plantation.
What Broward County Traffic Ticket Records Contain
A Broward County traffic ticket record holds the full history of a single citation from the moment a law officer writes it until the case is closed. These records are part of Florida’s open court system under state public records law. They serve drivers, attorneys, employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies that need a clear view of a citation’s status.
Core Data Fields in Each Record
Each ticket record shows the same core fields no matter what type of citation was issued. The clerk’s database links these fields to the official case number used by the court system.
- Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) number
- Full legal name of the driver
- Driver license number and state of issue
- Date and time the citation was issued
- Location, road, and city where it happened
- Statute or ordinance violated
- Officer name, agency, and badge number
- Fine amount and any court costs added
- Court date, plea entered, and final disposition
- Driver school election, if the driver chose that option
- Payment history and current balance
Record Types Available for Search
Broward County separates traffic records into categories based on case stage. Each type serves a different user need, from a quick status check to a full certified copy for court use.
- Active traffic citation records with open balance
- Disposed traffic ticket records with final judgment
- Criminal traffic records for DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run
- Civil traffic records for non-criminal moving violations
- Red light camera violation records
- Toll and SunPass violation records
- Infraction records handled by code enforcement
How to Search Broward County Traffic Ticket Records
The clerk’s office offers three main ways to search Broward County traffic ticket records. Most people start online because it is free, fast, and available 24 hours a day. In-person and mail options work for people who need certified copies or have trouble with the website.
Online Record Search by Citation Number
Searching by citation number gives the fastest and most exact result. The number is printed on the front of the paper ticket the officer handed out. It starts with a letter and ends in a number, and it is unique to your case. Online search by citation works for all Broward County traffic tickets, including red light camera and toll violations.
- Go to the Broward Clerk online portal at browardclerk.org
- Click the “Search Public Records” link on the main page
- Select the traffic or criminal case search option
- Type the full citation number, including letters and dashes
- Press “Search” and open the case detail page
- Review the charge, court date, balance, and next step listed
Online Search by Name and Date of Birth
If the citation number is lost, the clerk’s name search tool can still pull up the record. Name search works best when paired with a date of birth to filter out people who share the same name. The system shows all open and closed Broward County traffic cases tied to that person.
In-Person Record Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Walk-in service works at all four Broward County traffic locations. Staff at the public counter can pull up a ticket on a computer screen, print a copy, or stamp it as a certified record. Bring a photo ID and as much detail about the ticket as you have, such as the citation number, the driver’s full name, or the date of the stop.
Mail Requests for Certified Copies
Mail requests work for people who live outside the area or cannot visit during office hours. Send a written request to the clerk at P.O. Box 14610, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-4610. Include the citation number, driver name, date of birth, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check or money order for the copy fee, which is $1.00 per regular page and $2.00 per certified page.
Broward County Clerk of Court Traffic Locations
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs a traffic and misdemeanor division with four regional service counters. Each office handles the same tasks: ticket lookup, fine payment, payment plans, school elections, conditional pleas, and certified copies. Choose the office closest to your home or work to save drive time.
Office Addresses and Phone Numbers
The four traffic offices cover the north, central, south, and west parts of Broward County. All four share the same phone number and email for traffic questions. Use the table below to pick the location that fits your needs.
| Office | Address | Court Complex |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Central | 201 SE 6th Street, Room 01130, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | West Building, Main Courthouse |
| Traffic North | 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd, Room 181, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | North Regional Courthouse |
| Traffic South | 3550 Hollywood Blvd, Room 200, Hollywood, FL 33021 | South Regional Courthouse |
| Traffic West | 100 N. Pine Island Road, Room 110, Plantation, FL 33324 | West Regional Courthouse |
Contact Channels and Phone Hours
The clerk’s traffic team answers phone calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The main line is (954) 831-6565, Option 1. Email questions to TrafficeClerk@browardclerk.org for non-urgent issues. Phone wait times are shortest between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Official website: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/TrafficAndMisdemeanor
Ways to Pay a Broward County Traffic Ticket
Broward County gives drivers four ways to pay a traffic ticket: online, mobile app, in person, and by mail. Each method has its own rules, fees, and deadlines. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Card payments carry a processing fee set by the payment vendor.
