Leon County traffic ticket records are public court records held by the Leon County Clerk of Courts in Tallahassee, Florida. Anyone can look up a citation, check ticket status, pay a fine, or pull a copy of the case file.
The clerk’s office processes every traffic citation written in Leon County, including those issued by Tallahassee Police, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida State University Police, and Florida A&M University Police. The records stay on file for years and remain searchable through the clerk’s online portal, by phone, or in person at the courthouse on Thomasville Road.
What Information Appears in Leon County Traffic Ticket Records
A traffic ticket record in Leon County contains more than just the fine amount. Each entry has the citation number, date and time of the stop, location, issuing officer, driver’s name, license number, vehicle plate, violation code, court date, and final outcome. The clerk keeps the complete file from the time the officer writes the ticket until the case closes. Every detail ties back to Florida Statutes Chapter 318, which governs non-criminal traffic infractions across the state.
Citation Number Details
The citation number is the fastest way to pull a Leon County traffic ticket record. It starts with a letter prefix that shows the issuing agency. The prefix “T” may stand for Tallahassee Police, “L” for Leon County Sheriff, and “FHP” for Florida Highway Patrol. Numbers after the prefix are unique to that stop. Write this number down and keep it safe until your case closes.
Case Number Details
When a citation moves into the court system, the clerk assigns a case number. Leon County case numbers for traffic matters start with a year code followed by a letter sequence. The case number stays with the file forever, even years after the ticket is paid. Use the case number when you need a certified copy of the record or when you contact the clerk by phone for help.
Violation Codes and Statutes
Each ticket shows the Florida Statute number that the officer cited. A red light camera ticket cites Section 316.0083. A speeding ticket cites Section 316.183 or 316.187. A texting ticket cites Section 316.305. Knowing the statute helps you prepare for a school course or court hearing. The clerk can read the statute code to you over the phone if the print on your ticket is hard to read.
How to Look Up Leon County Traffic Ticket Records
Three main ways exist to view a Leon County traffic ticket record. Online search is the fastest for most people. Phone support works for those who need help reading the file. In-person visits are best for certified copies and complex questions. Each option pulls the same data from the clerk’s database.
Online Portal Search
The Leon County Clerk runs a free online search tool at cvweb.clerk.leon.fl.us. Go to the public records section, pick the case search option, and enter your name or citation number. The portal shows open and closed cases, scheduled court dates, fine balances, and final outcomes. Records stay available for years after the case closes.
Phone Lookup
Call the Leon County traffic division at 850-577-4100 during business hours. Have your citation number, full legal name, and date of birth ready. A clerk can read the file to you over the phone, confirm the fine balance, and take a payment by card. Phone support runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
In-Person Records Request
Visit the Leon County Courthouse at 1920 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Go to the traffic division window on the first floor. Bring a photo ID and your citation number. The clerk can pull the file, print a copy, and stamp it as certified. Certified copies carry a small fee and serve as proof in other legal matters.
Leon County Clerk of Courts Office Details
The Leon County Clerk of Courts is the central office for all traffic ticket records in the county. The main office sits on Thomasville Road in Tallahassee, just north of downtown. The traffic division has a dedicated phone line for citation-related questions. This is where you pay fines, elect traffic school, set up payment plans, or request a court hearing. The clerk keeps a record of every ticket issued in Leon County from start to final outcome.
Contact Information
The clerk’s office accepts calls, emails, and walk-ins for traffic ticket questions. The main phone number is 850-606-4000. The traffic division phone is 850-577-4100. The official website is cvweb.clerk.leon.fl.us. Email contacts are posted on the clerk’s website for general questions. Mail should go to P.O. Box 1658, Tallahassee, FL 32302 for non-urgent items.
- Address: 1920 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
- Main Phone: 850-606-4000
- Traffic Division Phone: 850-577-4100
- Website: cvweb.clerk.leon.fl.us
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Payment Portal: PayFLClerk.com
Office Location and Map
The clerk’s office sits on Thomasville Road between I-10 and downtown Tallahassee. Parking is free in the surface lot next to the building. The traffic division window is on the first floor near the main entrance. Wheelchair access is available at the front door. The Tallahassee bus system serves the courthouse with Route 2 and Route 5 stops within walking distance.
