Union County traffic ticket records are public court files held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Lake Butler, Florida. Anyone can look up a citation, check the status of a case, pay a fine, or request a copy of the paperwork.
This page explains exactly how the records work, where they sit, who keeps them, and what you can do with them in 2026.
Union County is small. It has about 16,000 people. The county seat is Lake Butler. Even with a small population, two state prisons sit inside the county, and State Road 121 and US-301 run through it. That keeps traffic moving and traffic stops steady. The Florida Highway Patrol, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and local police all write tickets here. Each one ends up as a public record in the clerk’s system.
What Union County Traffic Ticket Records Include
Each Union County traffic ticket record is a file that holds the full history of a citation from start to finish. The clerk’s office keeps these files for every civil traffic infraction written in the county. Knowing what sits inside the file helps drivers, employers, insurance agents, and attorneys get the facts they need without extra trips to the courthouse.
Personal and Case Details
The top of a Union County traffic ticket record shows who got cited and why. The record lists the full name of the driver, the date of birth, the driver’s license number, and the address on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The case number, the citation number, and the date the ticket was issued also appear. The record names the officer who wrote the ticket, the agency the officer works for, and the statute or ordinance the driver is accused of breaking.
Violation Type and Location
The record shows the type of violation. Speeding, running a red light, no proof of insurance, expired registration, careless driving, and many other moving or nonmoving violations each have their own code. The record also shows the street, the speed limit, the posted speed, and the direction the car was going when the stop happened. Court costs, surcharges, and any late fees tied to the violation also appear on the final disposition page of the record.
Court Events and Final Outcome
Every event in the case is logged. The record shows each court date, any continuance, whether the driver paid the fine, elected traffic school, or showed up for trial. The final disposition lists the outcome. That includes “paid,” “adjudication withheld,” “dismissed,” “found guilty,” or “nolle prosequi.” Points assessed against the license show up here as well, along with the date the case closed.
Who Maintains Union County Traffic Ticket Records
One office holds the master copy of every traffic ticket record in Union County. Several other agencies have pieces of the same record, but only the clerk can give you the full case file with the final outcome.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official record keeper. The office sits at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The phone number is 386-496-3711. Staff can pull a record by name, by citation number, or by case number. The office also accepts payment, takes traffic school elections, and schedules hearings. The clerk’s website at unionclerk.com lists hours, forms, and online tools.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
FLHSMV keeps the driving record. This is a separate file that shows points, suspensions, and license status. A traffic ticket record from the clerk may feed into the FLHSMV file, but the two are not the same. You check the clerk’s file for court events and fines. You check the FLHSMV file for points and license action. The MyDMV Portal at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov lets drivers see their FLHSMV record online.
Law Enforcement Agencies
The agency that wrote the ticket keeps a copy of the citation and the officer’s notes. The Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Butler Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol all hold their own versions. These copies do not include court events. They hold the stop data only. If you need the body camera report or the crash report tied to a ticket, you ask the agency, not the clerk.
How to Search Union County Traffic Ticket Records
Three main ways exist to look up a Union County traffic ticket. Each way fits a different need. Pick the one that matches your goal.
Online Search by Name or Case Number
The Union County Clerk runs an online search tool through the Florida Clerk of Courts system. You can search by name, by citation number, or by case number. A new ticket can take five to ten days to show up in the system after the officer writes it. Older cases are available right away. The search results show the case number, the parties, the charges, and the current status. The tool does not show points, but it does show whether the case is open, closed, or pending a hearing.
Search by Phone
Call the clerk at 386-496-3711 during office hours. Have the citation number ready if you have it. If you do not have the citation number, give the full name and date of birth. Staff can tell you the case status, the amount due, the next court date, and the deadline for traffic school. Phone help works well for quick questions or when the system is slow.
Search in Person at the Clerk’s Office
Walk into the clerk’s office at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Public terminals sit in the lobby for self-service record searches. A clerk at the counter can also pull records, print certified copies, and answer questions face to face. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except state holidays. Bring a photo ID if you plan to pick up certified copies.
Union County Traffic Ticket Lookup by Number
Looking up a ticket by number is the fastest way to get the exact case. Drivers who still have the paper citation have the number printed on the top right corner. Lawyers and employers often have just a name. The clerk’s office can search by either piece of data.