Online and Mobile App Payments
Online payment is open 24 hours a day through the PayIt portal at payitbrowardclerk.payitgov.com. The same portal works through the PayIt mobile app on iOS and Android. Online payments must cover the full balance unless a payment plan is already on file. Partial payments are not allowed through the website.
In-Person and Mail Payments
In-person payments are taken at any of the four traffic offices listed above. Mail payments go to P.O. Box 14610, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-4610. Do not mail cash. Write the citation number on the check or money order to avoid processing delays. AMSCOT locations across Florida also accept cash payments for Broward County tickets.
Payment Plan Setup Rules
Payment plans spread the cost of a traffic ticket over time and help drivers avoid license suspension. The setup must happen in person at a clerk’s office, and the driver must show up personally. The setup fee is $25.00 per case. After the plan is active, payments by check, money order, or cash are accepted in person or by mail. Online plan payments only work for the full remaining balance.
Driver School Election in Broward County
Florida Statute 318.14(9) lets eligible drivers take a basic driver improvement course to keep points off their license. Broward County traffic ticket records show a 18% fine reduction for drivers who elect school under a law that took effect January 1, 2020. The election must be made within 30 days of the citation date.
Who Can Elect Driver School
Not every driver qualifies for the school election. The clerk checks the record against state rules before approving the election. Drivers who do not meet every rule cannot use this option.
- Hold a regular non-commercial Florida driver license
- Did not drive 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit
- Have not used the election in the past 12 months
- Have used the election fewer than five times in their life
- Have not caused a crash tied to the current citation
Steps to Complete the School Election
Once the election is on file, the driver has 90 days to finish the course. The original completion certificate must reach the clerk by mail or in person. Digital copies are not accepted for the final filing step.
- Pay the reduced fine plus a $7.00 school affidavit fee within 30 days
- Choose a state-approved course from the FLHSMV provider list
- Complete the course within 90 days of the election
- Mail the original completion certificate to the clerk’s office
- Confirm with the clerk that the case is closed and points were withheld
Contesting a Broward County Traffic Ticket
Drivers who believe a citation was issued in error can fight the case in court. Broward County traffic ticket records show three main ways to contest: a written declaration, a conditional no contest plea, or a full court hearing. Each path has its own rules and deadlines.
Filing a Written Declaration
A written declaration is a sworn statement mailed to the clerk before the court date. The driver explains the facts, attaches evidence, and asks the hearing officer to dismiss the case. No live hearing is required if the ticket does not carry a mandatory court appearance. A $25.00 filing fee applies in most cases.
Conditional No Contest Plea
A conditional no contest plea skips the court hearing and asks the clerk to withhold adjudication. No points are added to the driver license, and no live testimony is required. The driver pays a small clerk fee and signs a written waiver. This option is open only to certain non-criminal civil traffic tickets that did not involve a crash.
Requesting a Court Hearing
Drivers who want to argue the case in front of a judge must request a hearing by mail or in person. The clerk schedules the date and sends a notice. At the hearing, the driver can bring a lawyer, question the citing officer, and present evidence. If the judge rules against the driver, the fine and court costs are added to the ticket balance.
Special Broward County Traffic Violations
Some tickets in Broward County carry different rules than a regular speeding citation. These special cases show up in traffic records under their own case types and may allow dismissals, fee reductions, or extra steps before the case is closed.
Driver License, Registration, and Insurance Violations
These tickets can sometimes be dismissed if the driver shows valid proof that was in effect before the citation date. The driver mails a copy of the valid document, the citation, and a small dismissal fee to the clerk. These cases cannot be paid online because the clerk must review the proof before accepting payment.
Improper Equipment Violations
Equipment violations such as a broken taillight or tinted windows can get a reduced fine. The driver has 30 days to fix the defect and have it inspected by a law enforcement officer. The officer signs the back of the ticket, and the driver mails it with the reduced payment. Online payment is not allowed for these cases.
