Monroe County traffic ticket records are public files held by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts in Key West, Florida. These records show every traffic citation issued in the county, along with court results, payment status, and driver school elections.
Anyone can look up these records online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office. The clerk processes tickets from Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, and Layton. This page explains how the system works, how to search for a ticket, how to pay, and what choices a driver has after a citation.
About the Monroe County Clerk of Courts
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts is the official office that stores and processes all traffic ticket records for the county. The office sits inside the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which covers Monroe County only. The clerk takes phone calls during business hours, helps drivers find their tickets, explains available options, and accepts payments.
Monroe County stretches across the Florida Keys from Key Largo south to Key West. Most of the county connects by U.S. Highway 1, a narrow two-lane road. Because of the geography, many drivers who get citations here are visitors. The clerk’s office is set up to handle out-of-area drivers and can walk people through the steps by phone, mail, or in person.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Monroe County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 310 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040 |
| Phone Number | 305-294-4641 |
| Judicial Circuit | 16th Circuit |
| County Seat | Key West |
| Population Served | About 83,000 residents |
How to Look Up Your Monroe County Traffic Ticket Records
Looking up a Monroe County traffic ticket takes one of three forms: online through the clerk’s public portal, by phone through the clerk’s office, or in person at the courthouse in Key West. Each method needs a citation number or a full name plus date of birth to pull the correct record.
Online Records Search
The fastest way to check Monroe County traffic citation records is through the Florida Clerk and Comptroller payment portal at payflclerk.com. Pick Monroe County from the drop-down list. The system asks for a citation number, a driver’s license number, or a name and date of birth. The portal then shows the ticket details, fine amount, court date, and current status. Records show as open, paid, dismissed, or pending.
It takes about 5 to 10 business days for a new citation to appear in the online system. The officer writes the ticket on paper, then sends it to the clerk, who enters it into the database. A driver who searches right after getting pulled over will not find the record yet.
Phone Lookup
Calling the clerk’s office at 305-294-4641 works for drivers who cannot use the website. Office staff can look up a ticket by name, date of birth, or citation number. The office answers calls during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Wait times run longer on Mondays and right before monthly deadlines.
In-Person Lookup at the Clerk’s Office
Going to the clerk’s office at 310 Fleming Street in Key West gives the most complete records. Staff at the front counter can search by name, pull paper files, and print certified copies of court documents. This option helps drivers who need proof of disposition for insurance, employers, or out-of-state license departments.
Searching by Name
Monroe County traffic ticket records search by name works through the same online portal. The search requires a last name, first name, and date of birth. Results list all open and closed tickets tied to that driver in the county. The system does not show tickets from other Florida counties.
Searching by Citation Number
A Monroe County traffic ticket number search is the most precise lookup method. The citation number sits at the top of the paper ticket the officer handed out. It starts with letters like “MO” followed by numbers. The online portal shows the exact fine, court date, and officer name when the citation number is used.
Ways to Pay a Monroe County Traffic Ticket
Monroe County offers four ways to pay a traffic ticket: online, by mail, by phone, or in person. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. A small convenience fee applies to card payments online and by phone. All payments must reach the clerk within 30 days of the citation date.
Online Payment
The online payment system at payflclerk.com is the fastest method. Drivers select Monroe County, enter the citation number, and follow the prompts. The site accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A confirmation email arrives after the payment clears. Online payments post to the system the same day in most cases.
Payment by Mail
Mail payments go to the Monroe County Clerk of Courts at 310 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. A check or money order is the safest option. The citation number must be written on the payment. Drivers should not send cash through the mail. Mail takes several days, so sending payment at least 10 days before the 30-day deadline is smart.
Payment in Person
The clerk’s office in Key West accepts walk-in payments during business hours. The cashier takes cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. A printed receipt comes with the payment. In-person payments post right away and give the driver a paper record.
Payment by Phone
Phone payments run through the clerk’s office line. The driver gives the citation number and card details to the clerk. A convenience fee applies. Phone payments are useful for visitors who have already left the Keys and need a quick way to close out a ticket.
