Nassau County traffic ticket records are public court files stored by the Clerk of Courts in Fernandina Beach, Florida. These records cover every civil traffic citation written inside the county, including those issued on Interstate 95, State Road A1A, and the local streets of Fernandina Beach, Callahan, and Hilliard.
Anyone can search the records by name, case number, or citation number to check the status, fine amount, or final outcome of a traffic ticket.
What Nassau County Traffic Ticket Records Contain
A traffic ticket record is the official court file tied to one citation. It tracks the case from the day an officer writes the ticket through the final court action. Nassau County processes only civil traffic infractions, which means the records do not include criminal charges such as DUI or reckless driving that causes serious injury.
Types of Citations in the System
The clerk’s system stores three main types of civil traffic tickets. Noncriminal moving violations include speeding, running a red light, failure to stop, and improper lane changes. Nonmoving violations include expired registration, no proof of insurance, and seat belt tickets. Parking tickets issued on county roads also enter the system, though many are handled by local code enforcement before reaching the clerk.
Agencies That File Tickets
All tickets written in the county go to the same clerk office. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office writes the largest share. The Florida Highway Patrol handles tickets on I-95 and A1A. Local police departments in Fernandina Beach, Callahan, and Hilliard also file citations. The officer who writes the ticket has 5 to 10 business days to submit it to the clerk.
How Long Records Stay on File
Court records stay on the public docket for at least seven years after the final disposition. Paid tickets, dismissed tickets, and adjudicated withhold cases all remain searchable during this window. Points and serious violations can affect a Florida driving record for three to five years, and some infractions stay on the record for ten years or more through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The Clerk of Courts and the 4th Judicial Circuit
The Nassau County Clerk of Courts operates as the official record keeper for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 4th Circuit covers Nassau, Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. Nassau County sits at the northeast corner of Florida, directly south of the Georgia state line and just across the St. Marys River.
Office Location and Contact
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Nassau County Clerk of Courts |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 456, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 |
| Phone | 904-819-3600 |
| Website | nassauclerk.com |
| County Seat | Fernandina Beach |
| Population | About 95,000 residents |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Circuit |
How Long It Takes a Ticket to Enter the System
After an officer writes a ticket, the citation takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in the clerk’s online system. The officer must first file the original paper ticket with the clerk. The clerk then enters the data into the public database. A search done the same day as the traffic stop will not return any results.
How the Court System Connects to Your Record
Each traffic ticket receives a uniform traffic citation number from the officer and a separate case number once it enters the court system. The case number stays with the file through every step, including the payment, traffic school election, or court hearing. The clerk links the citation number and the case number inside the same record, which lets the public look up a file by either number.
How to Search Nassau County Traffic Ticket Records
The clerk offers five main ways to search a record. Each method works best for a different situation. Online searches work any time of day. Phone and in-person searches work during business hours and let a clerk staff member help with details that do not show up online.
Name Search on the Clerk Website
The fastest way to look up a Nassau County traffic ticket is by name on the clerk’s public records portal. Type the last name, first name, and date of birth. The search returns a list of cases that match, including the case number, citation number, court date, and current status. The portal runs on the same backend as PayFLClerk.com, which serves multiple Florida counties.
Case Number Lookup
People who already have a case number can pull the full record in one step. The case number looks like a four-digit year followed by a sequence, such as 2026-CT-000123. Entering this number on the search page opens the full file, including the violation code, fines, and the latest court action.
Citation Number Search
The citation number is the number printed on the paper ticket the officer handed out. It starts with a county code, then the year, then a sequence. A citation number search works even before the case number has been assigned, which helps drivers check the status in the first few days after the stop.
Phone and Walk-Up Lookups
Call 904-819-3600 during business hours to ask the clerk’s office to look up a record by name or citation number. Walk-in visitors to the clerk’s office in Fernandina Beach can use the public terminals in the lobby or speak with a clerk at the traffic counter. The clerk can print a copy of the record for a small fee.
Formal Public Records Requests
For older records, bulk records, or certified copies, send a public records request to the clerk. Florida law gives the public the right to view and copy most court records. The clerk charges a per-page copy fee. Certified copies cost more and carry an official court seal that other agencies accept as proof of the case outcome.
Data Found Inside Each Record
A standard Nassau County traffic ticket record includes the same core fields. The exact layout depends on the search tool, but the data points stay consistent across online, phone, and in-person lookups.
Driver and Vehicle Information
The record shows the driver name, date of birth, driver license number, license state, and address on file. It also lists the vehicle tag number, tag state, vehicle make and model, and the vehicle identification number. The officer’s name and the agency that wrote the ticket also appear.
