Madison County traffic ticket records are public files kept by the Madison County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Madison, Florida. Every civil traffic citation written inside the county borders ends up in this office.
Drivers can look up their ticket, pay the fine, request a court date, or sign up for traffic school through this clerk’s office. The records show the citation number, the charge, the court date, the fine amount, and the final outcome. Whether the ticket came from a Florida Highway Patrol officer on Interstate 10 or a local deputy on US-90, the same clerk handles the case.
Where Madison County Traffic Ticket Records Are Stored
The Madison County Clerk of Court runs the records system for every traffic ticket in the county. The office sits inside the Madison County Courthouse in the city of Madison. Staff process all new citations, set up court hearings, and track the final outcome of each case. These records stay on file for years and can be checked by the public, by insurance companies, and by other courts. The clerk’s office is the only official source for these files.
Office Location and Contact
The clerk’s office handles all ticket questions by phone, in person, and online. The main office address, phone, and website for the Madison County Clerk of Court are listed below.
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 237, Madison, FL 32341
- Phone: 850-973-1500
- Website: madisonclerk.com
- County Seat: Madison, Florida
- Judicial Circuit: 3rd Circuit
Office Hours and Visit Times
The clerk’s office keeps regular business hours on weekdays. Drivers who want to handle ticket business in person should arrive with enough time to wait in line. The office closes for state and federal holidays. Phone calls are answered during the same hours as the walk-in counter. Callers often get faster service early in the morning before the line builds up.
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
- Holidays: Closed on state and federal holidays
How to Search Madison County Traffic Ticket Records
Madison County traffic ticket records can be looked up in three ways. Each method pulls from the same database run by the clerk’s office. Drivers should have their citation number ready before starting a search. The citation number is printed at the top of the ticket and usually starts with letters followed by numbers.
Online Citation Search
The fastest way to find a ticket record is through the official clerk website. Drivers can visit madisonclerk.com and use the traffic ticket lookup tool. The site asks for a citation number or a name. The search returns the ticket status, the amount owed, and the next steps. The site runs 24 hours a day and works on phones and computers. No account is needed for a basic search.
Phone Search
Drivers can call 850-973-1500 during office hours to ask about a ticket. The clerk’s staff will look up the record by name or citation number. Phone searches are a good choice for people who do not use the internet. Staff can also explain payment plans, court dates, and traffic school options over the phone.
In-Person Search
Anyone can walk into the Madison County Courthouse and ask to see ticket records at the clerk’s counter. Staff will print the record or show it on a screen. In-person visits work best for people who need certified copies of court documents. A small fee applies for certified copies.
What Information Appears in a Madison County Traffic Ticket Record
A standard ticket record from the Madison County Clerk shows the full history of a citation. The record includes the personal data of the driver, the details of the violation, and the final outcome of the case. Insurance companies, employers, and courts often pull these records to check a driving history.
Driver and Vehicle Details
Each ticket record shows the name of the driver, the driver’s license number, and the date of birth on file. The record also lists the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and the state where the car is registered. This data comes straight from the citation the officer wrote at the traffic stop.
| Record Field | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Driver Name | Full legal name on the citation |
| License Number | Florida driver license or out-of-state ID |
| Date of Birth | From the license or ID shown at the stop |
| License Plate | Tag number and state of issue |
| Vehicle Make and Model | Year, make, model, and color of the car |
Violation and Court Details
The middle section of the record shows the charge, the location of the stop, and the officer’s name. It also lists the court date, the fine amount, and the deadline for payment. If a driver requested a hearing, the record shows the result of that hearing. If the driver paid, the record shows the payment date and the amount paid.
- Citation number and date issued
- Statute or ordinance violated
- Location of the stop, including road and mile marker
- Officer name, agency, and badge number
- Court date, if a hearing was requested
- Final outcome: paid, dismissed, adjudicated, or traffic school
Paying a Madison County Traffic Ticket
Drivers have 30 days from the date on the citation to pay the fine or respond. Florida Statute 318.14 sets this deadline. Missing it triggers late fees and possible license suspension. The Madison County Clerk accepts payments online, by mail, and in person.
Online Payment Method
The online payment site is payflclerk.com. Drivers select Madison County from the drop-down list, enter the citation number, and pay with a credit or debit card. A small service fee is added to the total. The payment posts to the record the same day. A printed receipt is sent by email and can be used as proof of payment.
Mail Payment Method
Payments by mail go to P.O. Box 237, Madison, FL 32341. A check or money order is accepted. Cash should never be sent through the mail. The citation number must be written on the payment. Payments sent by mail take several days to arrive and a few more days to post. Drivers should mail the payment at least one week before the 30-day deadline.
In-Person Payment Method
The clerk’s counter inside the Madison County Courthouse accepts cash, check, money order, and card payments. In-person payments post the same day and the staff hands out a paper receipt. This option works well for people who want to ask questions while they pay.
Three Options After a Madison County Traffic Citation
Florida law gives every driver three choices after a civil traffic ticket. The 30-day clock starts from the date on the citation. Drivers who fail to pick one face late fees, license suspension, and a mark on their driving record.
