At The Ticket Clinic, we’ve fought millions of traffic tickets in Florida (and nationwide) since 1987. Every day, drivers call us asking how traffic tickets work, what to do if they’re stopped, and why fighting a ticket is smarter than paying it. This Q&A guide answers the most common questions we hear from Florida drivers.
Table Of Contents
Q: What are the most common traffic tickets issued in Florida?
Q: How many traffic tickets are written in Florida every year?
Q: What is the cost of traffic tickets / financial impact statewide?
Q: What should I do during a traffic stop to protect myself?
Q: I got a traffic ticket. What now?
Q: What if I get a ticket in the mail?
Q: What if I get a notification about a ticket by text message?
Q: Why is simply paying a ticket a bad idea?
Q: What are the short‑term vs. long‑term consequences of a ticket?
Q: How does the Florida Points System work, and how many points do common traffic infractions carry?
Q: How can a poor driving record prevent you from employment opportunities?
Q: Why is it critical for CDL and professional drivers to fight every ticket?
Q: Which traffic violations can lead to arrest?
Q: Why choose The Ticket Clinic?
Q: How do I hire The Ticket Clinic?
Q: What are the chances The Ticket Clinic can successfully resolve my case?
Q: What is considered a “successful result?
Q: Is it possible that I’ll have additional costs / fees?
Q: Which Florida counties are the most common places to get a traffic ticket?
Q: What are the most common traffic tickets issued in Florida?
Speeding is number one, coming in with around 744,000 citations issued in 2024. Click here for our deep dive into Florida traffic ticket stats.
-
- About 390,000 Red light and stop sign violations
-
- 160,000 for careless or reckless driving
-
- 2,500 Texting or using a phone in restricted areas
-
- 130,000 for Failure to yield or improper lane change
-
- 250,000 for Expired registration or insurance
If you drive in Florida long enough, odds are you’ll face at least one of these. That’s where we come in. Learn about our speeding ticket defense.
Q: How many traffic tickets are written in Florida every year?
Florida law enforcement writes millions of tickets every year, and speeding consistently tops the list. In 2024, Florida law enforcement issued 2,928,933 tickets for all infractions from speeding to DUI. Click here for our deep dive into Florida traffic ticket stats.
These citations generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state—but for drivers, they can mean points, higher insurance, and even license suspensions.
We believe the system counts on drivers simply paying instead of fighting. Our job is to change that.
Q: What is the financial impact of traffic tickets in Florida each year?
Traffic tickets aren’t just a hassle for drivers—they’re a multi-million-dollar business for the state of Florida. Every year, millions of citations are issued for speeding, red lights, careless driving, and other infractions. Our best estimate is that it brought in at least 122 million dollars in 2024.
Q: What should I do during a traffic stop to protect myself?
If you’re pulled over:
-
- Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and be polite
-
- Avoid admitting guilt or making excuses
-
- Accept the ticket without arguing
-
- Signing the ticket DOES NOT MEAN ADMISSION OF GUILT
Remaining professional helps your safety and gives our team a better chance to challenge the citation later. A single statement like “I was speeding” can hurt your defense. We know how to use officer errors to your advantage.
Q: I got a traffic ticket. What now?
You usually have 30 days to respond, and you have two main options:
Pay it – which is a guilty plea, points on your record, and likely higher insurance.
Fight it in court – this is where we step in.
When you hire The Ticket Clinic, we handle everything: filing paperwork, appearing in court, and using our 22‑step defense checklist to look for officer mistakes, calibration issues, or procedural errors. See how our process works.
Q: What if I get a ticket in the mail?
Red light camera or toll violations often come by mail. They may feel less urgent—but ignoring them can lead to late fees and license suspension. We can handle these tickets just like in‑person citations, often without you ever stepping foot in court.
Q: What if I get a notification about a ticket by text message?
Scammers often send messages with links claiming you can “pay now to avoid arrest” or “click here to prevent license suspension.” Clicking those links can expose you to fraud or identity theft. Read more how to spot DMV scams.
Here’s what you should do instead:
- Do not click any links in the text.
- Verify your ticket status directly with the county Clerk of Court where the citation was issued. You can search your name or citation number on the official county website.
