Orange County Traffic Court Records

Orange County traffic court records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Orlando, the county seat. With a population topping 1.4 million, Orange County handles a massive volume of traffic cases each year. The area draws millions of tourists and commuters through busy corridors like I-4, the 408, and the 417, which means plenty of citations get written. Searching for Orange County traffic court records starts with the clerk's office, which manages everything from simple speeding tickets to criminal traffic offenses. You can pay fines, file pleas, and look up case information through the Orange County Clerk's traffic division.

Orange County Clerk of Courts Traffic Division

The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs the traffic division from the downtown Orlando courthouse at 425 N. Orange Avenue. This is the main hub for all Orange County traffic court records. The office is in Building A, Room 207. They handle civil traffic infractions, criminal traffic offenses, and related court filings for every part of the county. Whether you got a citation on International Drive or on a side street in Winter Park, it goes through this office.

The Orange County Clerk traffic division page has tools for paying tickets online, searching court records, and contacting a clerk directly. You can call 407-836-6000 for general questions. The phone system handles a high call volume, so early morning tends to be the best time to reach someone. Walk-in visits work too, but expect lines during peak hours at the Orlando courthouse.

The statewide FLHSMV website at flhsmv.gov/traffic-citations has general info about citation options that apply to Orange County and every other county in Florida. It explains the 30-day window, the point system, and the consequences of not paying on time.

Search Orange County Traffic Records Online

The Orange County Clerk provides online access to court records. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system covers civil traffic, criminal traffic, and other case types. Results show basic case details like the charge, the filing date, and the current status. It is free to search. Getting copies of documents may cost extra depending on what you need.

You can also use the statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com to look up Orange County traffic cases. This site pulls data from all 67 Florida county clerk systems. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, most court records are public. Anyone can look up traffic court records in Orange County without needing to give a reason or prove any special interest. Social security numbers, bank account information, and certain personal data are redacted from public view, but the case details and disposition are open.

The screenshot below shows the statewide FLHSMV traffic citations page, which outlines options available to drivers who receive a citation in Orange County or anywhere in Florida.

This page explains the 30-day deadline, traffic school, and what happens when you pay or contest a ticket in Orange County.

Note: Orange County traffic records searched online reflect current data, but there may be a short processing delay for brand new citations.

Paying Orange County Traffic Citations

You have 30 days to handle a traffic citation in Orange County. That is the standard deadline set by Florida law. The clock starts on the date the ticket was issued. Within those 30 days, you need to pay the fine, elect traffic school, or plead not guilty. If you do nothing, late fees get added and FLHSMV can suspend your license.

Paying online is the easiest route. Visit payflclerk.com and select Orange County. You can pay with a credit or debit card. The Orange County Clerk also accepts in-person payments at the Orlando courthouse. Mail is an option too. Send a check or money order to the clerk's office. Make sure your citation number is on the payment.

Remember that paying a traffic citation counts as a guilty plea. Points will be assessed to your driving record under Florida's point system. The amount of points depends on the violation. The FLHSMV website has the full point chart. Common Orange County traffic violations like speeding carry three or four points depending on how fast you were going. Too many points over a set period can result in a license suspension.

Orange County Traffic School Election

Electing traffic school is a way to keep points off your license after getting an Orange County traffic ticket. You still pay the fine. But adjudication is withheld, meaning no conviction goes on your record and no points get added. You file the election within 30 days and then get extra time to complete a state-approved driver improvement course.

The limits on traffic school in Florida apply here. You can only use this option five times in your lifetime and once per 12-month period. CDL holders cannot elect traffic school. Certain serious violations are excluded too. Under Florida Statute 318.18, the penalties and available options vary by violation type, so check your specific citation to see if traffic school is available for your Orange County case.

Criminal Traffic Cases in Orange County

Not all traffic cases are simple fines. Criminal traffic offenses in Orange County are serious matters that require a court appearance. Reckless driving under Florida Statute 316.192, DUI under 316.193, and fleeing law enforcement under 316.1935 are all criminal traffic charges. These carry potential jail time, probation, and significant fines beyond what a civil infraction costs.

Criminal traffic records in Orange County go through the same clerk's office but follow a different process. You will be arraigned and given a court date. The Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation provides support to all 67 clerks, and the Orange County office follows the statewide standards for processing criminal traffic cases. If you face criminal traffic charges in Orange County, getting legal help is a good idea. The penalties can affect your driving record, your freedom, and your finances for years.

Overdue Fines and Collections in Orange County

An unpaid Orange County traffic fine does not just go away. After the 30-day window, late fees kick in. After 90 days with no payment, the clerk can send the debt to a collection agency under Florida Statute 28.246. Collection agencies can tack on up to 40% extra. So a $200 fine could become $280 or more once it hits collections.

Your license may be suspended during this time too. Getting it back means clearing the fine, the late fees, the collection surcharge, and paying a reinstatement fee to FLHSMV. It piles up quickly. If you are having trouble paying an Orange County traffic fine on time, reach out to the clerk at 407-836-6000 before the deadline. There may be options like payment plans depending on your situation.

Note: The FLHSMV locations page has details on where to go for license reinstatement in the Orlando area.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County includes Orlando and several other communities. All traffic citations issued anywhere in Orange County go through the same Clerk of Courts office in Orlando. It does not matter which city issued the ticket. Your case is an Orange County traffic court record regardless.

Other communities in Orange County include Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Maitland. Traffic court records for all of them are handled by the Orange County Clerk in Orlando.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Orange County. Check your citation carefully if you got a ticket near a county line. The county named on the ticket is the one that holds your traffic court record.