Pay the Fine and Accept the Points
The fastest option is to pay the fine. By paying, the driver enters a guilty plea. The points from the violation go on the Florida driving record. The case closes once the payment posts. This option works for drivers who do not want to go to court and do not care about the points on their record.
Pay the Fine and Elect Traffic School
Drivers who want to keep points off their record can pay a smaller fine and take a Basic Driver Improvement course. The fine drops by 18% under Florida law. The course must be finished within 90 days. A state-approved school sends a certificate of completion. The certificate is filed with the Madison County Clerk. If the certificate is not filed on time, the points are added to the record.
Fight the Ticket in Court
Drivers who believe the ticket was issued in error can request a court hearing. The clerk sets a date and the driver appears before a judge. The officer who wrote the ticket also appears. If the driver wins, no fine is owed and no points are added. If the driver loses, the judge can set a fine as high as $500 for most moving violations. School zone and construction zone tickets can run up to $1,000.
Traffic School Rules for Madison County Drivers
Traffic school lets drivers keep points off their record. The state approves the courses, and the local clerk files the completion certificate. Several rules apply, and missing one can cancel the benefit.
Course Length and Approval
The Basic Driver Improvement course takes about four hours. It can be taken in a classroom or online. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) lists every approved provider on its website. Drivers should pick a school from that list. Schools not on the list are not accepted by the Madison County Clerk.
Time Limit and Filing
The course must be finished within 90 days of the citation date. The school sends a certificate by mail or email. Some schools file the certificate with the clerk for the driver. Others leave that step to the driver. A quick call to 850-973-1500 confirms whether the certificate has been filed. If not, the driver should bring the certificate to the clerk in person.
Eligibility Limits
Florida places strict limits on traffic school. A driver can only use it five times in a lifetime. The driver cannot use it more than once in any 12-month period. Commercial driver license (CDL) holders cannot use traffic school at all. Drivers caught going 30 mph or more over the speed limit are also blocked from using it. A driver who is not eligible will lose the benefit and the points will go on the record.
Madison County Traffic Ticket Fines and Court Costs
Base fines for traffic tickets are set by Florida Statute 318.18. The base numbers are the same in every Florida county. Court costs and surcharges are added on top of the base fine. The total paid is almost always higher than the base amount listed on the citation.
Speeding Fine Schedule
Speeding tickets follow a set range based on how many miles per hour the driver was going over the limit. The Madison County Clerk uses the same fine schedule for every speeding case, no matter which road the stop happened on.
| Speed Over the Limit | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 mph over | $25 |
| 6 to 9 mph over | $25 |
| 10 to 14 mph over | $100 |
| 15 to 19 mph over | $150 |
| 20 to 29 mph over | $175 |
| 30 mph or more over | $250 plus mandatory court |
Other Common Violations
Non-speeding tickets also carry set fines. A standard moving violation such as running a red light or unsafe lane change carries a $60 base fine. A non-moving violation such as an expired tag or faulty equipment is $30. School zone tickets double the base fine. Construction zone tickets double the base fine when workers are present.
Late Fees and Court Costs
A driver who misses the 30-day deadline pays a $16 late fee on top of the fine. Court costs add another $50 to $100 to most cases. A $60 ticket can easily top $150 once court costs and surcharges are added. Paying on time keeps the total as low as possible.
License Suspension for Unpaid Madison County Tickets
Florida law requires the clerk to report unpaid tickets to the state. The state then suspends the driver’s license. The process is automatic and moves quickly once the 30-day deadline passes.
How the Suspension Starts
Florida Statute 318.15 gives the clerk the duty to report unpaid tickets. The clerk sends the name of the driver and the ticket details to FLHSMV. The state mails a suspension notice to the driver. The suspension goes into effect 20 days after the letter is mailed. The suspension stays on the record for seven years, even after the ticket is paid.
How to Clear a Suspension
To lift the suspension, the driver must pay the full amount owed to the Madison County Clerk. The driver also pays a $60 reinstatement fee to FLHSMV. Once the clerk receives payment, a compliance certificate is sent to the state. The state lifts the suspension after the certificate arrives. Drivers can check the status of their license on the MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.
Driving on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense can lead to a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A second offense can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Drivers should not get behind the wheel until the suspension is lifted.
Cities and Towns in Madison County
Madison County covers about 700 square miles in north Florida. The county includes three main cities and towns, each with its own local roads but sharing one clerk of court. Every traffic ticket in these communities goes through the same office in the city of Madison.
City of Madison
Madison is the county seat and the largest city in the county. The Madison County Courthouse and the clerk’s office sit in the heart of downtown Madison. Most traffic tickets in the county pass through this office. Drivers in the city limits often get tickets on US-90, State Road 53, or local streets.
Town of Greenville
Greenville sits east of Madison along US-90. The town has a small population, but tickets written on the US-90 stretch through Greenville go to the same Madison County Clerk. Drivers stopped in Greenville should follow the same process as drivers stopped in the city of Madison.
