How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket in Florida, you might be worried about points on your license, higher insurance rates, or even license suspension. The good news is: in many cases, you can dismiss a traffic ticket in Florida by taking the right steps.

This guide will explain how Florida traffic ticket dismissal works, your options, and how you can protect your driving record.

Can You Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in Florida?

Yes – but not in the same way you might see in other states. In Florida, you can’t erase the ticket completely, but you can avoid points on your license and keep your insurance rates from increasing by taking a Florida Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course.

This course is often the key to handling your ticket without long-term damage to your driving record.

Your Options After Getting a Traffic Ticket in Florida

When you receive a traffic citation in Florida, you usually have 30 days to decide how to respond. You have three main options:

1. Pay the Fine

   • Quick and simple.

   • But: paying automatically adds points to your license, which can raise insurance rates.

2. Fight the Ticket in Court

   • You can challenge the citation in front of a judge.

   • If successful, the ticket is dismissed.

   • If not, you could end up with more fines and court costs.

3. Take a Florida Traffic School Course (BDI)

   • The most popular option.

   • You pay the ticket fine, but by completing an approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course, you avoid points on your license.

   • Your insurance company cannot raise your rates because of that ticket (per Florida law).

     
     

Why Take a Florida Traffic School Course?

For most Florida drivers, traffic school is the smartest choice. Here’s why:

• No Points – Avoid penalties on your license.

• Protect Your Insurance Rates – Florida law prohibits insurance hikes when you complete the course.

• Convenient Online Option – Study at your own pace from your phone, tablet, or computer.

• Court-Approved – Accepted in all 67 Florida counties.

  
  

Who Can Take Traffic School in Florida?

Most drivers in Florida are eligible, but there are some rules:

• You can only elect traffic school once every 12 months.

• You can only take it five times in your lifetime.

• Not all violations qualify (serious offenses may require a court hearing).

  
  

How to Dismiss Your Ticket with Traffic School

1. Notify the Clerk of Court in the county where you received your ticket that you elect traffic school.

2. Pay your fine to the clerk.

3. Register for a Florida-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course.

4. Complete the course within the deadline (usually 60–90 days).

5. Submit your certificate to the clerk’s office.

That’s it – your ticket will be processed without points added to your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I dismiss a speeding ticket in Florida?

   Yes. By taking the BDI course, you can keep the points off your license even for speeding citations.

   
   

2. How long does the Florida BDI course take?

   It’s a 4-hour course, and you can complete it online at your own pace.

   
   

3. What happens if I ignore my traffic ticket?

   Your license can be suspended, and additional late fees will apply.

   
   

4. Can out-of-state drivers take Florida traffic school?

   Yes. If you received a ticket while driving in Florida, you can still complete the BDI course to satisfy Florida requirements.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Getting a traffic ticket in Florida doesn’t have to damage your driving record. By choosing a Florida-approved traffic school, you can dismiss the ticket points, protect your insurance rates, and move forward with peace of mind.

At Cheapest Traffic School, we offer the 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement Course for only $39, approved in all 67 Florida counties. It’s fast, affordable, and available 24/7.

Ready to dismiss your traffic ticket? Enroll in Florida’s BDI Course Today