The 30-Day Deadline and Late Penalties
Florida Statute 318.14 sets a 30-day deadline for traffic tickets in Leon County. You must pay the fine, elect traffic school, or request a court hearing within 30 days of the date on the citation. The clock starts on the date the officer wrote the ticket, not the date you found it in your mailbox. Missing the deadline adds a $16 late fee and can lead to a license suspension through DHSMV.
Florida Statute 318.14 Rules
The 30-day window is a strict legal deadline. The clerk cannot extend it for any reason. Court holidays do not add extra days. Weekends count toward the 30 days. Postmark dates count for mailed payments. Online payment timestamps count for digital payments. Plan to act at least five days before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.
Late Fee Amounts
The $16 late fee applies once you cross the 30-day mark. It adds to the base fine and any court costs. The clerk charges the fee on the 31st day, no exceptions. If you mail a payment, the postmark date counts as the payment date. Online payments go through on the same day you submit them.
License Suspension Risks
Failure to act within 30 days triggers a suspension of your Florida driver license. The clerk reports the unpaid ticket to DHSMV. DHSMV then suspends the license until you pay the full balance. A separate $60 reinstatement fee also applies when you pay off the ticket. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that leads to arrest.
Three Response Options for Leon County Traffic Tickets
When you get a traffic ticket in Leon County, you pick from three options. Each one has different effects on your driving record and your finances. The 30-day clock starts the day the officer writes the ticket, not when you read it at home. Choose the option that fits your driving history and budget.
Paying the Fine
Paying the fine admits guilt. The clerk closes the case and reports a conviction to DHSMV. Points hit your license right away. A standard moving violation adds three points. Speeding 16 or more over the limit adds four points. Points stay on your record for years and often lead to higher insurance premiums. Students at FSU or FAMU who drive in Leon County should be careful since extra points cause long-term problems.
Electing Traffic School
Traffic school is the most common choice in Leon County for people who want a clean record. Tell the clerk within 30 days that you want the Basic Driver Improvement course. Under Florida Statute 318.14, the fine drops by 18 percent. You take an approved course within 90 days, submit the certificate, and the court withholds adjudication. No points hit your license. Limits cap this option at five times in your lifetime and once per 12 months.
Contesting the Ticket
Request a hearing through the clerk to contest the ticket. You can hire a traffic attorney, or you can represent yourself. Bring the citation, your evidence, and any witnesses. The judge hears both sides and makes a ruling. A win means the ticket is dismissed. A loss means the fine can rise up to $500 for a standard violation, plus court costs.
Traffic School Election in Leon County
Traffic school is the top choice for Leon County drivers who get a citation. Call the traffic division at 850-577-4100 or visit the clerk’s office within 30 days. Tell them you want the Basic Driver Improvement course. Pay the reduced fine. Then take an approved course within 90 days. The clerk records the election when you pay the reduced fine.
BDI Course Details
The Basic Driver Improvement course lasts four hours and covers safe driving habits, Florida traffic laws, and risk management. You can take the course online or in a classroom. The FLHSMV approved provider list shows every legal school. Most online courses let you log in and out as time allows, which works well for busy Tallahassee commuters and students.
Eligibility and Limits
You can elect traffic school five times in your lifetime across all Florida counties. You can only use the option once every 12 months. CDL holders cannot use traffic school. Drivers caught going 30 or more over the speed limit cannot use traffic school. Drivers with a criminal traffic offense cannot use traffic school. The clerk checks eligibility before accepting your election.
Driving Record Outcomes
Completing the BDI course and submitting the certificate to the Leon County Clerk removes the points from your license. The court withholds adjudication, which means no conviction shows on your record. Insurance rates do not rise from the ticket. Some insurance carriers still see the citation for internal review, so check with your agent about how the ticket affects your policy.
Leon County Traffic Fine Schedule
Traffic fines in Leon County follow the amounts in Florida Statute 318.18. The total on your citation includes the base fine plus court costs and surcharges. Specific fine amounts depend on the violation, the speed over the limit, and the location of the stop. The chart below shows the base fine levels that apply to Leon County tickets.
