Duval County traffic ticket records are public files held by the Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville, Florida. Anyone can look up a citation, check a case status, or pay a fine through the Clerk’s office.
This page explains how to search those records, what the records show, and what to do after a ticket. Duval County covers most of the city of Jacksonville, and the local court system handles hundreds of thousands of traffic cases each year. The Clerk’s office keeps every citation on file for public review.
How the Duval County Clerk of Courts Handles Traffic Records
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is the main office that stores traffic ticket records. This office runs the public portal, processes payments, and sends updates to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, known as FLHSMV. Every ticket written in Duval County, whether by a city police officer or a state trooper, ends up at this Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office acts as the central hub for all citation data in the county.
Where the Clerk’s Office Is Located
The main Clerk of Courts office sits at 330 East Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The building is near the Duval County Courthouse. Visitors can walk in to ask questions, pay fines, or request certified copies of records. The office has a separate traffic division that handles citation calls and walk-in customers. Parking is available in nearby garages for a small fee.
Phone Numbers and Office Hours
You can reach the main Clerk at 904-255-2000. The traffic division has its own line at 904-391-6700. The traffic division takes calls from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays. The phone line gets busy near the end of the month because of the 30-day payment deadline. Callers can ask about case status, fine amounts, and court dates.
Which Agencies Issue Tickets in Duval County
Most traffic tickets in Duval County come from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, known as JSO. JSO is the main police agency. Jacksonville and Duval County share a merged government, so JSO covers nearly the entire county. The Florida Highway Patrol, known as FHP, writes tickets on I-95, I-10, and other state roads. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission writes tickets for some traffic cases too. No matter who writes the ticket, the Duval County Clerk keeps the record.
How to Search Duval County Traffic Ticket Records Online
You can search Duval County traffic ticket records without leaving home. The Clerk of Courts runs an online portal where anyone can look up a case. The portal works on a phone, a tablet, or a computer. A statewide payment system run by the Florida Clerks and Comptrollers is another option. Both systems run day and night for public use.
Using the Duval Clerk Public Portal
Go to duvalclerk.com and click the “Public Records” or “Case Search” link. Type in your name, your citation number, or your case number. The portal pulls up your traffic ticket record. You can see the charge, the fine amount, the court date, and the current status. The portal updates each night with new information from the day’s tickets.
Using the Statewide PayFLClerk System
The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers run a statewide payment site at payflclerk.com. Pick Duval County from the drop-down list. Enter your citation number to see your case. This site lets you pay fines with a credit card or debit card. A small processing fee applies to each online payment. The site is safe and accepts most major card brands.
What Information You Need Before You Search
Before you start a search, gather some key facts. You will need the citation number, your full legal name, and your date of birth. The citation number sits at the top of the paper ticket the officer gave you. Your name and date of birth must match what the officer wrote on the citation. A typo can block a search, so check the spelling before you start.
What Duval County Traffic Ticket Records Include
A Duval County traffic ticket record holds a lot of details. The record shows who got the ticket, where it happened, and what the officer saw. The record shows fines, court dates, and the final outcome of the case. Anyone can ask for a copy of the record through the Clerk’s office for a small fee.
Citation Number and Case Number
Every Duval County traffic citation has two numbers. The citation number is on the paper ticket. The case number gets created when the Clerk enters the citation into the court system. The case number is the one judges and lawyers use most. Keep both numbers ready if you call the Clerk for help. Both numbers stay linked to the same case file.
Violation Type and Florida Statute
The record shows the type of violation. Speeding, running a red light, and driving without a license are common types. Each violation has a Florida Statute number that explains the law. Speeding in Florida falls under Florida Statute 316.183. The statute number shows up on the record and on any court papers. Knowing the statute helps you understand the charge.
Fine Amounts and Court Costs
The record shows the base fine, court costs, and any surcharges. Florida law sets a base fine for each violation. Court costs are extra charges the state adds to every case. Surcharges pay for things like crime victim funds and teen driving programs. The total amount can be much higher than the base fine on the ticket.
Court Disposition and Final Outcome
The record shows the final outcome of the case. “Paid” means the fine was paid. “Adjudication withheld” means the driver paid a fine but no points went on the license. “Dismissed” means the court threw out the case. “Conviction” means the driver was found guilty and points went on the record. The final outcome affects your driving history for years.
