"I lost my ticket!"
A lost traffic ticket might seem like a blessing, since it makes the problem seem to disappear. However, letting a lost ticket stay lost can cause all sorts of problems. Typically, you have 30 days to pay your fine. This means that you must take swift action. If you intend to enter a plea or attend traffic school, you will need to do that sooner rather than later. Non-payment (or late payment) can result in additional fines and could result in a suspended license! The good news is, if you’ve lost your ticket, you can still take care of it.
Getting a Replacement
Step 1: Check Florida's Online System
The first place you can check is Florida’s online system. By using the Driver's License Checking Tool provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you can get information you need in order to track down your license. If you can’t find information using this tool, it’s possible that your ticket hasn’t been put into the online system yet. Do not assume that if it isn’t there, that you won’t be penalized for not paying your ticket!
Step 2: Remember Where You Got It
Since the state of Florida handles traffic tickets on a county level, you must remember where you were when you received the ticket. Usually, this is an easy step. However, if you received a ticket while traveling over a long distance, it might take some deductive reasoning.
Step 3: Call the County
Once you determine which county you received the ticket from, you can call the Clerk of Court. You will need to provide them with basic information such as your name and driver’s license number. After doing so, the clerk will be able to assist you with a replacement.
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