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How to Contest a Traffic Citation in Florida

If you receive a traffic citation in Florida, it’s important to act promptly and understand your local court rules — this guide outlines the general steps you’ll follow and what options may be available.

1. Responding to the Citation

When you receive the citation, note the county court listed on the ticket and the deadline for your response (often within 30 days). Your initial options typically are:

  • Pay the fine and accept the citation — this counts as a conviction.

  • Request a hearing or trial by pleading Not Guilty — this preserves your right to contest the citation.

  • In some counties, you may be eligible to attend traffic school instead of taking a conviction (if certain criteria are met).

2. Requesting a Hearing / Trial

If you plead Not Guilty:

  • Contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the citation was issued to learn the local procedure — many counties provide an online system, allow mailed requests, or require in-person forms.

  • You will be assigned a hearing or trial date. Some civil infractions allow the case to be handled without a full court appearance; other moving violations or criminal citations require in-person attendance.

  • Prepare your case: gather evidence (photos, diagrams, witness statements), understand the law cited on the citation, and organize your presentation.

3. Trial or Hearing Process

At the hearing/trial you may:

  • Appear in court and present your case against the citation issuer (law enforcement/municipality).

  • Ask the court for discovery (such as body camera/video evidence), question the issuing officer, and challenge any equipment calibration or signage issues.

  • The court may allow negotiation or plea offers prior to the hearing; alternatively you can proceed to full adjudication.

4. After Adjudication — Possible Appeal or Review

If you are found guilty/liable and you believe the court incorrectly applied the law or your rights were violated, you may have limited options to appeal or request review. Appeal rights and procedures vary by county and by whether the case was civil or criminal. You should check the Clerk’s rules or speak with an attorney for your specific county.

5. Practical Advice

  • Always keep certified proof of your response before the deadline (mailed forms, online confirmations, receipts).

  • If you are eligible for traffic school, confirm the exact conditions (eligibility may depend on your driving record, type of violation, and whether courts approve the course).

  • For serious violations (points on licence, suspension risk, commercial licence status), consider legal representation.

  • Track your driving record after the case closes to ensure the outcome is correctly reflected and no unintended consequences (suspension, increased insurance) appear.

  • Even if you pay the fine, you may still want to request deferred disposition, mitigation hearing, or other alternative resolutions if the court allows them — these can reduce points or preserve your driving record.

Key Official Resources (California)

 

Tags: 
appeal
Geo: 
Florida