Paying a Duval County Traffic Ticket
You have several ways to pay a Duval County traffic ticket. Pick the method that works best for you. Each method has its own rules and processing times. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most credit or debit cards. Keep your receipt for your personal records.
Paying Online
Online payment is the most popular way to close a Duval County traffic case. Go to duvalclerk.com or payflclerk.com. Enter your citation number. Pick the payment method. Pay the total amount plus a small convenience fee. The payment posts to your case the same day or the next business day. You will get an email receipt.
Paying by Phone or Mail
Call the traffic division at 904-391-6700 to pay by phone. The Clerk staff will walk you through the steps. You can mail a check or money order to the Clerk’s office. Make the check out to the “Duval County Clerk of Courts.” Write your citation number on the check. Mail it to 330 East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Allow 7 to 10 days for mail payment to arrive.
Paying in Person
You can pay in person at the Clerk’s office in downtown Jacksonville. Bring your paper ticket and a form of payment. The cashier will print a receipt for you. In-person payment takes just a few minutes if there is no line. The office gets crowded at the end of each month. Plan to arrive early in the day.
Florida’s 30-Day Deadline Rule
Florida law gives you 30 days to respond to a traffic citation. The 30 days start on the date the officer wrote on the ticket. If you do not pay or respond in 30 days, the Clerk reports the case to the FLHSMV. A late fee of $16 gets added to your total. After 30 days, the case can lead to a license suspension.
Your Three Options After a Duval County Citation
When you get a traffic ticket in Duval County, you get three choices. You can pay the fine, take a driver improvement course, or fight the ticket in court. Each choice has its own result. Think about each option before you make a decision. Each choice affects your driving record in a different way.
Option 1: Pay the Fine
Paying the fine is the fastest way to close a case. Once you pay, the case is over. The court will enter a conviction. Points will go on your driving record if the violation carries points. A basic speeding ticket in Florida adds 3 points to your license. Too many points can lead to a license suspension.
Option 2: Elect Traffic School
You can choose a basic driver improvement course, called BDI, to keep points off your license. You still pay a fine, but the fine is 18% less. You must finish the course within 90 days of your election. If you finish the course on time, no points go on your record. The court withholds adjudication. You can only elect this option five times in your lifetime.
Option 3: Contest the Ticket in Court
You can plead not guilty and ask for a court hearing. A Duval County judge will listen to both sides. If you win, you pay nothing and no points go on your license. If you lose, the judge can charge you up to $500 for a normal violation. School zone and construction zone speeding can carry fines up to $1,000. A traffic attorney can help in complex cases.
Duval County Traffic Ticket Fines and Costs
Fines for traffic tickets in Duval County follow the Florida state schedule. Florida Statute 318.18 sets the base fines. Court costs, surcharges, and other fees get added on top. The total you pay is much higher than the base fine. The chart below shows the most common fine amounts.
Base Fines by Violation Type
Florida traffic violations fall into three base fine groups. Nonmoving violations like expired registration carry a $30 base fine. Moving violations like speeding or running a red light carry a $60 base fine. Pedestrian violations carry a $15 base fine. These are just base fines. The total with court costs is much higher in every case.
Speeding Fine Schedule
Speeding fines in Florida go up based on how fast you drove over the limit. Drivers going 6 to 9 mph over pay $25. Drivers going 10 to 14 mph over pay $100. Drivers going 15 to 19 mph over pay $150. Drivers going 20 to 29 mph over pay $175. Drivers going 30 mph or more over pay $250. School zone and construction zone speeding doubles the fine.
Court Costs, Surcharges, and Late Fees
Court costs add $35 to most moving violations. Nonmoving violations add $18. A $3 crime victim surcharge applies to most tickets. Other small surcharges may apply too. A late fee of $16 gets added if you miss the 30-day deadline. A simple speeding ticket in Duval County can cost over $200 once all charges are added together.
| Violation Type | Base Fine | Court Costs | Approximate Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian infraction | $15 | $35 | $50+ |
| Nonmoving violation | $30 | $18 | $48+ |
| Moving violation | $60 | $35 | $95+ |
| Speeding 6-9 mph over | $25 | $35 | $60+ |
| Speeding 10-14 mph over | $100 | $35 | $135+ |
| Speeding 15-19 mph over | $150 | $35 | $185+ |
| Speeding 30+ mph over | $250 | $35 | $285+ |
License Suspension for Unpaid Duval County Tickets
Ignoring a Duval County traffic ticket can lead to a license suspension. Florida takes unpaid tickets very seriously. Once the 30-day deadline passes without payment, the Clerk reports the case to the FLHSMV. The FLHSMV then sends a suspension order to your address. Driving during a suspension can lead to criminal charges.