Your Options After Getting a Monroe County Traffic Ticket
Florida law gives every driver 30 days from the citation date to choose a course of action. Florida Statute 318.14 sets this deadline. Missing the 30-day window leads to a license suspension, late fees, and a full driving record hit. Three main choices exist for a Monroe County traffic ticket.
Pay the Fine
Paying the fine counts as a guilty plea. Points go on the driver’s license. The fine amount depends on the violation. Speeding fines scale with how many miles over the limit the driver was going. Court costs and county surcharges add to the base fine.
Elect Traffic School
A driver can pay a reduced fine and take a Basic Driver Improvement course. The fine drops by 18%. No points land on the license if the course is finished within 90 days. This is a popular choice for visitors who want to keep a Florida ticket off their home state record. The clerk must be contacted within 30 days to elect this option.
Contest the Ticket
A driver can plead not guilty and request a court hearing. A Monroe County traffic court judge hears the case. The driver can bring evidence, question the officer, or hire a traffic attorney. If the driver loses, fines can reach $500 for most violations. School zone and construction zone speeding fines can reach $1,000 under Florida Statute 318.18.
Monroe County Traffic Ticket Fines and Penalties
Monroe County traffic ticket fines follow the state fine schedule. The base amount depends on the violation type and, for speeding tickets, the miles per hour over the limit. Court costs and surcharges add to every fine.
| Violation | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 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 over | $250 |
| Standard moving violation | $60 |
| Non-moving violation | $30 |
School Zone and Construction Zone Fines
Speeding in a school zone or construction zone in Monroe County doubles the base fine. A driver going 15 mph over the limit in a school zone pays $300 instead of $150. Active signs and flashing lights mark these zones. Fines can reach $1,000 in these areas.
Late Fees and License Suspension
A $16 late fee applies if the driver misses the 30-day payment deadline. After the deadline passes, the clerk reports the unpaid ticket to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office. A license suspension follows. Reinstatement costs the full ticket amount plus a $60 fee. The suspension stays on the Florida record for seven years under Florida Statute 318.15.
Traffic School Eligibility and Rules
Florida law places strict limits on traffic school. A driver can only elect this option five times in a lifetime. The driver must wait 12 months between traffic school elections. Commercial driver license holders cannot use traffic school. A driver caught going 30 mph or more over the speed limit cannot elect traffic school for that ticket.
Course Completion Deadline
Once a driver elects traffic school through the Monroe County Clerk, the course must be finished within 90 days from the citation date. The approved school must send a completion certificate directly to the clerk. Some schools handle this step for the student. Other schools leave it to the driver. A missed deadline results in points on the license, late fees, and a possible suspension.
Approved Schools
Florida keeps a list of approved Basic Driver Improvement course providers on the FLHSMV website. The list shows in-person classroom schools and online courses. Course length runs about 4 to 6 hours. The cost ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the provider. The driver pays the school fee in addition to the reduced traffic fine.
Verifying Completion
Drivers should call the Monroe County Clerk at 305-294-4641 to confirm the completion certificate arrived. The clerk can check the status and tell the driver if the case is closed. A driver who finishes the course but does not have proof on file at the clerk’s office still faces a suspended license.
Checking Your Florida Driving Record
A Monroe County traffic ticket does not always show up right away on a driving record. The clerk sends disposition reports to FLHSMV on a set schedule. A driver can check the current status online or order a full record at any time.
MyDMV Portal
The MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov shows the current license status. The portal lists any active suspensions, points, or holds. A free account links to the driver’s license number. The portal updates within a few days of any clerk action.
Full Driving Record History
The FLHSMV driving record page sells certified and non-certified driving records. A 3-year record costs a few dollars. A 7-year record costs a bit more. A complete lifetime record is also available. These records list every citation, every conviction, every traffic school election, and every point on the license. Insurance companies and employers often ask for these records.
FLHSMV Traffic Citations Page
The FLHSMV traffic citations page covers how citations work across Florida. The page explains payment deadlines, traffic school options, and license suspension rules. The same rules apply in all 67 Florida counties, including Monroe County.
Cities and Locations in Monroe County
Monroe County covers the entire Florida Keys chain. The county includes five main populated areas. All traffic tickets from any of these places are processed by the same Monroe County Clerk of Courts office in Key West.