Citation Number Search
The citation number starts with letters that show the agency. “UCSO” means Union County Sheriff’s Office. “FHP” means Florida Highway Patrol. “LBPD” means Lake Butler Police Department. The numbers after the letters are the sequence. Type the full citation number into the search bar on the clerk’s website to see the full record.
Case Number Search
The case number is what the court assigns after the clerk opens a file. It usually looks like 60-2025-TR-000123. The “60” is the Union County code. The “TR” means traffic. The number after the dash is the case sequence for that year. Use the case number if you have it. It pulls up the full court history, not just the original citation.
Name Search
A name search works when you do not have either number. Type the last name first, then the first name. Add the date of birth if you know it. The search returns all cases tied to that name. If two people share the same name, the date of birth or the driver’s license number helps narrow the list.
Union County Traffic Ticket Status and Disposition
Status shows where the case sits right now. Disposition shows the final outcome. Many drivers only need one or the other. Knowing the difference saves time.
Common Status Codes
Open means the case is active. Pending means waiting on a court date or payment. Disposed means the case closed. Dismissed means the state dropped the case. Adjudication withheld means the driver paid or completed traffic school and the court did not enter a formal conviction. Paid means the fine was paid in full. These codes show on the clerk’s online portal and on any printed case summary.
How to Check Disposition
Disposition lives on the last page of the case file. The clerk’s online portal shows it once the case closes. A certified disposition letter costs a small fee and can be mailed or picked up at the counter. Employers, insurance agents, and other courts often ask for a certified copy. The certified copy has the clerk’s seal and a signature.
Paying a Union County Traffic Ticket
Florida law gives drivers 30 days from the citation date to handle a traffic ticket. The clock starts the day the officer writes the ticket. Missing the deadline brings a $16 late fee and puts the license at risk.
Online Payment
Pay at PayFLClerk.com. Pick Union County from the county list. Type the citation number or case number. Add the payment. The portal takes Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A small convenience fee applies. A receipt shows up on the screen and a copy is emailed to you. Payment posts the same day in most cases.
Payment by Mail
Mail a check or money order to the Clerk of Court at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Make it payable to “Clerk of Court.” Write the citation number on the memo line. The payment must arrive before the 30-day deadline, not just be postmarked. Plan ahead if the deadline is close.
Payment in Person
Pay at the counter inside the clerk’s office. Cash, check, money order, and card are all accepted. A receipt is printed at the time of payment. The counter is open during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on state holidays.
Union County Traffic Ticket Fine Schedule for 2026
Base fines for Union County traffic tickets follow the statewide schedule set by Florida Statute 318.18. Court costs and surcharges get added on top. School zone and construction zone fines double when workers are present or school is in session.
| Violation Type | Base Fine | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 6 to 9 mph over | $25 | $35 |
| Speeding 10 to 14 mph over | $100 | $35 |
| Speeding 15 to 19 mph over | $150 | $35 |
| Speeding 20 to 29 mph over | $175 | $35 |
| Speeding 30 mph or more over | $250 | $35 |
| Standard moving violation | $60 | $35 |
| Nonmoving violation | $30 | $18 |
| Late fee after 30 days | $16 | ��� |
Options After a Union County Traffic Citation
Three options exist for handling a traffic ticket in Union County. The 30-day clock runs the same way for all three. Pick the option that fits your case and act before the deadline.
Pay the Fine
Paying the full fine closes the case fast. It also counts as a guilty plea. Points go on the FLHSMV record based on the violation type. Three points is common for speeding, running a stop sign, or careless driving. Four points applies to more serious violations. Twelve points in 12 months triggers a license suspension.
Elect Traffic School
Drivers who are eligible can pay a reduced fine and finish a Basic Driver Improvement course. The fine drops by 18 percent. Points stay off the record as long as the school certificate reaches the clerk before the 90-day deadline. You can elect traffic school up to five times in a lifetime and no more than once every 12 months. Commercial license holders cannot use this option. Drivers cited for going 30 mph or more over the limit cannot use it either.
Contest the Ticket in Court
Request a hearing within 30 days. A judge reviews the evidence and listens to both sides. If the case is dismissed, no fine and no points. If the court rules against the driver, fines can reach $500 for most violations. School zone and construction zone speeding carry fines up to $1,000. The driver can hire an attorney or represent themselves.
