Flagler County traffic ticket records are official court documents created every time a law enforcement officer writes a traffic citation in Flagler County, Florida. These records cover the driver’s name, citation number, violation type, court dates, fines, points, and the final outcome of the case.
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts stores these records, processes payments, and makes them available to the public. Anyone can view basic citation details through the Clerk’s online portal or by calling the office in Bunnell. This page explains how to look up, pay, contest, and resolve Flagler County traffic ticket records using current procedures from the Clerk of Courts and the 7th Judicial Circuit Court.
What Are Flagler County Traffic Ticket Records
Flagler County traffic ticket records are the paper and electronic files created when a law enforcement officer writes a traffic citation in the county. Each record links a specific driver to a specific violation, location, date, and outcome. These records serve as the official history of the citation, the fine paid, the points added to the driver’s license, and any court action taken on the case. The Clerk of Courts keeps the original file. The FLHSMV keeps a separate driving record that reflects the points and any suspensions tied to the case.
Types of Traffic Tickets Filed in Flagler County
Flagler County traffic ticket records cover both civil and criminal traffic offenses. Civil infractions include speeding, running a red light, failure to yield, illegal turns, no seat belt, and expired registration. These cases do not carry jail time but do carry fines and possible license points. Criminal traffic offenses include driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. These cases go through the circuit court and can result in jail time. Most tickets written in Flagler County fall under the civil infraction category and are handled at the county court level.
What Information Appears on a Flagler County Traffic Citation
Every Flagler County traffic ticket record contains the same core data fields. The citation shows the date and time of the stop, the location, the issuing agency, the officer’s name and badge number, the driver’s name and date of birth, the driver’s license number, the vehicle tag number, the specific Florida statute violated, the court date, and the fine amount. The Clerk of Courts adds the case number, payment history, school election status, and final disposition once the case moves through the system.
How Long Flagler County Keeps Traffic Ticket Records
Flagler County traffic ticket records are kept permanently in the Clerk’s electronic database. Older paper records are stored in the Clerk’s archive and can be retrieved by request. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps driving record points for five to seven years depending on the violation. Court dispositions remain on the public docket for years after the case closes. Anyone searching an old case should contact the Clerk’s office directly because the online portal only shows recent activity within the last few years.
Who Maintains Flagler County Traffic Ticket Records
Three agencies share responsibility for Flagler County traffic ticket records. The Clerk of Courts owns the official file. The 7th Judicial Circuit Court runs the hearings and enters judgments. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tracks the points on each driver’s license. Each agency has its own role, and each one updates the others after a case closes.
Role of the Flagler County Clerk of Courts
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts creates and stores every traffic ticket record in the county. The Clerk’s office accepts payments, processes traffic school elections, schedules hearings, and issues compliance certificates. The Clerk also reports unpaid citations to the state driver licensing agency. Anyone who needs to look up a ticket, pay a fine, or request a court date must go through the Clerk of Courts office in Bunnell.
The 7th Judicial Circuit Court System
Flagler County sits inside the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties. County court judges in the 7th Circuit hear noncriminal traffic infractions. Circuit court judges hear criminal traffic cases. The judges enter the final judgment on every Flagler County traffic ticket record once the case reaches a decision. The Clerk of Courts files the court’s order with the rest of the case file.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, also called the FLHSMV, runs the state driver license system. The FLHSMV receives reports from the Flagler County Clerk when a driver fails to pay a ticket on time. The FLHSMV then issues a license suspension and tracks the driver’s compliance. Points from a Flagler County traffic ticket are added to the driver’s record at the FLHSMV, not at the Clerk’s office.
How to Search Flagler County Traffic Ticket Records
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts offers several ways to look up traffic ticket records. Most people use the online portal because it works day and night. Phone and in-person lookups work for people who do not have a citation number or who need help from a clerk. The portal at flaglerclerk.com is the official source for Flagler County traffic ticket records online.
Searching by Citation or Case Number
The fastest way to look up a Flagler County traffic ticket record is by citation number. Go to flaglerclerk.com and open the online records search. Type the citation number from the bottom of the ticket. The portal shows the defendant’s name, the violation, the court date, and the amount owed. Searching by case number works the same way. Both numbers are printed on the copy of the citation the officer hands to the driver.
Searching by Name
Drivers who lost their citation can look up Flagler County traffic ticket records by name. The Clerk’s online portal accepts a last name and first name search. The results list every traffic case under that name. Each result shows the case number, the violation date, and the case status. The search works best with the exact spelling shown on the citation. A date of birth filter helps narrow the results when two people share the same name.
Searching by Date or Violation Type
The Clerk’s portal also allows a search by violation date. This option helps law firms, employers, and drivers who remember the day of the stop but lost the citation paper. The search pulls every ticket written on that day. Some users also filter by violation type, such as speeding, no insurance, or careless driving. These filters reduce the list of results and help users locate the correct case faster.
