Miami City traffic ticket records are official court files that show every traffic citation issued within the city limits of Miami, Florida. These records are stored and managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller.
The clerk’s office handles all civil traffic infractions for the City of Miami and every other city in Miami-Dade County. Whether a ticket was issued by the City of Miami Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, or any other law enforcement agency, the same clerk processes it. You can search these records, pay fines, elect traffic school, or request a court hearing through the clerk’s online system, by phone, by mail, or in person.
What Are Miami City Traffic Ticket Records
Miami city traffic ticket records are written court documents created when a driver receives a citation for breaking a traffic law. Each record contains the driver’s name, the citation number, the date and location of the violation, the type of violation, the fine amount, court dates, and the final outcome. These records stay on file with the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and can be viewed by the public online.
Who Files Miami Traffic Citations
Several agencies can issue a traffic ticket in the City of Miami. The City of Miami Police Department writes most tickets inside city limits. The Miami-Dade Police Department covers areas outside the city but still within the county. The Florida Highway Patrol writes tickets on state roads and highways. Other agencies include university police, port authority police, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No matter which agency writes the ticket, the citation is filed with the same Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts office.
Types of Traffic Violations in Miami
Traffic violations in Miami fall into two main groups. Moving violations include speeding, running a red light, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. These violations add points to your driving record. Non-moving violations include parking tickets, expired registration, and broken equipment. These do not add points. Both types are civil infractions, which means they are not punishable by jail time. You do not have the right to a jury trial or a court-appointed attorney for civil traffic cases.
Where to Find Miami City Traffic Ticket Records
You can find Miami city traffic ticket records through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts online portal, by phone, by mail, or at a courthouse. The clerk’s website at miamidadeclerk.gov is the main place to start. The site lets you search by citation number, name, or driver license number. The records are public, so anyone can look up a case as long as they have the right details.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Online Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs a public records search on its website. Go to miamidadeclerk.gov and click on the Civil Traffic Infractions page. From there, you can enter your citation number, case number, or name. The system will show your ticket details, the amount owed, and any upcoming court dates. The search works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to create an account to view records.
Required Information for Record Search
To search Miami city traffic ticket records, you need at least one of the following pieces of information. A citation number works best and gives the fastest results. A case number also works if one was assigned. You can search by name, but you must also enter a birth date to avoid getting results for other people with the same name. A driver license number can be used to see all tickets linked to that license.
- Citation number (printed on the ticket)
- Case number (assigned by the court)
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Florida driver license number
MyFLCourtAccess E-Portal
The Florida Courts E-Portal at myflcourtaccess.com is another way to view Miami traffic ticket records. This statewide system covers all 67 Florida counties. You can file documents, view dockets, and check case status. The E-Portal is useful for sending motions, affidavits, or compliance paperwork without visiting the courthouse. You can register as a self-represented litigant for free.
How to Search Miami City Traffic Ticket Records by Name
Searching Miami city traffic ticket records by name is a common request. People want to check their own records or see if someone they know has open tickets. The Miami-Dade Clerk’s website allows name-based searches, but you need to follow the steps carefully to get the right results.
Step-by-Step Name Search Process
Open your web browser and go to miamidadeclerk.gov. Click on the “Search Public Records” link at the top of the page. Choose “Civil Traffic Infractions” from the list of case types. Enter the last name first, then the first name. Add the date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Click search. The system will show all traffic cases linked to that person in Miami-Dade County. Each result shows the citation number, the violation date, the charge, and the current status.
What Details You Will See
Once you pull up a Miami city traffic ticket record, the page shows several pieces of information. The citation number sits at the top. The violation date and court case number follow. The charge description explains what law was broken. The current status shows whether the case is open, paid, dismissed, or pending court. The fine amount and any late fees appear in the financial section. Court dates, if any, are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Record Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Citation Number | Unique ID printed on the traffic ticket |
| Violation Date | Date the ticket was issued |
| Charge | Florida traffic law violated |
| Status | Open, paid, dismissed, or pending court |
| Fine Amount | Total owed including fees |
| Court Date | Hearing date if scheduled |
How to Pay a Miami Traffic Ticket
You have 30 days from the date your Miami traffic ticket was issued to take action. Under Florida Statute 318.14, that 30-day window is firm. Miss it and you face a $16 late fee plus the risk of having your license suspended by the state. Miami-Dade gives you four ways to pay your ticket. Each method closes the case as soon as the payment clears.
Online Payment Methods
Pay your Miami traffic ticket online through the clerk’s website at miamidadeclerk.gov. Click on the Traffic Online Payment System link. Enter your citation number or case number. Choose the payment method. The clerk accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You will get a confirmation number by email. Save that number for your records. The statewide PayFLClerk.com portal also works. Select Miami-Dade County from the list and it will redirect you to the local payment system.
Phone and Mail Payment
Phone payments are available 24 hours a day through the interactive voice response system at 305-275-1111. Call the number and follow the voice prompts. You will need your citation number and a credit card. Mail payments go to PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321. Make the check or money order payable to “Clerk of the Court and Comptroller.” Write your citation number on the memo line. Do not mail cash.
