The Traffic Department maintains all records pertaining to Traffic Citations issued to persons
in Columbia County. We also collect all fines, provide a list of approved driving schools, and set
court dates for those who wish to contest their infraction violation.
If you are charged with a criminal violation (D.U.I., driving with a suspended license, driving without
a valid drivers license etc.), you must call the County Criminal Department (Misdemeanor)
within 10 days of the citation by calling (386) 758-1048.
If you are charged with a civil infraction (careless driving, speeding etc.) you must elect one of the following three options within 30 days of the citation.
- Plead not guilty
- Elect to attend a driving school and pay a fine to avoid having points assessed - DHSMV's List of statewide traffic schools.
Your Driver's License will be suspended and points will be assessed. Before your license can be reinstated,
YOU MUST: Pay the balance of the original fee, pay a $18 cancellation fee, pay a $23 late fee and pay a
$47.50 reinstatement fee to the State of Florida (if applicable)
How much will my Traffic Citation cost and where do I pay?
- It depends on what violation you were charged with and whether you pay it within the
allotted 30 days after the date of the citation. - If you pay after 30 days late fees will be assessed. See Traffic Fees for specific fines if
paid within 30 days. - You can pay your citation in person at 173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, Florida.
- You can pay by mail by sending a cashiers check or money order to PO Box 2069, Lake City, Florida 32056, Attn: Traffic Department.
- You can pay on-line at www.myfloridacounty.com within 30 days of receiving your ticket using a credit card.
How do I make arrangements to go to driving school to avoid points being assessed.
- First, contact the Clerks Office at (386) 758-1046. You will have to sign an affidavit electing to attend a driving school, and pay the Clerks Office the associated costs for this option within 30 days of the date of the citation.
- Next, contact a driving school of your choice that is approved by the State of Florida and complete the course within 90 days from the date of the citation. The schools will advise you of their associated costs for taking the approved driving program.
- Finally, provide the Clerks Office with a copy of the Certificate of Completion that will be issued to you by the school. This option may only be used once in a 12 month period, and no more than 5 times in your lifetime. Failure to provide the Certificate within 90 days will result in your license being suspended.
How do I make a plea of not guilty or request Court Date?
- Submit a written plea of not guilty with your signature, address, phone number, and a copy of your citation.
- Request a hearing, or, if you are unable to appear, request an affidavit of defense which shall be used for your testimony.
- Enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope.
- The Clerks office cannot reschedule an infraction court appearance date.
By entering a plea of not guilty you are waiving your right to pay
the fine or elect traffic school. If you are found guilty by the court,
additional penalties may be imposed.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY CALL Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern time. (386) 758-1044
(386) 758-1046
(386) 719-7588
Or write: P. DeWitt Cason, Clerk of Courts
PO Box 2069
Lake City, Fl 32056-2069
Overnight: P. DeWitt Cason, Clerk of Courts
ATTN: TRAFFIC
173 NE Hernando Ave
Lake City, Fl 32055
- If you request an extension, you waive your right to attend traffic school or have a hearing.
- You may obtain an additional 14 days to pay by coming in person to the Columbia County Courthouse at 173 NE Hernando Ave, Lake City, Florida, or by mailing your request in writing or call 386-758-1046. Please enclose a copy of your citation.
How do I obtain a copy of my driving record and points?
You may purchase a copy at the Clerks Office.
The cost for a 3 year record is $3.10 + an additional $1.00 per page if more than 1 page.
Payment of Citations
Infraction violations must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued.
If your ticket is not paid within 30 days, a suspension will be entered against your driver license
and will subject you to additional penalties
Methods of Payment
We accept full payment of the fine in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Visa, MasterCard, Discover Credit cards,
and ATM/Debit cards with these insignias are accepted at our front counter only. Credit Card Payments CANNOT be processed over the telephone.
They may be paid in our Traffic Division Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M., except all major holidays when our office is closed.
We also accept Traffic Payments on line through MyFloridaCounty.com.
Extensions
Requests for extensions must be submitted to Judge Coleman in writing or faxed. Please include your citation number, full name and current
address in your request. The Judge will either grant or deny your request and the Clerk will notify you, in writing, of his decision. The Clerk may
dismiss traffic tickets written for certain driver license, registration, or insurance violations. A dismissal fee of $10.00 will be assessed if you file proof
of license, registration or insurance being valid at the time the citation was issued.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
web site now provides information to customers regarding their eligibility
to elect driver school in lieu of points. To access enter the driver license number,
then click Enter. The information will include a statement indicating if the customer is eligible
or not to elect driver school. It will also provide the date of the last election and the number
of times the customer has elected in the past 10 years, with a link to the Driving Courses page on our web site.