If you choose to contest a traffic ticket, you must notify our office in writing within 30 days of receiving the citation to request a hearing. You can submit your written request in person, online or by mail.

Please check your Notice of Hearing to determine whether your hearing will be via Zoom video conference or in person.

How to Submit Your Request

In Person: Submit your request at one of the following locations: Main Courthouse, South County Courthouse, North County Courthouse, West County Courthouse or the Midwestern Communities Service Center. See a list of addresses and room numbers.

Online: Visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/showcase* and select "Set Court Date for Citation." If your case involves an accident resulting in an injury, you cannot set a court date online.

* NOTE: You must use a modern web browser such as Edge or Chrome. This system is not compatible with the Internet Explorer web browser.

Mail: Please ensure your request includes your complete mailing address and your citation number. Allow 30 days to receive your notice of hearing by mail. See a list of locations and mailing addresses.

Is your ticket late? If 30 days have passed since the ticket was issued and you have not notified our office, you must submit a $16 late fee and a $7 compliance letter fee with your request for a hearing. Learn about your payment options.

Next Steps

Pretrial Hearing: If you plead Not Guilty and contest a ticket, you must attend a mandatory pretrial hearing either in person or by video conference. 

• At the pretrial hearing, you will have the opportunity to speak to the hearing officer. No witnesses or law enforcement officers will be present. 
• If your case is not resolved after the pretrial hearing, a trial will be scheduled. 
• You will be assigned a date and a location for your trial.

Affidavit of Defense: If you have elected to set a court date and are unable to appear, you may file an Affidavit of Defense to stand in your place in court. This form cannot be used when a court appearance is mandatory.

• Print and fill out the Affidavit of Defense form.
• Attach any evidence that would aid the Judge or Hearing Officer in making a decision.
• Have the form notarized.
• Prepare a $7 check or money order made payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County.
• Mail the affidavit and payment to: P.O. Box 3544, West Palm Beach, FL, 33402. Failure to include payment may result in your affidavit not timely being made part of the court record.
• After the hearing, you will be notified by email of the disposition of the case.

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