Phone and In-Person Record Lookups
Flagler County traffic ticket records can also be retrieved by phone or in person. Call the Clerk of Courts at 386-313-4400 during business hours. A clerk can look up a case using the citation number, the defendant’s name, or the driver’s license number. Walk-in customers can visit the Clerk’s office at 1769 East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell. A clerk will print a copy of the case summary or payment history for a small fee.
How to Pay a Flagler County Traffic Ticket
Florida law gives drivers 30 days from the citation date to pay or respond. Missing this deadline adds a $16 late fee and starts the license suspension process. Flagler County offers three payment channels: online, by mail, and in person. The total amount owed always shows up on the Clerk’s online portal before the driver submits a payment.
Online Payment Through PayFLClerk
The online payment portal at payflclerk.com accepts Flagler County traffic ticket payments around the clock. Select Flagler County from the drop-down menu. Type the citation number and the amount due. Enter a credit or debit card to finish the payment. A convenience fee of about 3.5 percent applies to every card transaction. The portal sends a confirmation email once the payment posts to the case file.
Paying by Mail
Mail payments go to P.O. Box 787, Bunnell, FL 32110. Write the citation number on the check or money order. Make the payment out to the Flagler County Clerk of Courts. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the Clerk to process a mailed payment. The Clerk’s office will not accept cash through the mail. Postmark dates do not count; the Clerk uses the date the payment arrives at the office.
Paying in Person at the Bunnell Office
Walk-in payments can be made at the Flagler County Clerk of Courts office in Bunnell. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and card payments. Bring the citation or a photo ID. A clerk will print a receipt at the counter. In-person payments post to the case file the same day. Drivers who pay in person can also ask questions about their case or pick up a copy of their record.
Accepted Payment Methods and Convenience Fees
Flagler County accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit and debit cards. Checks must have the driver’s name and address printed on them. Convenience fees apply to every card payment, whether online, by phone, or in person. Cash payments do not carry a fee. Refunds for overpayments take 4 to 6 weeks to process through the Clerk’s office.
Flagler County Traffic Fine Schedule
Fines for Flagler County traffic ticket records come from Florida Statute 318.18. The base fine listed on the citation is only the starting amount. Court costs, surcharges, and late fees are added on top of the base fine. The total amount owed always shows up on the Clerk’s online portal and on the printed case summary.
Base Fines for Moving Violations
Most moving violations in Flagler County carry a base fine of $60. This amount covers noncriminal infractions such as failure to stop, failure to signal, and improper lane changes. Nonmoving violations start at $30. These include parking tickets, expired registration, and broken taillight citations. The total amount a driver owes is always higher than the base fine because court costs get added on.
Speeding Fine Tiers on I-95 and Local Roads
Speeding fines in Flagler County increase based on how many miles per hour over the limit the driver was going. The Clerk of Courts applies the tiers listed below. I-95, US-1, and State Road A1A see the highest number of speeding citations in Flagler County. Officers on I-95 write many tickets for drivers going 15 to 25 mph over the posted limit.
| Speed Over the Limit | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 mph over | $30 |
| 6 to 9 mph over | $75 |
| 10 to 14 mph over | $125 |
| 15 to 19 mph over | $150 |
| 20 to 29 mph over | $175 |
| 30 mph or more over | $250 |
School Zone and Construction Zone Penalties
School zone speeding fines in Flagler County double when children are present. Construction zone speeding on I-95 also doubles when workers are on site. A driver going 20 mph over the limit in a school zone near Palm Coast or Bunnell would face a $350 base fine plus court costs. Fines in these zones do not allow a reduction through traffic school in some cases. Officers often write the citation with extra notes that affect the fine calculation.
Court Costs and State Surcharges
Court costs add about $35 to most Flagler County traffic ticket records. A $3 state surcharge goes to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund. A $50 court cost applies to red light camera citations. Drivers who elect traffic school still pay the reduced fine plus the school fee. The Clerk’s office always shows the final total amount on the payment page and on the printed receipt.
Three Options After Receiving a Flagler County Traffic Ticket
Florida law gives drivers three ways to respond to a Flagler County traffic ticket. The choice must be made within 30 days. Each option has a different cost, a different effect on the driving record, and a different level of risk. The table below shows the three options side by side.
| Option | Cost | Effect on Record | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay the fine | Full base fine plus court costs | Conviction and points added | Low risk, points on record |
| Traffic school | Reduced fine (18% off) plus school fee | No points, adjudication withheld | Low risk, no points on record |
| Contest in court | Court filing fee plus possible fine | Dismissed or convicted based on hearing | High risk, full fine possible |
Option 1: Pay the Fine and Accept the Conviction
Paying the fine is the fastest way to close a Flagler County traffic ticket record. The case ends the moment the payment posts. A conviction goes on the driving record. Points are added to the license based on the violation. Insurance rates often go up after a conviction shows up on the record. Drivers who pay the fine give up the right to a court hearing and the right to traffic school.