In-Person Payment Locations
You can pay your Miami traffic ticket in person at any Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts location. The main office sits at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building at 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Other locations include the Coral Gables District Court, the Hialeah District Court, the North Miami District Court, and the South Dade Government Center. Each office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Bring your ticket with you to the visit.
Options After Receiving a Miami Traffic Ticket
After getting a traffic ticket in Miami, you have three main choices. Each one has different effects on your record and your wallet. You should think about which path makes the most sense before the 30 days run out. None of the options require a court appearance unless you choose to fight the ticket.
Pay the Fine
Paying the fine is the fastest option. It closes the case right away. But it counts as a guilty plea. Points will be added to your license for moving violations. Under Florida Statute 318.18, standard moving violations carry a $60 base fine. Speeding fines start at $25 for 6 to 9 mph over the limit and go up to $250 for 30 mph or more over. Fines double in school zones and active construction zones. A speeding ticket in a school zone can cost $500 or more.
Elect Traffic School
Electing traffic school is popular with Miami drivers. You still pay the fine, but with an 18% discount. No points get added to your record. You must complete an approved Basic Driver Improvement course within 90 days. The clerk needs your completion certificate on file. This election is limited to five times in a lifetime and once per 12-month period. CDL holders cannot use this option. It also does not apply to tag, registration, driver license, PIP insurance, toll, or red light camera violations.
Contest the Ticket in Court
Contesting the ticket is your third option. You can request a court hearing within 30 days. Submit your request in person, by mail, by phone, or online. If you are between 31 and 180 days past the citation date, you must pay a $16 late fee to get your case set for court. More than 180 days out, you need to file a motion with the administrative traffic judge explaining why you did not act sooner. A hearing gives you a chance to argue your case before a judge.
Miami Traffic Court System
The Miami traffic court system is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Civil traffic infractions are heard by an administrative traffic judge, not a jury. The hearings take place at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building and at branch court locations across Miami-Dade County. Most hearings last less than 15 minutes. You can bring evidence and witnesses to support your case.
Miami-Dade County Court Structure
The 11th Judicial Circuit covers all of Miami-Dade County. The county court division handles civil traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and small claims. The circuit court division handles felonies and major civil cases. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for both divisions. For traffic tickets, you will deal with the county court division through the clerk’s office.
Filing a Plea in Absentia
For a plea of not guilty when you cannot attend court in person, Miami-Dade allows a plea in absentia. You must post a bond by mail with a cashier’s check or money order covering the civil penalty plus the clerk’s fee. Include a notarized affidavit of defense with your payment. Mail everything to the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller at PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321. The judge will review your affidavit and decide the case without you being there.
Requesting a Court Hearing
To request a court hearing for a Miami traffic ticket, you can submit your request through the clerk’s online portal. You can also call 305-275-1111 and use the IVR system. Mail requests go to PO Box 19321 with a written letter asking for a hearing. In-person requests can be made at any clerk location. You will get a court date by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. If you do not show up to your hearing, the judge can enter a default judgment against you.
Late Fees and License Suspensions
Missing the 30-day payment deadline for a Miami traffic ticket triggers serious penalties. The state of Florida treats unpaid traffic tickets very seriously. Drivers who ignore their tickets can face hundreds of dollars in additional fees and lose their driving privileges.
30-Day Payment Deadline
Florida Statute 318.14 gives drivers exactly 30 calendar days from the date of the citation to respond. The deadline is counted from the issue date printed on the ticket, not the date you received it. If the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. The clerk’s office tracks the deadline automatically in its system.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
If you miss the 30-day deadline, the clerk adds a $16 late fee to your fine. The case moves into a “delinquent” status. After 45 days, the clerk reports the unpaid ticket to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. DHSMV will then suspend your driver license. To clear a suspension, you must pay the full fine plus a reinstatement fee of $60 or more. The longer you wait, the more the cost adds up.
Miami Traffic Violation Penalties and Fines
Miami traffic violation penalties depend on the type of citation. Moving violations carry both fines and license points. Non-moving violations carry fines only. Some violations, like driving with a suspended license, are criminal charges that can lead to arrest.
Standard Moving Violation Fines
Under Florida Statute 318.18, the base fine for a moving violation is $60. Court costs and other fees add an extra $50 to $100. The total cost for a simple moving violation like a failure to signal or an unsafe lane change is usually around $120 to $160. Points on your license range from 3 to 6 points depending on the violation. Too many points in 12 months can also trigger a license suspension.
Speeding Fine Schedule
Speeding fines in Miami depend on how far over the limit you were driving. The 6 to 9 mph over range carries a $25 fine. The 10 to 14 mph range costs $100. The 15 to 19 mph range jumps to $150. The 20 to 29 mph range is $200. Driving 30 mph or more over the limit carries a $250 fine. School zone speeding doubles these amounts. Construction zone speeding can triple the fine.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 6-9 mph | $25 |
| 10-14 mph | $100 |
| 15-19 mph | $150 |
| 20-29 mph | $200 |
| 30+ mph | $250 |
School Zone and Construction Zone Fines
Fines double in active school zones. Active school zones are marked with flashing lights during certain hours. Construction zones with workers present also double the base fine. The Miami-Dade Clerk’s office handles these enhancements automatically. The total fine for a 20 mph over speeding ticket in a school zone can reach $500 once fees are added. Camera-enforced red light tickets cost $158 with no points.
