Traffic Citations Information

A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal violation 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, a fatality or certain other violations.

Your options for a Traffic Citation

In Gulf 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

Option1 - 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

First, contact the Clerks Office at (850) 229-6112. You will have to sign an affidavit electing to attend a driving school, and pay the Clerks Office the associated costs for this option within 30 days of the date of the citation.

You must provide the Clerk’s Office with a copy of the Certificate of Completion that will be issued to you by the school within 90 days of the date of the citation. Failure to provide the Certificate within 90 days will result in your license being suspended and late fees will be assessed.

Remember, you may only elect the traffic school option five (5) times in your life and the election can only be made once every twelve (12) months. Failure to timely complete the school course or timely submit your completion certificate or pay the fine will result in removal of the fee reduction, points being assessed, and suspension of your license and/or late fees being assessed.

Option 3 - Contesting Your Ticket

You may contest your citation/infraction by appearing in court before a judge. To do so, you must call the Traffic division to set your court date. Once set, the Clerk’s Office cannot reschedule your court date.

Gulf County Clerk of Court

Locations

1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd
Port St. Joe, FL 32456

153 N 3rd Street
Wewahichka, FL 32465

Phone: 850-229-6112
Phone: 850-639-5068
Phone: 850-936-2175