Violation Code and Written Description
Each ticket carries a Florida statute number and a short description. Speeding tickets show the posted speed limit and the speed at which the driver was clocked. Other tickets show the exact statute, such as Florida Statute 316.123 for failure to stop at a red light. The record also lists the location, date, and time of the stop.
Court Disposition and Case Status
The status field shows where the case sits in the process. Common status codes include pending, paid, scheduled for hearing, adjudicated withheld, dismissed, and failure to appear. The disposition date is the day the final action took place. For court cases, the disposition includes the judge’s name and the final ruling.
Payment History and Balance
For unpaid tickets, the record shows the current balance, the original fine, any added court costs, and the $16 late fee that applies after the 30-day window. For paid tickets, the record shows the date and amount of the payment, plus the confirmation number. Drivers can print this confirmation as proof of payment.
Nassau County Traffic Court Docket
The court docket is the public schedule of upcoming hearings. Nassau County traffic hearings take place at the Nassau County Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. The docket lists each case by name, case number, hearing type, date, time, and courtroom.
Viewing the Docket Online
The clerk posts the daily and weekly docket on nassauclerk.com. Drivers can search the docket by name or case number to confirm their hearing date. The docket also shows past hearings, so drivers who missed a date can see when the court marked them as a failure to appear.
Hearing Dates and Required Appearances
Drivers who contest a ticket must appear in person on the scheduled date. The judge hears both sides, reviews any evidence, and issues a ruling. Nassau County traffic hearings happen in the main courthouse. Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing results in a default judgment against the driver, plus a license suspension through FLHSMV.
Filing Motions or Continuances
Drivers who need more time to prepare for a hearing can file a written continuance with the clerk before the hearing date. The clerk can also process a continuance by phone for drivers with valid reasons, such as a medical emergency or proof of out-of-state travel. The court grants or denies the request based on the facts.
Traffic Ticket Disposition Records
The disposition is the final outcome of a ticket. Nassau County uses four main disposition codes. Each code affects the driving record and insurance in a different way.
Paid Fines and Guilty Findings
Paying the fine counts as a guilty plea. Points go on the driving record based on the violation type. Speeding adds three to four points. Running a red light adds three points. A driver who accumulates too many points faces license suspension through the state point system.
Dismissals and Not Guilty Verdicts
Cases dismissed by the judge or found not guilty at trial show a disposition of dismissed or acquitted. No points go on the record. The ticket does not affect insurance. The record stays on the public docket for seven years but carries no negative outcome for the driver.
Traffic School Completions
Drivers who elect traffic school and finish an approved course receive a disposition of school election completed. No points appear on the Florida record. The court saves the certificate on file. Insurance companies do not see the ticket as a conviction.
Withhold of Adjudication Outcomes
Some judges offer a withhold of adjudication, which means the driver pays a fine but does not receive a formal conviction. Withholds keep the record clean for some purposes, though the ticket still counts as a prior offense if the driver picks up another ticket within a set period.
Paying a Nassau County Traffic Ticket
The clerk accepts payments through four main channels. Each method takes the same fine amount. Convenience fees apply to online and phone payments.
Online Payment at PayFLClerk
PayFLClerk.com is the statewide portal for traffic ticket payments. Select Nassau County from the county list, enter the citation or case number, and follow the prompts. The site accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A 3.5% convenience fee applies to each online transaction.
Payment by Mail
Mail a check or money order to the Nassau County Clerk of Courts at P.O. Box 456, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. Write the citation number on the payment. Do not mail cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a receipt mailed back.
In-Person Payment at the Clerk
Visit the clerk’s office in Fernandina Beach during business hours. The lobby counter accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. The clerk prints a receipt at the time of payment. In-person visits work best for drivers who need same-day proof of payment.
Payment Types Accepted
| Channel | Methods Accepted | Convenience Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online (PayFLClerk) | Credit, Debit | 3.5% |
| Phone | Credit, Debit | 3.5% |
| Check, Money Order | None | |
| In-Person | Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit | 2.5% for credit |
Nassau County Traffic Ticket Fine Amounts
Fine amounts follow the state schedule under Florida Statute 318.18. Nassau County adds court costs and surcharges on top of the base fine. The base fine depends on the violation type and, for speeding, the speed over the limit.
Speeding Fine Chart
| Speed Over the Limit | Base Fine |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 mph | Warning only |
| 6 to 9 mph | $25 |
| 10 to 14 mph | $100 |
| Speed Over the Limit | Base Fine |
| 15 to 19 mph | $150 |
| 20 to 29 mph | $175 |
| 30 mph or more | $250 |
Moving and Non-Moving Violations
Standard moving violations carry a $60 base fine. Nonmoving violations carry a $30 base fine. The total amount paid includes court costs, which add about $50 to $70 to every ticket. School zone violations double the base fine when children are present.
