How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in Florida
Florida’s traffic courts process over 3 million citations annually. Between tourists, snowbirds, and one of the largest driving populations in the US, Florida has a robust system for handling and dismissing traffic tickets.
Option 1: Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course
Florida’s primary ticket dismissal method is electing to attend a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement course.
Eligibility Requirements
- You have not elected traffic school in the past 12 months
- You have not elected traffic school more than 5 times in your lifetime
- The violation is a non-criminal infraction (not DUI, reckless driving, or crash with injuries)
- You were not cited in a school or construction zone (some courts still allow it)
- You were not speeding 30+ mph over the limit
How It Works
- Elect traffic school within 30 days of receiving your citation (you can do this online at your county clerk’s website)
- Pay the ticket fine in full. This is required in Florida even with traffic school.
- Complete a state-approved BDI course, 4 hours, available online ($15-$40)
- Course provider reports completion to the court automatically
- Adjudication withheld with no points on your license and no conviction on your record
Cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Traffic ticket fine (must pay in full) | $129-$500 (varies by county and violation) |
| BDI course fee | $15-$40 (online) |
| Total | $144-$540 |
Adjudication Withheld vs. Adjudication
In Florida, electing traffic school results in adjudication withheld, meaning the judge does not enter a conviction.
- Adjudication withheld means no points, no conviction, and insurance may not increase
- Adjudicated guilty means points added, conviction on record, and insurance increase
See our Online Traffic School Guide for tips on choosing the best state-approved BDI course.
Option 2: Contest the Ticket in Court
You have the right to request a hearing and fight your traffic ticket.
Process
- Check the box “I wish to contest” on your citation (or notify the clerk within 30 days)
- Court schedules a hearing and you receive a notice by mail
- Appear at your hearing. The officer must also appear.
- Present your case with evidence, photos, dashcam footage, and witnesses
- Judge rules guilty, not guilty, or guilty with adjudication withheld
Advantages of Contesting
- If the officer does not appear, the ticket is typically dismissed
- You can present mitigating circumstances even if technically guilty
- The judge may withhold adjudication without traffic school (saving you the course)
- You may get the fine reduced
Option 3: Hire a Florida Traffic Ticket Attorney
Florida has a large market of traffic ticket lawyers who handle cases for flat fees.
- Typical cost is $65-$200 per ticket (flat fee)
- They appear in court on your behalf and negotiate with the prosecutor
- Common outcomes include adjudication withheld, reduced fine, and amended charge
- You do not have to appear. The attorney handles everything.
For most standard infractions, a Florida traffic ticket attorney can get adjudication withheld or the ticket dismissed outright for less than the cost of the insurance increase.
Florida Point System
Florida uses a point system. Points trigger license suspensions.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (1-15 mph over) | 3 |
| Speeding (16+ mph over) | 4 |
| Running a red light | 4 |
| Running a stop sign | 3 |
| Improper lane change | 3 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 4 |
Point Accumulation Penalties
| Points in Period | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 12 points in 12 months | 30-day suspension |
| 18 points in 18 months | 3-month suspension |
| 24 points in 36 months | 1-year suspension |
Florida Red Light Camera Tickets
Florida allows red light camera enforcement. These tickets are different from officer-issued citations.
- $158 fine (uniform statewide)
- No points assessed. Camera tickets do not add points.
- No traffic school option because there are no points to avoid
- You can contest by requesting a hearing
- The registered owner receives the citation, not necessarily the driver
Important Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Elect traffic school | 30 days from citation date |
| Pay fine (if electing school) | Before starting the course |
| Complete BDI course | Within 30 days of electing traffic school (varies by county) |
| Contest the ticket | 30 days from citation date |
Missing the 30-day deadline results in an automatic guilty adjudication and a late fee. Your license may also be suspended.
How Much Will Your Florida Ticket Cost?
Florida drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. Use our True Cost Calculator to see the full cost of your ticket including 3 years of insurance increases. The average Florida premium is $2,800 per year, and a single speeding ticket raises it by 24%.
Not sure whether to elect traffic school or fight your ticket? Take our 5-question Decision Quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Will Your Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
A Florida speeding ticket raises insurance premiums by 24% on average for 3 years. On the average Florida premium of $2,800 per year, that is $2,016 in additional insurance costs. Electing a BDI course prevents this increase entirely by keeping points off your record. Learn more in our Speeding Ticket Insurance Impact Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I elect traffic school in Florida?
Florida allows traffic school election once per 12 months and a maximum of 5 times in your lifetime. After 5 elections, you can no longer use traffic school to avoid points.
What does adjudication withheld mean?
Adjudication withheld means the judge does not enter a conviction. No points are added to your license and the violation does not appear as a conviction on your record.
Do I still have to pay the fine if I take traffic school?
Yes. Florida requires you to pay the full ticket fine even when electing traffic school. The benefit is avoiding points on your license and preventing insurance rate increases.
Can I take traffic school for a red light camera ticket?
No. Red light camera tickets carry a $158 fine but do not add points. Since there are no points to avoid, traffic school is not available.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
Missing the 30-day deadline results in an automatic guilty adjudication, a late fee, and possible license suspension. You lose the ability to elect traffic school.
Florida Traffic Ticket Resources
- Florida DHSMV Driver License Points
- Florida Traffic School Courses
- Florida Statutes Chapter 316
- Online Traffic School Guide
- Speeding Ticket Insurance Impact
- Should You Fight or Take Traffic School?
This guide provides general information about Florida traffic ticket options. This is not legal advice. Laws change regularly. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for specific legal questions.