Town of Lee
Lee sits in the western part of the county along US-90. Tickets written inside Lee town limits also go to the Madison County Clerk. The Interstate 10 interchange at Lee is a common spot for traffic stops by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Nearby Counties and Borderline Tickets
Madison County shares borders with several other Florida counties. A ticket written near a county line can sometimes list the wrong county. Drivers should check the citation carefully before taking action.
Border Counties
Madison County sits in the 3rd Judicial Circuit. The counties that share a border with Madison are Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Taylor. Each county runs its own clerk of court. A ticket from a bordering county must be handled by that county’s clerk. The county name on the citation tells the driver where to go.
Borderline Citations
Interstate 10 runs east and west across the county. A few miles of I-10 sit near the Madison-Jefferson county line and the Madison-Suwannee county line. A driver stopped near one of these spots should look at the citation closely. A ticket written two miles east or west of the line may belong to a different county. The court name printed on the citation settles the question.
Madison County Clerk Official Contact
The Madison County Clerk of Court is the official record holder for all traffic ticket cases in the county. Drivers who need certified copies, payment receipts, or case status updates should reach out to the office through the channels listed below.
- Office: Madison County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 237, Madison, FL 32341
- Phone: 850-973-1500
- Website: madisonclerk.com
- Online Payment: payflclerk.com
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Madison County Traffic Ticket Record Image
The image below shows the official Madison County Clerk of Court homepage. The page includes links to traffic ticket searches, online payment tools, and contact information. Drivers can use the page to start a citation lookup or pay a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison County Traffic Ticket Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about Madison County traffic ticket records. Each answer gives a direct, fact-based response to a question drivers ask about citations, payments, traffic school, and license suspensions. The answers below reflect the current rules in place under Florida law and the Madison County Clerk of Court.
How long do Madison County keep traffic ticket records on file?
Madison County traffic ticket records stay on file for at least five years for paid cases and up to seven years for cases that led to a license suspension. Paid citations are often purged from the public search after several years, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps a separate driving record that may show the violation for a longer time. Convictions for moving violations stay on the Florida driving record for at least three to five years, depending on the charge. Serious violations can stay on the record for 10 years or more. Insurance companies often check the FLHSMV record, not the clerk file, when setting rates.
Can a Madison County traffic ticket be dismissed?
A Madison County traffic ticket can be dismissed in three ways. First, the citing officer can fail to show up at the court hearing, which often leads the judge to dismiss the case. Second, the driver can win the case at a hearing by showing the citation was issued in error. Third, the driver can complete a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement course and have the case withhold adjudication, which keeps points off the record. The clerk does not have the power to dismiss a ticket on its own. Only a judge can order a dismissal after a court hearing.
What happens if I ignore a Madison County traffic ticket?
Ignoring a Madison County traffic ticket leads to several problems. The clerk reports the unpaid ticket to FLHSMV after 30 days. FLHSMV sends a suspension notice by mail. The driver’s license is suspended 20 days after the notice goes out. The driver also picks up a $16 late fee, court costs, and a $60 license reinstatement fee. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest, fines, and jail time. The unpaid ticket stays on the driving record for up to seven years.
Can out-of-state drivers handle a Madison County traffic ticket by mail?
Out-of-state drivers can pay a Madison County traffic ticket by mail, online, or by phone. The clerk accepts checks and money orders by mail. Online payments through payflclerk.com work from any state. Phone payments by credit card are also accepted. Drivers who want to fight the ticket must either show up in court in person or hire a Florida traffic attorney to appear on their behalf. A driver who ignores the ticket faces the same license suspension and late fees as a Florida resident, but the suspension applies to the privilege of driving in Florida.
Does a Madison County traffic ticket affect car insurance rates?
A Madison County traffic ticket can raise car insurance rates in most cases. Insurance companies check the FLHSMV driving record when a policy renews. A moving violation such as speeding or running a red light usually leads to a rate increase of 10% to 30%. The increase lasts for three to five years. Non-moving violations such as expired registration rarely affect insurance rates. Completing a traffic school course keeps the violation off the public record, which can prevent the insurance increase for many carriers.
Can a Madison County traffic ticket be transferred to another county?
A Madison County traffic ticket cannot be transferred to another county. The ticket was written inside Madison County, so the case belongs to the Madison County Clerk of Court. The driver must respond in Madison County even if the driver lives in another part of Florida or another state. If the driver has a valid reason for needing a different court location, an attorney can file a motion to change the venue. Venue changes are rare and usually only granted for serious medical or family reasons.
How do I get a certified copy of a Madison County traffic ticket record?
A certified copy of a Madison County traffic ticket record can be picked up at the clerk’s office in person. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law and is usually a few dollars per page. The clerk stamps the copy with the court seal and signs it. Certified copies are often required by insurance companies, other courts, or government agencies. Drivers who need a certified copy should bring a photo ID and the citation number. The clerk can also mail a certified copy for an extra postage fee.