Standard Fine Amounts
Florida sets uniform base fines for traffic violations across all counties. A pedestrian infraction carries a $15 base fine. A nonmoving violation carries a $30 base fine. A standard moving violation carries a $60 base fine. Court costs of $35 add to the total. The clerk totals the fine and costs on the bottom of your citation.
Speeding Fine Amounts
Speeding fines rise based on how many miles per hour over the limit you were driving. The fine for 6 to 9 mph over runs $25. Ten to 14 mph over runs $100. Fifteen to 19 mph over runs $150. Twenty to 29 mph over runs $175. Thirty or more mph over runs $250. Court costs of $35 apply to all speeding tickets.
- Pedestrian infraction: $15
- Nonmoving violation: $30
- Standard moving violation: $60
- Speeding 6 to 9 mph over: $25
- Speeding 10 to 14 mph over: $100
- Speeding 15 to 19 mph over: $150
- Speeding 20 to 29 mph over: $175
- Speeding 30 mph or more over: $250
School Zone and Construction Zone Fines
School zone and construction zone tickets are double in Leon County. Signs must be posted for the increased fines to apply. The officer notes the zone on the citation when the stop happens in a posted area. With several school zones in the Tallahassee area and active road projects on major corridors, double fines come up often.
Payment Methods for Leon County Traffic Tickets
The 30-day deadline applies to all traffic tickets in Leon County. Florida Statute 318.14 requires you to pay the fine or take action within 30 days of the date on your citation. Missing this window adds a $16 late fee and puts your license at risk of suspension. The clerk’s office accepts payments through four channels.
Online Payment
The fastest way to pay is online. Visit PayFLClerk.com, choose Leon County, and you land on the payment portal. Enter your citation number, see what you owe, and pay with a credit or debit card. A processing fee applies. The system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.
Phone Payment
Call 850-577-4100 with your citation number and card information ready. A clerk takes the payment over the phone during business hours. A small convenience fee applies to phone payments. The clerk emails a receipt once the payment posts. Keep your receipt for your records.
Mail Payment
Send a check or money order to the Leon County Clerk at 1920 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Write your citation number on the check. Do not send cash through the mail. The postmark date counts as the payment date for deadline purposes. Allow seven days for mail delivery to the clerk’s office.
In-Person and Amscot Payment
In-person payments are accepted at the clerk’s office in Tallahassee during regular hours. Cash, check, money order, and card payments are all accepted. Cash payments can also be made at any Florida AMSCOT location if you do not want to use a card or check for your Leon County traffic ticket. AMSCOT charges a small fee for the service.
Driving Record and Point System
Traffic tickets from Leon County appear on your Florida driving record at DHSMV. You can pull your record through the FLHSMV Driving Record History page. A three-year history costs $14.25 and a complete record costs $16.25. These records show all your tickets, points, and suspensions tied to your license, including anything from Leon County.
Point Values
Florida uses a point system to track driver behavior. Three points for a standard moving violation. Four points for speeding 16 or more over the limit. Six points for leaving the scene of a crash or racing on the highway. Points stay on your record for different time periods based on the violation. Insurance companies check your record for three to five years.
Driving Record Request
Order a copy of your driving record through the FLHSMV website. Pay the fee by credit or debit card. The record downloads in PDF format right away. A mailed copy takes seven to ten days. The record shows every citation, court outcome, and suspension tied to your license. The record is the official proof for insurance companies and employers.
Insurance Rate Impact
A single traffic ticket in Leon County can raise your insurance rates by 20 to 30 percent over three years. Multiple tickets raise rates more. The conviction shows on your driving record for three to five years for most moving violations. Shopping for new insurance after a ticket often shows the highest rate increases. Traffic school removes the points and the rate increase.
License Suspension and Reinstatement Process
An unpaid Leon County ticket can trigger a suspension of your Florida driver license. The clerk reports the unpaid case to DHSMV after the 30-day deadline passes. DHSMV then sends a suspension notice to your address on file. The suspension stays in place until you pay the ticket and pay a reinstatement fee.
