Traffic violations are non-criminal, payable offenses that generally do not require a court appearance. The Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office processes traffic citations issued by every law enforcement agency in Manatee County. The duties of the Traffic Division include informing the public of all the options available for disposition of their traffic citation, collecting fines, distributing the proceeds according to Florida Law, and maintaining accurate public records.
Available Options for Traffic Violations
If you have received a traffic citation in Manatee County, you have thirty (30) calendar days from the date the ticket was issued to choose one of the following three (3) options to resolve the ticket.
- Pay the ticket - Printable Option Form & Fine Schedule
- Plead Not Guilty - Printable Option Form & Fine Schedule
- Elect Driver Improvement School - Printable Option Form & Fine Schedule
If you choose option 1, to pay the ticket, points are assessed against your driver's license, if applicable. You have thirty (30) calendar days from the date you received your ticket to pay your fine and fill out the Options Form. Failure to pay the fine will result in the report for suspension of your driver's license and the assessment of late fees.
If you choose option 2, to plead not guilty, you must make your request for a hearing in writing to the Clerk within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the ticket was received. You will be notified in writing of your court date.
If you choose option 3, to attend driver improvement school , you must pay the fine and fill out the Option Form and file it with the Clerk's Office within thirty (30) calendar days of the date you received the ticket. You will be granted an extra ninety (90) days to attend a Driver Improvement School in the State of Florida, no points are assessed against your driver's license. Failure to attend Driver Improvement School will result in the report for suspension of your license and the assessment of late fees.