Traffic Citations Information

A Non-Criminal Traffic Infraction is a violation not punishable by jail and which usually can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or election to attend a defensive driving course. A court appearance is not required, except in cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury or a fatality; a violation for leaving a child in a vehicle unattended; a violation of speed exceeding 30 MPH, a violation of load dropping (load not secured); or a violation of passing a stopped school bus on enter/exit side.

Payment should be made within 30 days of the date the ticket was issued (please allow 5 days for the officer to turn the ticket over to the Clerk’s Office). Payment can be made by mail, using the envelope provided by the officer, or in person by coming to suite 203 on the 1st floor of the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Your options for a Traffic Citation

In Franklin County, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to elect one of the following:

• Option 1: Plead guilty, accept points on your driver license and pay the ticket
• Option 2: Pay the ticket and Elect Traffic School to withhold adjudication off your driving record
• Option 3: Contest the ticket and request a court hearing

Option 1 - Pay the Ticket

By paying the Traffic Civil Penalty, you are admitting guilt and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will assess points on your driving record for moving violations.
Pay Online, by mail or in person.

Option 2 - Go To Traffic School

By electing to attend a driver improvement school, no points will be assessed to your driving record. This election can only be made once within a twelve-month period and only (5) times within a lifetime. Within thirty (30) days of receiving your citation, you must pay the fine and fill out the Affidavit for Traffic School form, and file it with the Clerk’s Office. You will be granted an extra ninety (90) days from the date you signed the affidavit to sign up, complete, and provide proof of completion to the Clerk’s Office.

Failure to provide proof of completion of the driving school will result in the suspension of your driver’s license. You will then be required to pay additional fines and fees and points will be assessed against your license. Even though you did not provide proof of completion of the class, your election will count as one of your 5 allowable elections.

Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket

To plead not guilty, you must make your request for a hearing to the Clerk within thirty (30) days of the date the ticket was received. You will be notified by mail of your court date.

Franklin County Clerk of Court

Franklin County Courthouse

Traffic Division
33 Market Street, Suite 203
Apalachicola, FL 32320

850-653-8861

Franklin County Courthouse Annex

912 NW Avenue A
Carrabelle, FL 32322

Phone: 850-697-3263