Causes of Suspension
Failure to pay, failure to appear in court, failure to complete traffic school, and accumulation of 12 points in 12 months all trigger suspension. Under Florida Statute 318.15, suspensions stay on your record for seven years. A Habitual Traffic Offender designation follows 15 points in five years and carries a five-year revocation.
Reinstatement Steps
Pay the full ticket balance through the Leon County Clerk. Pay the $60 reinstatement fee to DHSMV. Show proof of insurance if your case required it. Submit SR-22 proof in some cases. Use the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov to check your status. Call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 for help with reinstatement.
Special Ticket Categories in Leon County
Some traffic tickets in Leon County carry special rules and consequences. Knowing these rules helps you avoid surprises on your driving record or insurance. The clerk processes all these tickets through the same traffic division, but the laws differ based on the violation type.
Red Light Camera Tickets
Red light camera tickets are civil violations, not moving violations. No points hit your license. The fine is $158. You pay the ticket or request a hearing within 30 days. The clerk handles these cases through the traffic division, same as officer-issued tickets. The camera company sends the ticket to the registered owner of the vehicle.
School Zone Tickets
School zone tickets double the fine amount. Officers must see the prohibited behavior in a posted zone. The fine for a standard moving violation in a school zone is $120 instead of $60. Construction zone fines double when workers are present. Points still apply based on the original violation.
CDL Holder Rules
Commercial driver license holders face stricter rules. CDL holders cannot use traffic school for any moving violation. Even a minor ticket goes on the CDL record and may affect employment. The 30-day deadline still applies. The employer must be notified of any ticket in the company vehicle.
Out-of-State Drivers
Out-of-state drivers can pay Leon County tickets by mail or online. The Florida DHSMV reports convictions to the home state through the Driver License Compact. Points on a Florida record may transfer to the home state. Traffic school elections work the same way for non-residents. Some home states refuse to add points, but the conviction still shows up.
Court Procedures for Contested Tickets
Contesting a traffic ticket in Leon County means appearing before a judge. The clerk sets a hearing date when you request a contest. You have the right to hire an attorney, or you can represent yourself. Most drivers represent themselves for civil traffic infractions. The hearing takes place at the Leon County Courthouse.
Filing a Written Declaration
You can contest a ticket without appearing in person by filing a written declaration. The clerk sends a form that you complete, sign under oath, and return. The judge reviews your statement and the officer’s report, then makes a ruling. No live testimony happens in this format. The ruling goes into the mail within 30 days.
Live Hearing Format
Live hearings happen at the Leon County Courthouse. The officer testifies first. You cross-examine the officer. You present your evidence and witnesses. The judge makes a ruling on the spot. A win means the ticket is dismissed. A loss means the fine can rise and court costs apply. Most hearings last 10 to 20 minutes.
Discovery and Evidence
You have the right to see the evidence against you before the hearing. Request discovery from the clerk’s office at least 14 days before the hearing. Evidence includes the officer’s report, photos, radar calibration records, and any video. Review the evidence with your attorney before the hearing date. Missing evidence can hurt your case at trial.
Payment Plans and Financial Hardship
Drivers who cannot pay a Leon County traffic ticket in full can apply for a payment plan. The clerk approves plans based on the balance owed and the driver’s ability to pay. Plans run for up to 12 months. A small setup fee applies. Missing a payment can cancel the plan and trigger suspension.
Eligibility for Payment Plans
Most drivers qualify for a payment plan through the Leon County Clerk. The clerk reviews income, expenses, and the ticket balance. Some plans start with a 25 percent down payment. Others require monthly payments of at least $50. The clerk sets the terms based on each case. Interest does not accrue on the unpaid balance.
Financial Hardship Waiver
Low-income drivers can request a financial hardship waiver. The court reviews the application and supporting documents. A waiver can reduce the fine or remove it. The driver still has to complete traffic school or another requirement in some cases. The clerk can provide the hardship form. Approval rates vary based on the applicant’s situation.