Miami Traffic School Options
The state maintains a list of approved Basic Driver Improvement course providers at the FLHSMV website. Many courses can be done online from home. Prices vary by provider, but the course content is standardized by the state. Most courses take 4 to 6 hours to complete. You can take the course at your own pace, but you have 90 days from the date you elect traffic school to finish it.
After you finish the course, the school should send your completion certificate to the Miami-Dade Clerk. But do not assume they will. Check with the clerk’s office to confirm they received it. If the certificate does not arrive, the clerk will treat your case as if you never took the school. That means full points on your license, the possibility of a suspension, and you lose the 18% fine reduction.
Contact Information for Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and Comptroller manages all Miami city traffic ticket records. The main office sits at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. You can reach the clerk by phone, mail, or in person. The traffic phone line works 24 hours a day through the automated voice response system.
Official Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/
Traffic Information Page: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/civil-traffic-infractions.page
Mailing Address: PO Box 19321, Miami, FL 33101-9321
Traffic Phone Line (24-Hour IVR): 305-275-1111
Main Office Address: Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on weekends and holidays)
The image below shows the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s civil traffic infractions page, where Miami residents can manage their traffic ticket records.
This portal is the official source for looking up and paying Miami traffic citations through the Miami-Dade County court system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami City Traffic Ticket Records
Below are answers to common questions about Miami city traffic ticket records. These cover the most frequent issues drivers face when dealing with citations in the City of Miami. Each answer is based on current Florida law and Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts procedures as of 2026.
How Long Does a Miami Traffic Ticket Stay on Your Record?
A Miami traffic ticket stays on your driving record for at least three to five years for insurance purposes. Points from moving violations stay on your license for three years from the date of the citation. The court record itself stays on file with the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts indefinitely, but the impact on your insurance rates usually drops after three years. A traffic school election prevents points from being added, but the ticket itself still appears on your record for the same time period.
Can You Get a Miami Traffic Ticket Dismissed?
You can get a Miami traffic ticket dismissed in certain cases. Citations for driver’s license, registration, PIP insurance, or defective equipment can sometimes be dismissed if you show proof that you had valid documentation before the citation was issued. A dismissal fee still applies. Winning a contested hearing in front of a judge also results in a dismissal. Hiring a traffic attorney increases your chances of getting a ticket dismissed. The dismissal removes the fine and the points from your record.
What Is the Difference Between a Moving and Non-Moving Violation?
A moving violation occurs when the vehicle is in motion. Examples include speeding, running a red light, and reckless driving. Moving violations add points to your driver license. A non-moving violation involves a stationary vehicle. Examples include parking tickets, expired registration, and broken taillights. Non-moving violations do not add points to your license. Both types are civil infractions in Florida, not criminal charges. The fines are different for each type, with moving violations usually costing more.
How Do You Check the Status of a Miami Traffic Case?
You can check the status of a Miami traffic case online through the Miami-Dade Clerk’s public records search. Go to miamidadeclerk.gov and enter your citation number or name with date of birth. The system shows the current status, the amount owed, and any court dates. You can also call 305-275-1111 and use the 24-hour IVR system. For detailed case file documents, visit the Gerstein Justice Building clerk’s office in person. Online records are updated daily, so the status you see is current as of the previous business day.
Can You Pay a Miami Traffic Ticket in Installments?
Yes, the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts allows payment plans for traffic tickets. You must request the plan before the 30-day deadline passes. Call 305-275-1111 or visit the clerk’s office to set up the plan. A small fee applies to set up the installment agreement. The plan divides your total fine into monthly payments. If you miss a payment, the plan is cancelled and the full amount becomes due immediately. License suspension can also result from a missed installment payment.
Does a Miami Traffic Ticket Affect Insurance Rates?
Yes, a Miami traffic ticket can affect your car insurance rates. Most insurance companies check driving records every six to twelve months. A moving violation can increase your premium by 20% to 40% for three years. The exact increase depends on your insurer and the type of violation. Speeding tickets and reckless driving usually cause the biggest rate hikes. Parking tickets and non-moving violations generally do not affect insurance rates. Electing traffic school prevents points but may still appear on your record for insurance purposes.
What Happens If You Ignore a Miami Traffic Ticket?
Ignoring a Miami traffic ticket leads to serious consequences. The clerk adds a $16 late fee after 30 days. The case goes into delinquent status. After 45 days, the Florida DHSMV suspends your driver license. You must pay the full fine plus a $60 or higher reinstatement fee to get your license back. Continued driving on a suspended license can lead to arrest. The clerk may also issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you fail to appear in court. Unpaid tickets can also affect your credit score through collections agencies.