Where to search for your Florida traffic citations
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) does not operate a public citation search tool. Instead, you search through the county court system where the citation was issued. Each of Florida's 67 counties maintains its own court records, and most allow you to search online through their clerk of court website at no cost.
The fastest route is to go directly to your county clerk's website and use their case search function. You will need either your name and driver's license number, or the citation number if you have it. Some counties also let you search by the officer's name or the date the citation was issued, which helps if you are not sure of the exact details.
If you do not know which county issued the citation, start with the county where you received it. If you were pulled over in a different county than where you live, the citation will be in that county's system, not yours.
Key Takeaways
- Florida citations are recorded in the county court system where they were issued, not in a statewide database you can search from one place.
- Most county clerk websites offer free online case search tools that let you look up citations by your name, driver's license number, or citation number.
- If you cannot find the citation online, you can visit the county courthouse in person or call the clerk's office to request a records search.
- Your citation record will show the violation, the fine amount, and whether you have paid it or have a court date scheduled.
How to use your county clerk's online search
Start by finding your county clerk's website. A quick search for "[Your County Name] Florida clerk of court" will take you to the right place. Once there, look for a link labeled "Case Search," "Public Records," "Online Search," or "Court Records." The exact wording varies by county.
When you enter the search page, you will typically see fields for your name and driver's license number. Enter your information exactly as it appears on your license — middle initials and spelling matter. If you have the citation number, enter that instead; it is often faster and more accurate than searching by name alone.
The search will return a list of cases associated with your name or citation number. Traffic citations appear as separate cases in the court system. Click on the case number to see details: the violation code, the fine amount, the court date (if one is scheduled), and payment status.
What information you will see in your citation record
Once you pull up your citation, the record will show the violation charged against you — for example, "Speeding 15 mph over limit" or "Failure to stop at red light." It will also display the statute number (the Florida law code) and the fine amount set by the court.
You will see whether the citation has been paid, dismissed, or is still pending. If it is pending, the record will show your court date and the courthouse location. Some records also show the officer's name, the date and time of the violation, and the location where you were stopped.
If you have already paid the fine, the record will show the payment date and method. If you have a payment plan set up, that information may appear as well, though some counties require you to contact the clerk directly to see payment plan details.
Searching in person or by phone
If you cannot find the citation online or prefer to speak with someone directly, visit your county courthouse during business hours. The clerk's office can search their records for you and print out a copy of the citation. Bring your driver's license and any information you have about the citation — the date you received it, the location, or the officer's name.
You can also call the clerk's office and ask them to search for you over the phone. Have your driver's license number ready. Some counties charge a small fee for records searches done by phone or in person, though online searches are always free. The fee is typically a few dollars.
If you received the citation years ago and cannot remember which county it was in, the clerk's office can sometimes help you figure that out based on the location where you were stopped. If they cannot find it in their system, it may have been dismissed or the record may have been archived.
Understanding citation status and next steps
A citation marked "Paid" means you have resolved it — either you paid the fine or the court dismissed the charge. This citation will not affect your driving record going forward, though it may remain in court records indefinitely.
A citation marked "Pending" or "Open" means the case is still active. You either have a court date coming up, or you have not yet responded to the citation. If you have a court date, missing it can result in a failure-to-appear charge, which carries its own penalties and can lead to a suspended license.
If you have questions about the citation itself — whether you can contest it, what your payment options are, or whether you can attend traffic school instead of paying — contact the clerk's office or the courthouse listed on the citation. They can explain your options and tell you the important date for responding.
Finding citations issued by Florida Highway Patrol
Citations issued by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are still recorded in the county court system, not in a separate FHP database. Search your county clerk's website the same way you would for any other citation. The only difference is that the officer's name will show as a Florida Highway Patrol trooper rather than a local police officer.
If you were stopped on an interstate or state highway, the citation is almost certainly in the county where you were stopped, even if you live elsewhere. If you are not sure which county that was, you can call the FHP dispatch office for that region and give them the date and approximate location of the stop — they can tell you which county to search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for someone else's citations?
Court records are public, so technically yes — but the search will require that person's name and driver's license number or citation number. Most county websites do not restrict who can search, but some require you to have a legitimate reason. If you need records for legal purposes, contact the clerk's office directly.
How long do citations stay on my record?
Court records do not expire, but how long a citation affects your driving record depends on the violation. Minor violations typically stay on your driving record for three to five years. You can check your actual driving record through the DHSMV website, which is separate from court records and shows only violations that affect insurance and licensing.
What if I cannot find my citation online?
If the citation is very recent, it may not be in the online system yet — some counties take a few days to enter citations. If it is older, try searching by citation number instead of your name, or call the clerk's office. If the citation was dismissed, it may still be searchable but marked as "Dismissed" rather than "Pending" or "Paid."
Do I need to do anything after I find my citation?
If your citation is marked "Paid" or "Dismissed," you do not need to take action. If it is marked "Pending" or "Open," check the court date and respond by that important date. Ignoring a pending citation can result in a failure-to-appear charge and a suspended license.
Can I pay my citation fine online?
Many Florida counties allow online fine payment through their clerk's website. Look for a "Pay a Fine" or "Pay a Citation" link on the county clerk's site. You will need your citation number and may be charged a small processing fee. If online payment is not available, you can pay in person at the courthouse or by mail.