- Check the status of your license on the Florida DHSMV portal to make sure your license is not flagged for suspension.
- If you have a real unpaid ticket, handle it immediately—late fees and suspensions can add up fast. This is where we can step in.
Q: Why is simply paying a ticket a bad idea?
Paying means:
-
- You admit guilt
-
- Points go on your license
-
- Your insurance rates may rise for years
-
- CDL or professional drivers risk job loss
Even a minor ticket can cost thousands in long-term insurance hikes. Fighting the ticket is almost always the smarter financial move. We offer flat‑fee representation with no hidden costs.
Q: What are the short‑term vs. long‑term consequences of a ticket?
-
- Short‑term: Fines, court costs, traffic school
-
- Long‑term: Insurance hikes, points stacking up, possible suspension, jail time and employment issues
Q: Why choose The Ticket Clinic?
- We are the largest traffic ticket firm in Florida and the United States
- Over 5 million cases resolved successfully since 1987
- Local Attorney coverage in all 67 Florida counties and 28 office locations
- Flat‑fee representation with most clients never appearing in court
- Proven track record of dismissals and no‑points outcomes
- 1000s of 5 star reviews on Google
- In business +35 years
Our mission is simple: No Points. No School. No Court.
See why Florida drivers trust us.
Q: How do I hire The Ticket Clinic?
It’s fast and simple:
- Send us your ticket – text a photo to 305305 or submit online
- Pay our flat fee – no surprise costs
- We handle the rest – from paperwork to court representation
Call 1‑800‑CITATION or contact us online today.
Q: What are the chances The Ticket Clinic can successfully resolve my case? What is considered a good outcome?
At The Ticket Clinic, we’ve resolved over 5 million traffic cases in Florida since 1987, and our results speak for themselves. While no law firm can guarantee the outcome of any individual case, our 98% success rate in achieving “good outcomes” is among the highest in the state.
What is considered a “good outcome”?
-
Case Dismissed: No points, no fines, and no ticket on your record.
-
No Points / No Conviction: Even if the ticket isn’t dismissed, we often get the court to withhold adjudication, keeping points off your license and protecting your insurance rates.
-
Fine Reduction or Avoiding Traffic School: In some cases, we can reduce the financial impact or eliminate the need for school or court appearances.
A successful resolution doesn’t always mean the ticket disappears completely—it means you avoid the long-term consequences that can cost you far more than the ticket itself.
Our mission is clear: No Points. No School. No Court. And in the vast majority of eligible traffic cases, that’s exactly what we deliver.
If you want to know the chances for your specific case, call 1‑800‑CITATION or send us your ticket online for a free consultation.
Q: Is it possible I’ll have additional costs such as court fees?
In most traffic cases, The Ticket Clinic charges a flat fee for our representation. That means no surprise legal bills for your defense.
However, depending on your case, there can sometimes be court-related costs that are separate from our fee:
-
Mandatory court costs or fines if the court requires them
-
Administrative fees for certain counties
-
Driving school fees if you choose to attend for additional protection
We’re always upfront about potential costs, and in many cases, our clients avoid paying the full fine or extra penalties entirely because we resolve the case without points or conviction.
Bottom line: our goal is to save you money long-term by protecting your license and insurance, which almost always outweighs any minimal court costs.
What Are Our Clients Saying About Us?
Q: How does the Florida Points System work, and how many points do common traffic infractions carry?
Florida uses a points system to track moving violations. Every time you’re convicted of certain traffic offenses, points are added to your driving record. The more points you accumulate, the higher the risk of license suspension and insurance increases. Read more about the points system.
Here’s how it works:
-
- 12 points in 12 months → 30‑day license suspension
-
- 18 points in 18 months → 3‑month suspension
-
- 24 points in 36 months → 1‑year suspension
Each moving violation carries a specific point value. Some of the most common include:
-
- Speeding 15 mph or less over the limit – 3 points
-
- Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit – 4 points
-
- Speeding resulting in a crash – 6 points
-
- Running a red light or stop sign – 4 points
-
- Careless driving – 4 points
-
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian – 3 points
-
- Passing a stopped school bus – 4 points (6 points if causing a crash)
-
- Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage under $50 – 6 points
Points stay on your record for at least 3 years and can cause your insurance to skyrocket. For commercial drivers (CDL holders), the impact can be even more severe—just a single ticket can threaten employment.