Union County Traffic School Rules
Traffic school is a state program. The rules apply the same way in Union County as they do in every other Florida county. Picking a school and finishing on time matters more than picking the cheapest course.
Who Can Use Traffic School
Most drivers with a regular Class E license qualify. You cannot have used the option five times in your lifetime already. You cannot have used it in the last 12 months. You cannot have a commercial driver’s license. You cannot have been cited for going 30 mph or more over the speed limit. You also cannot have been cited for a violation that carries a mandatory court appearance.
Approved Course Providers
The FLHSMV keeps a list of approved Basic Driver Improvement schools. Most courses are online and take four to six hours. Some are in person at local driving schools. The cost runs between $20 and $50. Pick a school from the FLHSMV list. Schools not on the list do not count.
Certificate Filing Deadline
The completion certificate must reach the Union County Clerk within 90 days of the citation date. It is the driver’s job to make sure the school sends the certificate. Ask the school for proof of filing. A late certificate cancels the election. The full fine then comes due and points hit the record.
Union County License Suspension for Unpaid Tickets
Missing the 30-day deadline on a Union County traffic ticket has real consequences. Florida law treats an unpaid ticket as a separate issue from the original violation.
How Suspension Starts
Under Florida Statute 318.15, the clerk reports any unpaid citation to FLHSMV after 30 days. FLHSMV mails a suspension order to the address on file. The license suspends 20 days after the letter is mailed. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal charge under Florida law.
How to Clear a Suspension
Pay the full ticket amount, all court costs, surcharges, and the $60 FLHSMV service charge. The clerk then issues a compliance letter. Take the letter to FLHSMV or upload it through the MyDMV Portal. The suspension clears once FLHSMV processes the compliance letter. Reinstatement can take a few business days.
How Long the Suspension Stays on Record
A traffic suspension stays on the driving record for seven years. Insurance companies see it during that time. Some employers check driving records as part of the hiring process. Clearing the suspension does not remove the seven-year flag from the record.
Union County Traffic Court Records and Filings
Court filings and case records sit in the clerk’s system. The clerk scans paper filings into the online portal. Most documents are public, but some are sealed by court order.
Public Filings
Citation copies, payment receipts, traffic school certificates, motion filings, hearing notices, and final judgments are all public. Anyone can view these online or ask for printed copies. Printed copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more and carry the clerk’s seal.
Sealed or Restricted Records
Some cases get sealed by a judge. Juvenile records, diversion records, and cases with a court order are restricted. These records do not show in a public search. Only the parties named in the case or their attorneys can see the file. The clerk cannot share sealed records even with a written request unless a court order says otherwise.
Union County Municipal Court Traffic Records
Union County does not run a separate municipal court system. All traffic cases in the county go through the Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Lake Butler. Tickets written by Lake Butler Police, Union County Sheriff’s deputies, and the Florida Highway Patrol all go to the same clerk. Cases get heard by county judges serving the 8th Judicial Circuit.
Public Access to Union County Traffic Citation Records
Public access rules come from Florida’s public records law. Most traffic records are open to anyone who asks. The clerk cannot refuse a public records request just because the requester is not the driver named in the case.
Who Can Request Records
Any member of the public can request a Union County traffic ticket record. Employers running background checks, insurance agents, attorneys, journalists, and private citizens all have the same right to view public case files. The clerk may ask for a photo ID but cannot require the requester to have a connection to the case.
Fees for Copies
Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. A full certified case file for a traffic case usually costs between $10 and $25 depending on the number of pages. Payment by cash, check, or card is accepted at the counter. Online certified copy requests take card payment only.
Union County Traffic Ticket Database and History
Union County’s traffic ticket database goes back many years. Older paper records were scanned into the digital system. Very old paper records sit in the clerk’s storage room and can be pulled on request.
How Far Back Records Go
Digital records go back to the early 2000s. Records before that sit on microfilm or paper. The clerk can pull microfilm records with a few days’ notice. Paper records from the 1980s and earlier are kept in storage. Retrieval for paper records can take up to a week.
Driving History Reports
The clerk does not run a full driving history report. The clerk only has records of cases that went through Union County. A complete driving history comes from FLHSMV. Order the full history through the MyDMV Portal or at any FLHSMV office. The full report shows every ticket, every suspension, and every point on the record for the past 10 years or longer.
