Civil Traffic Ticket
Civil traffic tickets, with few exceptions, do not require a court appearance. If you were told you have to appear in court, please review non-criminal traffic violations that require a court appearance.
You have 3 options for resolving a civil traffic ticket. Learn more by clicking each option listed below. If you already know the option you want, fill out the Traffic Ticket Option Form(PDF, 239KB) and return it to the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court by the deadline.
Pay the Fine (points will be assessed)
Payment of the civil penalty is considered a conviction; the Florida DHSMV will assess points on your driving record (or with the out-of-state authority that issued your driver’s license, if applicable).
By selecting this option, you agree to pay the traffic fine as shown on your ticket. Also, you will not be able to choose traffic school at a later date.
Fines must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued, or you risk suspension of your driver's license, late fees, and other fees.
Traffic Fines & Fees
Pay Traffic Ticket Online
Go to Traffic School, Pay the Fine (avoids points being assessed)
Traffic School is also known as Driver Improvement School. When you choose this option, you agree to pay the fine and complete a 4-hour driver improvement course through a Certified Traffic School (Driver Improvement School).
Check your eligibility for Traffic School
- You can choose the Traffic School option once every 12 months, 8 times in your lifetime.
- Complete and return the Traffic Ticket Option Form(PDF, 239KB) and payment for the fine to the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued.
- You must indicate the election of this option in writing at the time of payment.
This option extends your case for 90 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued to give you time to complete traffic school.
- Upon successful completion of traffic school, no points will be assessed on your driving record.
Find a Certified Driver Improvement Course School
If I choose Traffic School, what steps do I take after submitting the form and paying the fine?
Within the 90-day period, you must:
- Register with a Florida-certified traffic school of your choice
- Complete the 4-hour driver improvement course
- Submit the traffic school completion certificate to the Sarasota County Clerk’s Office by mail or in person. Failure to provide the Clerk’s Office with a completion certificate may result in additional penalties such as fees, a disposition of guilt, points assessed against your license, and suspension of your license.
Choose Traffic School and Pay Fine
Request a Court Hearing (challenge the ticket)
To contest a charge for a traffic violation that does not already require a mandatory court appearance, you can request a civil court hearing through the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Your request must be in writing within 30 days from the date the citation was issued.
Use the Traffic Ticket Option Form(PDF, 239KB) and mail it to our office location in Sarasota or Venice.
The Clerk’s Office will send you a notice advising you of the date and time of your hearing.