Option 2: Elect Basic Driver Improvement (Traffic School)
Electing traffic school keeps points off the license. The driver pays a reduced fine, which is 18 percent less than the standard fine, plus a school fee. The course takes four hours to complete. The Clerk withholds adjudication if the driver finishes on time. Insurance rates usually do not go up after a successful traffic school election. This option costs more up front but protects the driving record in the long run.
Option 3: Contest the Ticket in Court
Pleading not guilty and requesting a hearing is the riskiest option. The driver must show up at the courthouse on the scheduled date. The judge hears testimony from the driver and the officer. A winning case ends with the ticket dismissed. A losing case ends with a conviction, the full fine, and points on the record. Judges can increase the fine up to $500 for standard violations and up to $1,000 for school zone and construction zone cases.
License Suspension from Unpaid Flagler County Tickets
Florida takes unpaid traffic tickets seriously. The 30-day deadline matters because missing it starts a chain of events that ends with a license suspension. The Flagler County Clerk reports the unpaid ticket to the FLHSMV. The state sends a suspension notice. The license becomes inactive 20 days after the notice goes out. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can lead to arrest and additional fines.
The 30-Day Deadline and Reporting Process
The clock starts on the date printed at the top of the citation. The 30th day is the final day to pay, elect traffic school, or request a hearing. The Clerk’s office reports the unpaid case to the FLHSMV on the 31st day. The state mails a suspension notice to the address on file. The driver’s license becomes inactive 20 days after the notice date. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest.
How to Reinstate a Suspended License
Reinstating a license from a Flagler County traffic ticket record takes three steps. First, pay the full balance owed to the Clerk of Courts, including the original fine, the $16 late fee, and any collection costs. Second, request a compliance certificate from the Clerk. Third, pay the $60 reinstatement fee to the FLHSMV and submit the compliance certificate. The state lifts the suspension once the paperwork clears.
Checking License Status Online
Drivers can check their license status anytime at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov. The portal shows the current status, any active suspensions, and the dates those suspensions end. The portal also lists the citations that caused the suspension. Drivers who see a Flagler County citation listed should contact the Clerk of Courts at 386-313-4400 to start the reinstatement process.
Basic Driver Improvement Course for Flagler County Citations
The basic driver improvement course is a four-hour program approved by the FLHSMV. The course is open to most drivers who get a noncriminal traffic ticket in Flagler County. Successful completion keeps points off the license and stops the court from entering a conviction. The list of approved providers is on the FLHSMV website.
Eligibility Requirements
Florida law limits who can elect traffic school for a Flagler County traffic ticket record. The driver must hold a valid Florida license at the time of the election. The driver cannot have elected traffic school in the past 12 months. The driver cannot have elected traffic school more than five times in a lifetime. CDL holders cannot elect this option. Drivers cited for going 30 mph or more over the speed limit cannot elect this option. Drivers who caused an accident that resulted in death or serious bodily injury cannot elect this option.
Approved Course Providers in Florida
The FLHSMV keeps a current list of approved basic driver improvement providers at flhsmv.gov. The list shows classroom courses and online courses. Course fees range from about $15 to $50. The state does not set the price, so providers can charge whatever the market allows. Online courses let drivers finish the class at their own pace. Classroom courses run on a set schedule at local driving schools.
Submitting the Certificate of Completion
Drivers must submit the certificate of completion to the Flagler County Clerk of Courts within 90 days of the citation date. The Clerk accepts the certificate by mail, in person, or through the online portal. The court withholds adjudication once the Clerk files the certificate. The driver should keep a copy for personal records. The Clerk does not contact the school to confirm completion, so the driver is responsible for sending the document.
Flagler County Traffic Court Hearings
Drivers who want to fight a Flagler County traffic ticket can request a court hearing. The hearing takes place at the Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell. A county court judge presides over the case. Both the driver and the citing officer have the right to testify and present evidence. The Clerk of Courts schedules the hearing date and mails a notice to the defendant.
How to Request a Hearing
Drivers have 30 days from the citation date to request a hearing. The request can be made in person at the Clerk’s office, by mail, or through the online portal. The Clerk schedules the hearing and mails a notice with the court date, time, and room number. Drivers who cannot attend the scheduled date can request one continuance by contacting the Clerk before the hearing.