Union County Electronic and Online Traffic Ticket Records
Most Union County traffic cases now move through the electronic filing system. Officers write tickets on handhelds that upload to the clerk’s database. Drivers handle the case online through the clerk’s portal.
Electronic Citation Workflow
The officer scans the driver’s license and types the violation into a handheld computer. The device prints the paper citation and uploads the data to the clerk’s system at the end of the officer’s shift. The clerk opens a case file the next business day. The driver can see the case online within five to ten days of the stop.
Online Document Access
Case documents show up in the online portal after the clerk scans them. Most documents appear within a few business days of filing. Court orders and final judgments take longer because a judge must sign them first. Once signed and filed, the documents appear in the portal for public viewing.
Union County Courthouse Location and Contact
Union County courthouse is at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The main phone number for the clerk’s office is 386-496-3711. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on state holidays. The official website is unionclerk.com. Drivers can call the clerk for help with traffic tickets, court dates, traffic school elections, payment questions, and record copy requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Union County Traffic Ticket Records
Drivers, employers, and lawyers all ask similar questions about Union County traffic ticket records. The answers below cover the most common issues based on what people search for and what the clerk’s office hears by phone each week. The rules come from Florida state law and the clerk’s office policies in 2026.
How Long Does It Take for a New Union County Traffic Ticket to Show Up Online?
A new Union County traffic ticket usually shows up in the clerk’s online system within five to ten business days after the officer writes it. The officer’s handheld uploads the data at the end of the shift. The clerk opens the case file the next business day. Weekends, holidays, and heavy workload days can slow the process. If a ticket does not show up after ten business days, call the clerk at 386-496-3711. Do not wait until the 30-day deadline to act. The deadline runs from the citation date printed on the paper ticket, not from the date the ticket appears online.
Can Someone Else Pay My Union County Traffic Ticket for Me?
Yes, a third party can pay a Union County traffic ticket on your behalf. The clerk accepts payment by phone, online, mail, and in person. Anyone with the citation number or case number can make the payment. Credit card payments through the online portal do not require the cardholder to be the driver. Cash payments at the counter should match the exact amount on the ticket. The clerk does not require the person paying to be the named driver. Keep the receipt as proof of payment. A third-party payment does not change who is responsible for the citation under Florida law.
What Happens If I Miss the 30-Day Deadline on a Union County Traffic Ticket?
Missing the 30-day deadline adds a $16 late fee to the fine. The clerk then reports the unpaid ticket to FLHSMV. FLHSMV mails a suspension notice. The license suspends 20 days after the notice is mailed. To stop the suspension, pay the original fine, the late fee, court costs, surcharges, and a $60 FLHSMV service charge. The clerk issues a compliance letter once the balance is paid in full. The suspension then clears. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal charge in Florida. Even one stop on a suspended license can lead to arrest and new charges.
Can I Get a Union County Traffic Ticket Dismissed If I Complete Traffic School After the Deadline?
No. Traffic school must be elected within 30 days of the citation date. The completion certificate must reach the clerk within 90 days of the citation date. Missing either deadline cancels the election. The full fine then comes due and points go on the record. The only way to avoid points after the deadline is to win at a contested hearing. Talk to a traffic attorney before the hearing date. An attorney can sometimes negotiate a withhold of adjudication even when traffic school is off the table.
Are Union County Traffic Ticket Records Public Forever?
Union County traffic ticket records stay on file for many years. The clerk retains digital records indefinitely. Paper records from older cases sit in storage but can be pulled on request. The driving record at FLHSMV keeps traffic violations for at least 10 years. Points drop off the driving record after a set time based on the violation type. A speeding ticket stays a point for 3 years. A careless driving conviction stays a point for 5 years. The court record, however, does not drop off. It stays in the clerk’s file as part of the public record.
Do Union County Traffic Tickets from Other States Affect My Florida Record?
Tickets from other states do not show up on a Union County clerk record. They do not go through the Union County court. However, Florida is part of the Driver License Compact. Most states share traffic conviction data. A conviction in another state can lead to points on the Florida driving record. Check with FLHSMV to see how an out-of-state ticket affects your Florida license. Out-of-state tickets are not paid through the Union County clerk. They are handled by the state that wrote the ticket.