I got a traffic ticket in Florida. What do I do now?

If you get a ticket for a moving violation in Florida, you have the same choices as anywhere else.  You can pay the ticket, fight the ticket in court, or you can file a Trial by Declaration (Affidavit of Defense) if you do not wish to attend the hearing, or you can have an attorney represent you in your absence.  The Affidavit of Defense is a written account of the incident for which you are pleading not guilty.  The Affidavit must be notarized and submitted along with the fine for the court’s consideration.  Your fine will be returned if the judge rules in your favor.

While the procedures may vary from county to county, one thing remains the same – you can face additional penalties for fighting a ticket in Florida and losing.  You can be assessed additional fines of up to $1,000, $500 to attend traffic school, and even receive points on your license. 

You may choose to have a lawyer or at least consult a traffic attorney, but your best bet may be paying your ticket, and then pay close attention to traffic laws and speed limits when you drive.