If you have received a citation in Washington County, the State of Florida provides three (3) options to complete court requirements.

1. Pay traffic fine within thirty (30) days of violation. (Please see link below for list of fines)

Send payment to:

Washington County Clerk of Court

Traffic Department

Post Office Box 647

Chipley FL 32428

Our accepted from of payment is money order or cashier check (personal and business checks are NOT accepted). For payment by phone: Visa, MasterCard and Discover (additional charges will apply). For payment Online visit : www.myfloridacounty.com .

If your license has been suspended due to a failure to pay fine, you must send the fine plus the late fee of $19.00 and a self addressed and stamped envelope and we will mail you a clearance letter. If you need the clearance letter faxed to you there will be an additional charge of $5.00. You will take the clearance letter to your local Division of Driver’s license to have your license re-instated.

2. Elect the driver improvement course. By electing the traffic school you must complete the class and provide proof of completion within sixty (60) days of payment date. (Please see link below for an affidavit) Since July 2005 state legislature passed a law stating that a person holding a commercial driver’s license will no longer be able to elect the defensive driving course. Also if you have elected this defensive driving course within the past twelve (12) months or more than five (5) times the state will reject it and charge a reversal fee may suspend your license.

Visit the DHSMV Website for more information about traffic school and its benifits.

3. If you Request a court appearance for the violation(s) and it is determined that an infraction has been committed, the Court may adjudicate you guilty, assess points, impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500.00 ($1000.00 for violations involving a death or speeding in school/construction zones) or require you to attend traffic school, or all of the above. Additionally, your insurance rates may go up.

To request a hearing submit the Plea of Not Guilty/Contested Traffic Form to the address listed above within thirty (30) days from the violation. If the form must be emailed or faxed contact the clerk at khaddock@washingtonclerk.com . After our office receives notification you will receive a Notice to Appear. If you are unable to appear you may print and submit the Affidavit of Defense. This is a notarized statement of your side of the story. This is read before the Judge in your stead at the hearing. For other questions contact Kay.

The following is information on points assessed against your driver license if you choose to pay the civil penalty or are adjudicated guilty by a judge instead of attending and completing a driver improvement course.  DHSMV Website for a list of points associated with a fine.

You can also contact us by email mfrench@washingtonclerk.com or at 850-638-6396 ext 243 or 230