School Zone and Construction Zone Fines
Florida law doubles the base fine for speeding in a school zone or an active construction zone. A driver caught at 20 mph over the limit in a school zone pays the $175 base fine plus the doubled amount, which can push the total fine past $400. Repeat offenses in the same zone can add mandatory court appearances.
Three Choices After a Citation
Under Florida Statute 318.14, a driver has 30 days from the citation date to pick one of three paths. Missing the window triggers late fees and license suspension steps.
Pay the Full Fine
Paying the fine is the fastest option. The driver pleads guilty by paying. Points go on the record. The case closes once the clerk processes the payment. This option suits drivers with no insurance concerns and no interest in contesting the ticket.
Elect Traffic School
Electing traffic school gives the driver an 18% discount on the fine. No points go on the record. The driver must complete an approved Basic Driver Improvement course within 90 days. A driver can elect school no more than five times in a lifetime and no more than once every 12 months. Commercial license holders cannot elect school.
Contest the Ticket in Court
Contesting requires a court hearing. The driver pleads not guilty and presents evidence. The judge rules. A win means no fine and no points. A loss means the full fine, court costs, and possibly $500 for general violations or $1,000 for school zone and construction zone speeding under Florida Statute 318.18.
License Suspension and Reinstatement
Missing the 30-day window or skipping a court hearing has serious effects. The clerk reports the failure to FLHSMV. The state sends a suspension notice. The license becomes inactive 20 days later.
How Missing a Deadline Triggers Suspension
The clerk sends an electronic file to FLHSMV for every unpaid, unanswered, or missed-hearing case. FLHSMV then mails a suspension order to the driver. The order gives the driver 20 days to act before the suspension takes effect. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal charge.
Steps to Reinstate Driving Privileges
Pay the full balance on the ticket through the clerk. The clerk then issues a certificate of compliance to FLHSMV. Pay the $60 reinstatement fee to the state. The license returns to active status once both steps clear. The process takes a few days to a few weeks based on payment method.
Checking License Status Through FLHSMV
Drivers can check their status at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov. The portal shows active or suspended status, any points, and any unpaid citations. The FLHSMV traffic citations page explains the full process and lists the documents required for reinstatement.
Nassau County Clerk of Courts Contact
Office: Nassau County Clerk of Courts
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 456, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
Phone: 904-819-3600
Website: nassauclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues drivers face when searching Nassau County traffic ticket records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and clerk policy as of 2026.
How long does a Nassau County traffic ticket stay on a driving record?
Points from a Nassau County traffic ticket stay on a Florida driving record for at least three to five years. Serious speeding violations stay for ten years. The court record itself stays on the public docket for seven years after the final disposition. After that, the public record may be archived, but the driving record through FLHSMV can last longer based on the violation type and state retention rules.
Can someone else look up my Nassau County traffic ticket record?
Yes. Nassau County traffic ticket records are public records under Florida law. Any person can search the clerk’s online portal by name, case number, or citation number. The records include the driver name, ticket details, and case status. Personal details such as date of birth appear in the system, which is why the public system uses a search-by-name format that pulls records on any matching person.
What happens if I never received a ticket in the mail but a record shows up online?
Florida officers issue most tickets at the time of the stop, so a paper ticket is handed directly to the driver. A record can show up before the driver receives any mailed copy because the officer files the original with the clerk. If the record shows a different name or address, contact the clerk at 904-819-3600 to correct the file before paying.
Can I get a copy of a Nassau County traffic ticket record for court or insurance?
Yes. The clerk sells regular and certified copies of traffic records. Regular copies work for personal use. Certified copies carry the court seal and are accepted by insurance companies, other courts, and government agencies. The cost is set by Florida statute. Walk into the clerk’s office or send a written request by mail to get a copy.
Will a Nassau County traffic ticket affect my insurance rates?
Yes, in most cases. Insurance companies check driving records when a policy renews. A paid speeding ticket, a conviction, or an at-fault violation can raise rates for three to five years. A dismissed ticket, a not guilty verdict, or a completed traffic school election usually does not raise rates. Withhold of adjudication depends on the insurance carrier and the state where the policy is issued.
Can I contest a Nassau County traffic ticket after I already paid it?
No. Paying the fine closes the case as a guilty plea. Once paid, the driver cannot request a refund and reopen the case for a trial. The only way to contest is to respond within the 30-day window before paying. After payment, the only available step is to seek a record correction through the clerk for factual errors such as the wrong speed or wrong vehicle tag.
Do Nassau County traffic tickets transfer to another state?
Yes. Florida is part of the Driver License Compact, which means most moving violations show up on the home-state driving record of an out-of-state driver. The home state applies its own point system. Some states, such as Georgia and Alabama, also charge their own surcharges or fees based on out-of-state violations. A traffic school election in Florida may or may not clear the violation in the home state based on the home state’s rules.