Lost Ticket and Missing Records
Drivers who lose their ticket can still look up the record. The Leon County Clerk keeps every citation in the system. Visit the courthouse or call the traffic division with your full name and date of birth. The clerk can pull the citation number and read the details. You do not need the physical ticket to handle your case.
What You Need to Look Up a Lost Ticket
Your full legal name as shown on the citation. Your date of birth. The approximate date of the stop. The vehicle plate number. The location of the stop. Any of these details helps the clerk pull the record. The lookup is easier with the citation number, but the clerk can locate it without one.
Leon County Cities and Coverage Areas
Leon County is home to the state capital and several surrounding communities. All traffic citations in the county go through the Leon County Clerk of Courts. Tallahassee is the main city. Other communities include Woodville, Bradfordville, Killearn Estates, and Centerville. Tickets from these areas are all handled the same way.
Major Roads with Heavy Enforcement
Interstate 10 runs east and west through the county. Major stops include the weigh stations and the exits near downtown. US 90 (Mahan Drive) and US 27 (Monroe Street) see heavy enforcement. Capital Circle (US 319) and Thomasville Road are common stop locations. Campus-area streets near FSU and FAMU see lots of pedestrian and speeding tickets from campus police.
Nearby Counties in the Second Judicial Circuit
Leon County sits in the heart of the Big Bend region of North Florida. The county is part of the Second Judicial Circuit. If you got a ticket near a county line, check the citation to see which county issued it. You pay in the county where the stop took place. Each county runs its own clerk office.
- Gadsden County: Clerk at 10 E. Jefferson St., Quincy, FL 32351
- Jefferson County: Clerk at 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344
- Liberty County: Clerk at 10818 NW State Road 20, Bristol, FL 32321
- Wakulla County: Clerk at 3056 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivers in Leon County have many questions about traffic ticket records. The questions below cover the most common points raised at the clerk’s traffic division window. Each answer gives you the facts you need to handle your citation fast. Use these answers as a starting point, but check with the clerk for the latest rules on your specific case.
How Long Does Leon County Keep Traffic Ticket Records?
Leon County keeps traffic ticket records permanently. The clerk’s office retains case files for the lifetime of the court system. Older records transfer to the state archives but remain searchable through the clerk’s online portal. Florida law requires permanent retention of court records. You can pull a 30-year-old ticket record through the public records search if you have the name or case number.
Can I Get a Copy of Someone Else’s Traffic Ticket in Leon County?
Yes, traffic ticket records are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search by name or citation number through the clerk’s online portal. Certified copies carry a small fee. Some personal details may be redacted from non-certified prints. Court files are open for public inspection during regular business hours.
What Happens If I Ignore a Leon County Traffic Ticket?
Ignoring a Leon County traffic ticket triggers a license suspension. The clerk reports the unpaid case to DHSMV after the 30-day deadline. DHSMV sends a suspension notice to your address. The suspension stays in place until you pay the balance and a $60 reinstatement fee. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense.
Can I Take Traffic School for a Speeding Ticket in Leon County?
You can take traffic school for a speeding ticket in Leon County if you were not going 30 or more over the limit. Speeding 30 or more over disqualifies the ticket from traffic school. The Basic Driver Improvement course removes the points and keeps the conviction off your record. You must elect the course within 30 days of the citation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Leon County Traffic Ticket?
A lawyer is not required for a civil traffic ticket in Leon County. Most drivers represent themselves at the hearing. A lawyer helps with complex cases, repeat offenses, or situations where the driver faces license suspension. The clerk cannot recommend a lawyer, but the Florida Bar website has a referral service.
How Do I Check If My License Is Suspended in Leon County?
Use the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov to check your license status. The portal shows suspensions, points, and reinstatement fees. You can also call DHSMV at 850-617-2000. The Leon County Clerk cannot lift a suspension. Only DHSMV reinstates a license after the ticket balance is paid.
Are Red Light Camera Tickets Public Records in Leon County?
Yes, red light camera tickets are public records. The clerk keeps a file for each issued ticket. The ticket shows the date, time, location, vehicle, and photo. You can request a copy of the photo and the ticket record through the clerk’s office. The standard public records fee applies.