Key West
Key West is the county seat and the southernmost city in the continental United States. The Monroe County courthouse sits on Fleming Street in Old Town Key West. Most of the county’s traffic tickets come from Key West streets, including Duval Street, Roosevelt Boulevard, and the Overseas Highway.
Marathon
Marathon sits in the middle of the Keys, about 50 miles north of Key West. Marathon has its own police department, but citations issued there go to the same county clerk. Marathon sees heavy traffic during lobster season and tarpon season.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a chain of islands in the upper Keys. It includes Village of Islands, Plantation Key, and Windley Key. The Overseas Highway runs through town. Speed limits drop in Islamorada’s residential areas, and speeding tickets are common along the highway.
Key Colony Beach and Layton
Key Colony Beach is a small city on Vaca Cut near Marathon. Layton is a small city on Long Key. Both cities are tiny, but tickets issued there still go to the same Monroe County Clerk.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County touches only two other Florida counties. Drivers who got a ticket near the county line should check the citation to confirm the right county. Miami-Dade County covers the mainland north of the Keys. Collier County sits to the west on the mainland.
- Miami-Dade County: The Florida Keys start at the county line on the south end of Miami-Dade. A ticket issued on Card Sound Road or in northern Key Largo might come from either county.
- Collier County: Collier County sits across Florida Bay. The county does not share a land border with Monroe County, but the waters connect.
Contact the Monroe County Clerk of Courts
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts is the only office that handles traffic ticket records for the county. Drivers can visit, call, or write to the office during business hours. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Office Address: 310 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. Office Phone: 305-294-4641. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Mailing Address for Payments: Monroe County Clerk of Courts, 310 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. Official Website: monroe-clerk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common issues drivers face after a Monroe County traffic ticket. Each answer pulls from Florida traffic law, Monroe County clerk policy, and the standard fine schedule. Use this section to check the rules that apply to most ticket types in the Keys.
How long does a Monroe County traffic ticket stay on my record?
A Monroe County traffic ticket conviction stays on a Florida driving record for at least 5 years. Serious violations like reckless driving, DUI, or driving with a suspended license stay for much longer. Points from a ticket fall off after 3 years, but the conviction itself stays visible on the certified driving record for the full time set by Florida law.
Can I pay my Monroe County traffic ticket online with a credit card?
Yes. The Monroe County Clerk accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express through the online payment portal at payflclerk.com. A small convenience fee applies to card payments. Drivers can also pay by card over the phone or at the clerk’s office. Cash, checks, and money orders work for in-person and mail payments.
What happens if I ignore a Monroe County traffic ticket?
Ignoring a Monroe County traffic ticket leads to a license suspension, late fees, and possible arrest warrants. The clerk reports unpaid tickets to FLHSMV after 30 days. FLHSMV suspends the driver’s license. A $60 reinstatement fee applies. A collection agency can also pursue the unpaid debt. The only safe choice is to pay, elect traffic school, or contest the ticket before the 30-day deadline.
Can I take traffic school for a speeding ticket over 30 mph?
No. Florida law blocks traffic school for any driver caught going 30 mph or more over the speed limit. The driver must either pay the full fine or contest the ticket in court. This rule applies in all Florida counties, including Monroe County.
Do out-of-state drivers have to pay Monroe County traffic tickets?
Yes. Out-of-state drivers must pay Monroe County traffic tickets just like Florida residents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety reports unpaid tickets to the driver’s home state. A suspended Florida license can also block a driver from renewing the home state license in some cases. Many out-of-state drivers choose traffic school to keep the ticket off their home record.
How do I find my Monroe County citation number?
The citation number is printed on the paper ticket the officer handed out. It sits at the top of the form. The number starts with a letter code for the agency, followed by a series of numbers. A driver who lost the paper ticket can call the clerk’s office at 305-294-4641. The clerk can look up the number by name and date of birth.
Can I get a copy of my Monroe County court disposition?
Yes. The Monroe County Clerk of Courts provides certified copies of court dispositions for a small fee. Drivers can order these copies in person at 310 Fleming Street in Key West, by mail, or through the clerk’s online records system. A certified disposition is often needed for insurance, court record clearing, or license reinstatement in another state.