How the Suspension Process Works
After the 30-day deadline passes, the Clerk marks the case as delinquent. The Clerk then reports your case to the FLHSMV. The FLHSMV mails a suspension order to the address on your license. Your license gets suspended 20 days after the order is sent. The suspension stays on your record for seven years if not fixed.
How to Reinstate a Suspended License
To get your license back, you must pay all unpaid fines to the Duval County Clerk. The Clerk then issues a compliance certificate. Take the certificate to the FLHSMV. Pay a $60 reinstatement fee. The FLHSMV will then lift the suspension. You can check your license status at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov at any time.
Traffic School and Driver Improvement Courses
Driver improvement courses help keep points off your license. The Florida Basic Driver Improvement course, called BDI, is the most common option. Duval County lets most drivers elect this course for a noncriminal moving violation. The course covers safe driving, state laws, and accident prevention.
Who Can Elect Traffic School
Most drivers with a regular Class E license can elect traffic school. You can only use this option five times in your lifetime. You can only use it once in any 12-month period. CDL holders cannot elect traffic school. Drivers cited for going 30 mph or more over the speed limit cannot use this option. Drivers in criminal cases cannot use this option.
Course Providers and Costs
The FLHSMV keeps a list of approved BDI course providers. You can find the list at flhsmv.gov. Most courses take about 4 hours. You can take the course online or in a classroom. The course fee is separate from your fine. Course fees range from $20 to $50. Pick a provider from the FLHSMV approved list to make sure your certificate will be accepted.
How to Submit Your Certificate
Tell the Clerk you want traffic school within 30 days of getting the ticket. Pay the reduced fine. Finish the course within 90 days. The school will send your certificate of completion to the Clerk. You can bring the certificate to the Clerk’s office in person. Keep a copy of the certificate for your own records.
Jacksonville and Duval County Court System
Duval County traffic cases go through two types of court. The choice depends on the charge. Most traffic tickets fall under county court. Serious cases fall under circuit court. The type of court affects the possible penalties and the hearing process.
County Court vs Circuit Court
County court handles noncriminal traffic infractions. These include speeding, running a red light, and most other moving violations. Circuit court handles criminal traffic cases. These include driving with a suspended license, DUI, and reckless driving. The fines and penalties for circuit court cases are much higher. A criminal case may also carry jail time.
4th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Duval County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 4th Circuit covers Clay County and Nassau County too. The Chief Judge of the 4th Circuit oversees all three counties. Cases filed in one county do not move to another county. Each county has its own Clerk and court system. The circuits share some administrative services.
Nearby Counties and Border Jurisdictions
Duval County shares borders with four other counties. If you got a ticket near a county line, check the paper ticket to see which county wrote it. Tickets from other counties go to those counties’ Clerk of Courts. The Duval County Clerk only handles tickets written inside Duval County. Each county has its own record system.
Baker County Traffic Tickets
Baker County sits west of Duval County. Tickets on I-10 west of the Duval line go to the Baker County Clerk of Courts. If you are not sure which county wrote the ticket, call the Duval County Clerk for help. They can look up the case by your citation number. The Baker County seat is Macclenny.
Clay County Traffic Tickets
Clay County sits southwest of Duval County. The city of Green Cove Springs is the county seat. Tickets on Blanding Boulevard or other roads near the Clay County line may fall under Clay County court. The Clay County Clerk handles those records. Clay County also covers Orange Park and Middleburg.
Nassau County Traffic Tickets
Nassau County sits north of Duval County. The city of Fernandina Beach is the county seat. Tickets on I-95 north of the Duval line go to Nassau County. Tickets on Amelia Island go to Nassau County court. Nassau County covers Yulee, Callahan, and Hilliard.