Q: How can a poor driving record prevent you from employment opportunities?
A poor driving record doesn’t just cost you fines and higher insurance—it can block you from job opportunities, sometimes in ways drivers don’t expect.
Many employers check driving records as part of their background screening, even for jobs that don’t require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Here’s how tickets and points can hold you back:
-
- CDL & Commercial Driving Jobs
Trucking, delivery, rideshare, and courier companies require a clean driving record. Too many points, suspensions, or serious violations like reckless driving can disqualify you immediately.
- CDL & Commercial Driving Jobs
-
- Company Vehicle Access
Even non‑driving jobs may require you to operate a company car. A poor driving record can prevent an employer from adding you to their insurance policy, making you ineligible for the role.
- Company Vehicle Access
-
- Background Checks
Some employers review your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) along with your criminal background. A record full of speeding tickets or careless driving infractions can raise red flags about responsibility and risk.
- Background Checks
-
- Insurance Costs for Employers
Employers who insure company vehicles pay higher premiums for employees with points or violations. Some companies avoid hiring applicants with recent tickets to keep insurance rates low.
- Insurance Costs for Employers
In short, every point and violation matters—not just for your license, but for your career.
Q: Why is it critical for CDL and professional drivers to fight every ticket?
For CDL drivers, even a minor ticket can:
-
- Lead to disqualification or job loss
-
- Increase insurance costs for the employer
-
- Affect future employment opportunities
We defend commercial drivers statewide and fight to keep their records clean. Read more about how CDL traffic lawyer services.
Q: Which traffic violations can lead to arrest?
Most tickets are civil infractions, but these can lead to arrest or criminal charges:
-
- DUI
-
- Reckless driving
-
- Leaving the scene of an accident
If you’re facing any of these, we can handle your criminal traffic defense as well. Learn about our services beyond traffic tickets.
Q: Which Florida counties are the most common places to get a traffic ticket?
At The Ticket Clinic, we track traffic ticket patterns closely—and we know where enforcement is toughest. In our 2025 data, nearly half of all Florida speeding citations are concentrated in just five counties. If you’re driving in these areas, it pays to be extra cautious.
- Duval County (Jacksonville) ranks #1 for per capita tickets—about 44.6 per 1,000 residents, far above state average. That’s roughly 45,925 speeding tickets issued in 2024
- Palm Beach County ranks second at 64,241 tickets—a rate of about 41.9 per 1,000 residents
- Orange County (Orlando area) falls third with 53,015 tickets, or 36 per 1,000 residents
- Miami‑Dade County issued a staggering 93,891 speeding tickets in 2024—placing fourth in per capita ranking at 34.9 per 1,000 residents
- Broward County rounds out the top five with 59,243 tickets, or roughly 30.2 per 1,000 residents
These counties account for a huge share of statewide ticket volume—and they’re also hubs for tourism, interstate travel, and high-speed enforcement zones.
Overall, 15 counties account for 42% of all speeding tickets in Florida. In that group, we’ve seen increases the last 4 years:
- Miami‑Dade’s speeding tickets rose 32% from 2022 to 2024.
- Lee County grew by 135%, and Seminole County jumped into the top 10 with a 40% increase.
- Polk and Volusia have also climbed in enforcement rankings
Why these counties are so ticket‑heavy?:
- They have high traffic volumes—tourists, commuters, long-haul drivers.
- Major interstates like I‑95, I‑10, Florida’s Turnpike, and busy urban corridors run through.
- Law enforcement focuses on school zones, bridges, construction zones, and speed trap corridors.
If you’re driving in Duval, Palm Beach, Orange, Miami‑Dade, or Broward, it’s not just where you’re headed—it’s where you might get a ticket. Stay within limits and don’t assume familiarity buys immunity.
The Ticket Clinic Team
We are the largest law firm in the United States to focus soley on traffic-related offenses and traffic tickets. Over +35 years in business, we have developed deep knowledge about traffic court procedure and traffic laws Our goal is to help keep drivers stay informed about legal issues that could affect them on the road. In our blog content, we like to explore insights in traffic ticket trends and other related issues.