What Happens at the Hearing
At the hearing, the judge reads the citation and any evidence from the officer. The driver has the right to question the officer, present witnesses, and submit photos or diagrams. The judge decides the case based on the evidence. The decision is either guilty or not guilty. A guilty finding leads to a fine and possible points. A not guilty finding dismisses the case.
Possible Outcomes of a Contested Ticket
A driver who wins the hearing leaves the courthouse with the ticket dismissed. No fine, no points, no insurance impact. A driver who loses the case pays the fine set by the judge. The judge can lower the fine, keep it at the base amount, or raise it up to the statutory maximum. A driver who fails to appear at the hearing loses the case by default and pays the full fine plus court costs.
Flagler County Clerk Contact and Office Location
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts handles every traffic ticket record in the county. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on weekends and federal holidays. The office is located at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The mailing address is P.O. Box 787, Bunnell, FL 32110. The phone number is 386-313-4400. The official website is flaglerclerk.com. The online payment portal is payflclerk.com.
1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. Phone: 386-313-4400. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flagler County Traffic Ticket Records
Drivers and legal researchers often have specific questions about Flagler County traffic ticket records, how the system works, and what to expect from the Clerk of Courts. The questions below cover the most common searches, the most common concerns, and the most common mistakes people make when handling a citation. Each answer reflects current practice at the Flagler County Clerk of Courts and the 7th Judicial Circuit Court as of 2026.
How Long Does a Citation Take to Show Up in the Clerk’s System?
A citation typically takes 5 to 10 business days to show up in the Flagler County Clerk’s system after the officer writes it. The officer sends the citation to the Clerk, the Clerk enters the case into the database, and the case becomes searchable online. Drivers who try to look up a citation within the first few days of the stop will not see it yet. The 30-day deadline starts on the citation date, not the date the case appears in the system, so drivers should not wait for the record to post before responding to a Flagler County traffic ticket record.
Can Someone Else Pay My Flagler County Traffic Ticket?
Yes, a third party can pay a Flagler County traffic ticket record on the driver’s behalf. The Clerk’s office does not require the payer to be the named defendant. The payer needs the citation number or case number and a form of payment. Online payments work the same way for a third party through the payflclerk.com portal. The only restriction is that the third party cannot elect traffic school on the defendant’s behalf. The defendant must contact the Clerk’s office directly to make that election for a Flagler County traffic ticket record.
What Happens If I Move Before Paying the Ticket?
Drivers who move before paying a Flagler County traffic ticket record should update their address with the FLHSMV right away. The Clerk of Courts uses the address on file with the state. If the Clerk cannot reach the driver, the unpaid case moves to collections and a license suspension follows. Address changes can be made online at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov or at any Florida driver license office. The Clerk’s office does not track address changes for traffic cases, so a failure to update the address with the state can result in a missed notice and an automatic suspension tied to a Flagler County traffic ticket record.
Can I Get a Copy of My Driving Record After a Flagler County Ticket?
Yes, a Florida driving record can be requested from the FLHSMV. The state offers a 3-year and a 7-year record. The 3-year record is free for the first download. The 7-year record costs $10. The record lists every Flagler County traffic ticket, the points, the court outcome, and any suspensions. Insurance companies often ask for the 3-year record when setting rates. The record is available at flhsmv.gov. Drivers should request a copy after every case closes to make sure the disposition matches the actual outcome of the Flagler County traffic ticket record.
Do Flagler County Traffic Tickets Show Up on Background Checks?
Criminal traffic offenses in Flagler County show up on background checks. Civil traffic infractions do not show up on most background checks. The difference is the case type. A DUI or a driving with a suspended license is a criminal case and shows up everywhere. A speeding ticket or a failure to stop is a civil case and usually only shows up on driving record checks. Employers running criminal background checks will see the criminal cases attached to a Flagler County traffic ticket record. Landlords and most private employers will not see the civil infractions.
What If I Cannot Afford to Pay the Fine?
Drivers who cannot afford a Flagler County traffic ticket record can ask the court for a payment plan. The driver must request the plan before the fine goes to collections. The court sets monthly payments based on the driver’s income. Drivers who do not ask for a plan before the deadline face late fees and license suspension. The Clerk’s office can explain the payment plan process over the phone or at the counter. A payment plan does not remove the points from the record, but it does stop the suspension process tied to a Flagler County traffic ticket record.
Can a Flagler County Traffic Ticket Be Expunged?
Florida law does not allow most Flagler County traffic ticket records to be expunged. A civil infraction stays on the driving record for years. A criminal traffic case can be sealed or expunged only if the court withholds adjudication and the driver meets the eligibility requirements. Expungement does not remove the citation from the Clerk’s docket. It removes the case from public view. Expungement requires a petition to the court and a judge must approve the request. Drivers who want to expunge a Flagler County traffic ticket record should talk to a licensed Florida attorney before filing any paperwork.