Traffic violations are non-criminal, payable offenses that generally do not require a court appearance. The duties of the Traffic Division include informing the public of all the options available for disposition of their traffic citation, collecting fines, distributing the proceeds according to Florida Law, and maintaining accurate public records.
Affidavit of Defense or Admission
If you received a traffic ticket in DeSoto County that does not involve a crash, does not require a mandatory hearing, and has not been referred to a collection agency, you may submit an Affidavit of Defense or Admission and Waiver of Appearance.
Please follow the process below when submitting an Affidavit of Defense or Admission and Waiver of Appearance.
Complete the Affidavit of Defense or Admission and Waiver of Appearance form and have it notarized.
If you possess a Florida driver’s license, the Clerk will pull your 3-year record and submit it to the judge along with your affidavit.
If you possess an out-of-state driver’s license, you will need to obtain a 3-year copy of your driving record and submit it along with your affidavit. If you do not submit your record, your affidavit will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed by the judge. The Clerk’s office cannot pull an out-of-state driving record.
Submit the completed and notarized Affidavit of Defense or Admission and Waiver of Appearance by mail or email directly to the DeSoto County Clerk’s Office.
Email Address: traffic@desotoclerk.com
Mailing Address:
DeSoto County Clerk of Court
Attn: Traffic Division
115 East Oak Street
Arcadia, FL 34266