Red Light Camera and Toll Violations
Red light camera tickets in Broward County follow the same three choices as a regular citation: pay the fine, elect school if eligible, or plead not guilty. Toll violations from the Florida Turnpike, Sawgrass Expressway, and local SunPass lanes are payable online through the Central Florida Expressway Authority or the toll-by-plate portal. Each agency handles its own records, not the clerk.
Florida Point System and License Impact
Florida uses a point system to track unsafe drivers. Points from a Broward County traffic ticket stay on the license for several years and can lead to suspension if the driver collects too many. Insurance companies also raise rates based on points and dispositions shown in the public record.
Common Point Values for Traffic Offenses
The clerk’s record shows the charge, but the point count is set by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) under Florida Statute 322.27. Drivers should review the table below to know the cost of a guilty plea.
| Violation Type | Points Added |
|---|---|
| Speeding 15 mph or less over the limit | 3 points |
| Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit | 4 points |
| Reckless driving | 4 points |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 3 points |
| Following too closely | 3 points |
| Unlawful speed (school zone) | 4 points |
| Leaving the scene of a crash with damage | 6 points |
License Suspension Triggers
Twelve points in 12 months triggers a 30-day suspension. Eighteen points in 18 months leads to a 3-month suspension. Twenty-four points in 36 months leads to a 1-year suspension. Failure to pay a Broward County traffic ticket or appear in court also triggers a separate suspension through the FLHSMV records link.
Copy Fees and Record Request Costs
Standard and certified copies of Broward County traffic ticket records carry set fees under Florida public records law. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for these fees. All fees are non-refundable once the copy is made.
Traffic Record Copy Fees
Regular printed copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies that carry the clerk’s seal for court use cost $2.00 per page. Each page covers one full ticket entry, so a single ticket usually fits on two to four pages of printed text.
Driver History Report Fees
Three-year driver license history reports cost $14.25. Full history reports covering the driver’s entire record cost $16.25. Both reports can be ordered at any Broward County traffic office. They are not available online because they require identity verification in person.
How Long Broward County Keeps Traffic Records
Broward County traffic ticket records are kept on the clerk’s system for as long as the case is open. Closed cases move into a long-term archive that is still searchable online. Florida law sets minimum retention rules for traffic records, and many cases stay in the public file for years after they close.
Retention Rules for Closed Cases
Civil traffic infractions stay on the public record for at least five years from the final disposition. Criminal traffic cases such as DUI or reckless driving causing injury stay on file for at least 10 years. Juvenile traffic cases follow separate retention rules under Florida juvenile law. Some cases involving repeat offenders stay on file longer due to sentencing and probation terms.
Sealing or Expunging a Traffic Record
Most civil traffic records cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law. Only criminal traffic cases that were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict can be considered for sealing. The driver must file a petition with the Broward County Clerk of Courts and get a court order from a judge. The clerk’s office can confirm eligibility before the petition is filed.
Out-of-State Drivers and Broward County Tickets
Drivers from other states who get a Broward County traffic ticket must still handle the case in Florida. The clerk’s office will not transfer the case to the home state. However, the home state’s DMV may add the Florida conviction to the driver record under the Driver License Compact, a multi-state agreement that shares traffic data.
Payment Options for Non-Residents
Out-of-state drivers can pay online, by mail, or by phone using a credit card. A signed plea of guilty or no contest may be required in some cases. The clerk’s office can mail a copy of the receipt and disposition to the driver for proof of payment.
Impact on the Home State License
If the driver ignores the ticket, Florida can put a hold on the home state license through the interstate compact. The home state DMV will not renew a license while a Florida suspension flag is active. The safest path is to pay the ticket, finish the case, and request a final disposition from the clerk for the home state file.
Broward County Traffic Ticket Record Lookup Best Practices
Smart record lookups save time and prevent errors. Drivers who know the citation number get the fastest result. Those who only know the name or date of the stop should gather as much detail as possible before starting the search.
What to Do if the Citation Number is Lost
The citation number is printed on the top right corner of the paper ticket. If the paper is gone, the officer’s name and the date of the stop are the next best keys. The clerk can run a name search with date of birth to pull the right record. The online portal lets users search by last name and birth year to narrow the result.
