Oh No! You've Been Tangoed with a Ticket in Florida: How to Find Your Citation Number (and Maybe Avoid a Tango with Trouble Later)
Let's face it, sunshine and beaches aren't the only things Florida is famous for. Those pesky traffic tickets can put a damper on anyone's vacation (or commute). But fear not, fellow traveler! Before you resign yourself to a lifetime of singing "I Lost My Traffic Ticket Blues," let's find that citation number and get you back on track.
Citation Sensation? Don't Panic!
First things first, take a deep breath. A lost citation number doesn't mean you're doomed. While visions of dance-offs with bailiffs might be swirling in your head, there are ways to unearth that elusive number.
Digging Up the Details: Three Paths to Citation Salvation
Here are a few options, depending on your inner detective skills:
The Paper Trail. Did you, by some miracle, avoid using your citation as a napkin? If so, check the ticket itself! The citation number is usually prominently displayed, often near the top right corner. Bold and clear as day (hopefully).
Clerk of the Court Caper. Each county in Florida has a Clerk of the Court website. These websites often have a searchable database of traffic citations. You can typically search by your name or driver's license number, even if you've misplaced the physical ticket. Word to the wise: You might need some info from the citation, like the county where you got the ticket, to narrow down your search.
Phone a Friend (or the Clerk's Office). If technology isn't your forte, don't despair! Most Clerk of Court offices have good old-fashioned phone lines. Give them a ring and explain your situation. With a little information (your name, date of birth, etc.), they might be able to help you track down that citation number.
Uh Oh, My Memory is a Foggy Marsh!
Maybe you can't quite recall the county where you got the ticket. No worries! The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has a handy dandy "[locations page]"(https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/) that can help you find the Clerk of Court contact information for each county.
Remember: The sooner you find your citation number, the sooner you can deal with the ticket. This might involve paying it, contesting it in court (with the help of a lawyer, of course!), or attending driving school (bonus points for learning a new dance move besides the tango).
FAQ: Finding Your Florida Citation Number in Five Easy Steps
How to find my Florida traffic ticket citation number if I lost the ticket?
Search by name or driver's license number on the Clerk of Court website for the county where you believe you received the ticket.
How to look up a traffic ticket in Florida by citation number?
Many Clerk of Court websites allow you to search by citation number for quick and easy access to your ticket information.
How do I find the Clerk of Court contact information for my county in Florida?
Use the "[locations page]"(https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/) on the FLHSMV website.
How long do I have to respond to a traffic ticket in Florida?
You typically have 30 days to respond to a traffic ticket in Florida. Check your citation for the exact deadline.
Is there a way to pay a Florida traffic ticket online?
Some counties allow online ticket payment. Check the Clerk of Court website for your county for details.