St. Johns County Traffic Tickets
St. Johns County sits southeast of Duval County. The city of St. Augustine is the county seat. Tickets on I-95 south of the Duval line go to St. Johns County. Tickets in Ponte Vedra or on County Road 210 may fall under either county. Check your paper ticket to be sure. St. Johns County also covers St. Augustine Beach and Julington Creek.
Cities Within Duval County
Duval County and Jacksonville share a merged government. The city of Jacksonville covers nearly the entire county. Small beach communities like Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Baldwin keep their own local governments. All traffic tickets from these areas are processed through the Duval County Clerk of Courts. The beaches and Baldwin follow the same court procedures as the rest of the county.
Contact Information and Office Location
The Duval County Clerk of Courts is open Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Below is the address, phone number, and website for the Clerk’s main office and traffic division. The map shows the exact location in downtown Jacksonville. You can use the map to plan your visit or find parking nearby.
Duval County Clerk of Courts
330 East Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Main Phone: 904-255-2000
Traffic Division: 904-391-6700
Website: duvalclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common topics people ask about Duval County traffic ticket records. The answers below give clear and direct facts. Each answer explains a specific part of the ticket process. If you need more help, call the Clerk’s traffic division or visit the office in person. The staff can help with case lookups, payment questions, and court date changes.
How long does it take for a new ticket to show up in the Duval County Clerk’s system?
New traffic tickets in Duval County show up in the Clerk’s online system within 5 to 10 business days. The delay happens when the officer has to file the paper ticket and the Clerk has to enter the data. The system updates once a day, usually at night. If your ticket does not show up after 10 business days, call the traffic division at 904-391-6700. Have your citation number ready when you call. The staff can check the paper file if the system has not updated yet. Some tickets take longer to enter if the officer filed them late or made a data error.
Can I look up someone else’s Duval County traffic ticket record?
Yes. Duval County traffic ticket records are public records. Florida law makes most court records open to anyone. You can search by name, citation number, or case number on the Clerk’s website. You can visit the Clerk’s office to search public terminals in person. The office charges a small fee for printed copies. A certified copy costs more than a regular printout. Some personal details may be hidden in certain case types. The Clerk can explain what is open to the public at the time of your request.
What happens if I pay a ticket late in Duval County?
If you miss the 30-day deadline, the Clerk adds a $16 late fee to your total. The Clerk reports the case to the FLHSMV. The FLHSMV sends a license suspension order. Your license gets suspended 20 days after the order is sent. To fix the problem, pay the fine plus the late fee to the Clerk. The Clerk will issue a compliance certificate to the FLHSMV. You must also pay a $60 reinstatement fee to the FLHSMV. The whole process can take several weeks to finish. Driving on a suspended license can lead to criminal charges.
Do points go on my license if I complete traffic school in Duval County?
No. If you finish an approved BDI course and submit the certificate to the Clerk on time, no points go on your license. The court withholds adjudication. Your insurance company will not see the points. Your driving record will show the case as “adjudication withheld.” You can only use this option five times in your lifetime. You can only use it once in any 12-month period. The court will set aside the points if the certificate arrives on time. Late certificates may not get accepted by the court.
Can I contest a Duval County traffic ticket by mail?
No. Duval County traffic cases must be contested in person or through a lawyer. You have to file a written plea of not guilty with the Clerk within 30 days. The court then schedules a hearing. You must show up at the hearing. If you do not show up, the court enters a conviction against you. A traffic attorney can appear on your behalf in some cases. The attorney can also request a continuance if you cannot attend. Court hearings take place at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville.
How do I get a certified copy of my Duval County traffic ticket record?
Visit the Duval County Clerk’s office in person. Ask the records department for a certified copy of your case. Bring a photo ID. The fee for a certified copy is small. The Clerk prints the record on certified paper with a raised seal. You can request certified copies by mail too. Mail requests take longer to process. Some employers and insurance companies ask for certified copies. A regular printout may not be accepted for legal or official use. The Clerk can help you decide which type of copy you need.
Are Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach tickets filed in Duval County?
Yes. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Baldwin all fall under the Duval County Clerk of Courts. These cities have their own police departments. The court records are filed in Duval County. The Duval County Clerk handles all traffic ticket records for these beach communities. The same rules and deadlines apply. The same payment methods are available. The same traffic school options are open to drivers in these cities. Tickets from beach police and JSO all go to the same Clerk system.