Common Lookup Errors to Avoid
Typing the citation number with extra spaces or missing dashes leads to no result. Drivers should copy the number straight from the ticket or enter it one character at a time. Searches by name return many results for common names, so adding the birth year filters out cases that do not belong to the driver.
When to Contact the Clerk for Help
Call the clerk’s office at (954) 831-6565, Option 1, if the online search shows no record. Old paper tickets may not be in the digital system. Staff can check the microfilm archive or pull the physical file. The office can also mail a paper copy if the online system is down or the case is too old to load.
Official Contact Details and Office Information
The Broward County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller is the official custodian of all Broward County traffic ticket records. The clerk’s office is open to the public Monday through Friday, with extended hours on certain days for traffic payments. Use the details below to reach the office by phone, email, mail, or in person.
Official website: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/TrafficAndMisdemeanor
Phone: (954) 831-6565, Option 1, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Email: TrafficeClerk@browardclerk.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 14610, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-4610
Main office address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Visiting hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on weekends and county holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Traffic Ticket Records
This section answers common questions drivers ask about Broward County traffic ticket records. Each answer gives clear, specific details so drivers can take the right step without calling the clerk for every issue. Use the answers as a quick reference before searching or paying a ticket.
How long does a Broward County traffic ticket stay on a driver record?
A Broward County traffic ticket stays on a Florida driver record for at least five years for civil infractions and longer for criminal traffic cases. The point count on the license lasts between three and five years depending on the offense. The court record in the clerk’s system stays online for as long as the case is in the archive. Out-of-state drivers see the Florida conviction on their record for the period set by their home state under the Driver License Compact. A dismissed or dropped case still shows on the public record with a “Dismissed” or “Nolle Prosse” tag.
Can a Broward County traffic ticket be sealed or expunged?
Most civil traffic tickets in Broward County cannot be sealed or expunged. Only criminal traffic cases that ended in a not guilty verdict, a dropped charge, or a no-action decision can be considered. The driver must file a petition with the clerk and get a court order from a Broward County judge. The clerk’s office can review the case file and confirm if the record is eligible before the petition is filed. A filing fee of about $75 applies to most sealing petitions under Florida law.
What happens if I ignore a Broward County traffic ticket?
Ignoring a Broward County traffic ticket leads to extra fees, a license suspension, and a possible arrest warrant. The clerk adds a $16.00 late fee after the 30-day deadline and reports the case to FLHSMV. FLHSMV places a hold on the driver license, which blocks renewal until the ticket is paid or resolved. For criminal traffic tickets, the court can also issue a bench warrant. The safest path is to act within 30 days of the citation date to keep the fine at the base amount.
Are Broward County traffic ticket records public?
Yes. Broward County traffic ticket records are public files under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Anyone can search online by citation number or name. The clerk’s office sells copies of the records for a small fee. Some personal details such as Social Security numbers are removed before the record goes online. Sealed cases or juvenile cases are kept off the public system under court order.
Can I look up someone else’s Broward County traffic ticket?
Yes, anyone can look up a Broward County traffic ticket by citation number or by name and date of birth. The clerk’s office does not require the searcher to be the driver. The public nature of the record allows employers, insurance companies, and attorneys to pull a copy. The clerk only restricts access to sealed, expunged, or juvenile cases. Paid search portals may charge a fee for bulk lookups.
How do I fix an error on a Broward County traffic ticket record?
Errors on a Broward County traffic ticket record can be fixed by contacting the clerk’s office in writing or in person. Bring or send a copy of the ticket, a photo ID, and any proof that supports the correction, such as a court order or updated insurance card. The clerk reviews the request and updates the file if the error is clear. Court-ordered changes go through the judge who handled the case. A small fee may apply for re-issued certified copies.
Do I need a lawyer to fight a Broward County traffic ticket?
A lawyer is not required to fight a Broward County traffic ticket, but legal help can be useful for serious cases. Drivers can file a written declaration, enter a conditional plea, or appear at a hearing without a lawyer. A traffic attorney can help for cases with six or more points, criminal charges, or possible license suspension. The Florida Bar’s referral service can match drivers with local traffic lawyers who charge a flat fee for simple cases.