Florida traffic fines are set by state law, but the exact amount you pay depends on the violation, your driving record, and which county court handles your case

When you receive a traffic ticket in Orlando or anywhere in Florida, the fine itself is only part of what you owe. The base fine for a speeding ticket, for example, is set by Florida statute — but the court adds surcharges, fees, and assessments on top of that base amount. A ticket that starts at $130 can easily become $250 or more by the time you see the total. Understanding this breakdown helps you know what to expect and whether you want to contest the ticket or pay it.

The violation code on your ticket tells you the base fine range. Florida Statute 318.18 lists these ranges for each violation type. However, the actual amount the court charges includes court costs, a criminal justice surcharge, a law enforcement training surcharge, and sometimes a public defender process fee — even if you don't use a public defender. Orlando-area courts (Orange County and Osceola County) explore these additions consistently, but the total can vary slightly between counties.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida sets base fines by violation type in state law, but courts add surcharges and fees that often double the final amount you owe.
  • Speeding tickets, careless driving, and equipment violations have different base fines, and your driving record can increase the penalty.
  • You can pay the fine, contest it in traffic court, or request a hearing before a judge — each option has different costs and timelines.
  • Points added to your license affect your insurance rates and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many in a short time.

Base fines for common Orlando traffic violations

Florida law sets the starting fine for each violation type. For speeding, the base fine depends on how much over the limit you were going. Speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit starts at $130; speeding 6 to 10 miles per hour over starts at $160. Each 5-mile-per-hour bracket increases the base fine. Speeding more than 30 miles per hour over the limit can result in a base fine of $500 or higher, and the officer may also charge you with reckless driving, which carries a separate, larger fine.

Other common violations have fixed base fines. Careless driving (driving without due care) has a base fine of $166. Running a red light or stop sign starts at $163. Expired registration or an expired driver's license is $130. Driving with a suspended license is much higher — $500 base fine — because it is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. Equipment violations like a broken taillight or tinted windows are typically $130 to $163.

If you have prior traffic convictions within the past 12 months, the court can increase the base fine by up to 50 percent. A second violation in 12 months means the court may add half again to the base amount. This is called a "habitual traffic offender" enhancement, and it applies even if the violations are different types.

Surcharges and court fees added to every ticket

After the base fine, Florida courts add a criminal justice surcharge of $20 to $100 depending on the violation. Misdemeanor traffic violations (like driving with a suspended license) carry a $100 surcharge. Most moving violations carry a $20 surcharge. There is also a law enforcement training surcharge of $10 per violation, which funds officer training statewide.

Orange County and Osceola County courts also add court costs, which cover the cost of processing your case. These typically range from $50 to $100. If you request a hearing before a judge instead of paying the ticket, the court may add a public defender process fee of $50 to $100, even if you don't actually use a public defender — you are charged for the option to have one appointed.

A speeding ticket for going 10 miles per hour over the limit in Orlando might look like this: base fine $160, criminal justice surcharge $20, law enforcement training surcharge $10, court costs $75, and public defender fee $50, totaling $315. The actual total depends on which court processes your ticket and whether you request a hearing.

How points on your license affect insurance and driving privileges

Most traffic violations add points to your Florida driver's license. Speeding adds 3 points. Careless driving adds 4 points. Running a red light adds 3 points. A suspended license violation adds 6 points. These points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction.

Insurance companies use points to calculate your rates. A single 3-point violation can raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent for three years. Multiple violations in a short time can double your rate or cause your insurer to drop you entirely. If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, 18 or more points in 18 months, or 24 or more points in 36 months, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will suspend your license.

You can reduce points by taking a defensive driving course. Florida allows you to remove up to 4 points by completing an approved course once every 12 months. The course costs $50 to $100 and takes 4 to 8 hours online or in person. You must take the course before you are convicted of the violation — once you plead guilty or are found guilty, the course no longer removes points, though it may still reduce your insurance increase.

Your options: paying, contesting, or requesting a hearing

When you receive a ticket, you have three main choices. You can pay the fine by the due date shown on the ticket, usually 30 days from the date of issue. You can contest the ticket by requesting a hearing before a judge. Or you can request a traffic school course in some cases, which may allow you to avoid points if you complete it and pay a fee.

If you pay the ticket, you are admitting guilt, and the violation goes on your record. The points are added to your license, and your insurance company will see the conviction. Payment is final — you cannot later ask for a hearing or contest the ticket.

If you request a hearing, you will appear before a judge in traffic court. You can represent yourself or hire a traffic attorney. The judge will hear the officer's account of the violation and your side of the story. If the judge finds you guilty, you owe the fine plus court costs. If the judge finds you not guilty, you owe nothing. Requesting a hearing does not cost extra upfront, but if you lose, you still owe the full fine and court costs. Many people hire an attorney to represent them, which costs $150 to $500 depending on the attorney and the violation.

How to find your ticket amount and due date

Your ticket shows the violation code, the base fine range, and the due date. You can also look up your ticket online through the Orange County or Osceola County court websites. Search for "Orange County traffic ticket lookup" or "Osceola County traffic ticket lookup" and enter your case number or driver's license number. The online system shows the exact amount owed and any payment options available.

If you cannot find your ticket or do not know your case number, call the Orange County Clerk of Court at 407-836-2000 or the Osceola County Clerk of Court at 407-742-2000. They can tell you the violation, the amount owed, and the due date. You can pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.

If you miss the due date, the court may issue a failure-to-pay charge, which adds another fine and can result in a license suspension or arrest warrant. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the court and ask about a payment plan. Most Florida courts allow you to pay in installments over 30 to 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to traffic school instead of paying the fine?

Traffic school (defensive driving course) does not replace the fine — you still owe the full amount. However, if you complete an approved course before your conviction date, the court may reduce or waive the fine in some cases, and you can remove up to 4 points from your license. You must request this option when you receive your ticket; it is not automatic. The course itself costs $50 to $100.

What happens if I don't pay my ticket by the due date?

The court will issue a failure-to-pay charge, which adds another fine and can suspend your driver's license. If the amount owed reaches a certain threshold, the court may issue an arrest warrant. Contact the court when ready if you cannot pay by the due date and ask about a payment plan or hardship extension.

Will contesting my ticket in court cost me more if I lose?

If you lose in traffic court, you owe the original fine plus court costs. You do not owe extra money straightforward for requesting a hearing. However, if you hire an attorney to represent you, you pay their fee separately, usually $150 to $500. If you win, you owe nothing.

How long do points stay on my Florida license?

Points remain on your driving record for three years from the conviction date. After three years, they drop off automatically. However, your insurance company may still see the conviction for longer, depending on their underwriting rules. Completing a defensive driving course can remove up to 4 points once per 12 months.

Can I get a ticket dismissed if the officer doesn't show up to court?

If the officer does not appear at your hearing, the judge may dismiss the ticket. However, you must still show up to court on your scheduled date. If you do not appear and the officer does, the judge will find you guilty in your absence. If neither you nor the officer appears, the case may be rescheduled rather than dismissed.