Florida allows you to take traffic school online, but only through courses approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
If you received a traffic ticket in Florida and want to keep it off your driving record, you can take an online traffic school course instead of paying the fine or going to court. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a list of approved online providers, and you must use one of those providers — not just any website offering traffic school.
The course itself is self-paced, meaning you can start and stop as you need to, but you must complete it within a timeframe set by your course provider (usually 30 to 60 days). Once you finish, the provider sends your completion certificate directly to the court or the DHSMV, depending on your ticket type. You do not send it yourself.
Taking traffic school online costs less than paying most traffic fines in Florida, and it keeps the ticket from appearing on your driving record — which matters because points on your record can raise your insurance rates and affect your license status.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a traffic school provider on the official DHSMV approved list; taking a course from any other website will not satisfy your ticket.
- Online courses are self-paced and typically take four to eight hours to complete, spread across the days or weeks you have available.
- The course provider sends your completion certificate to the court or DHSMV automatically — you do not need to deliver it yourself.
- Traffic school is available only for certain violations; serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license do not may have access to.
- You must have received a traffic ticket in Florida and have the option to take traffic school instead of paying the fine or contesting the ticket in court.
Finding an approved Florida traffic school provider
The DHSMV publishes a list of approved online traffic school providers on its official website. You can search that list by provider name or by county. Each provider charges a different fee — typically between $25 and $75 — so comparing a few options before you enroll makes sense.
When you choose a provider, you will need your ticket number and driver's license number to register. Some providers ask for your citation information as well. Make sure you have these details ready before you start the enrollment process.
Not all providers operate in all counties, so check that your chosen provider serves the county where you received your ticket. If you are unsure which county issued your ticket, look at the ticket itself — the county name appears near the top.
What happens during the online course
Florida traffic school courses cover topics like road signs, safe driving practices, Florida traffic laws, and how to avoid common accidents. The course is presented as text, video, or a mix of both, depending on the provider. You move through the material at your own pace — there is no live instructor or set class time.
Most courses include a quiz or test at the end to confirm you understood the material. You typically need to score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first try, providers usually let you retake the test, though some charge a small fee for retakes.
The entire course usually takes four to eight hours to complete, but you can log in and out as many times as you need. You might finish it in one sitting or spread it across several days — the choice is yours, as long as you complete it before your important date.
How your completion certificate reaches the court
Once you pass the course, the provider generates a completion certificate with your name, driver's license number, and the date you finished. The provider then sends this certificate electronically to the court or the DHSMV, depending on your ticket type and the court's procedures.
You do not need to print the certificate or mail it anywhere. The provider handles the filing. However, it is a good idea to keep a copy for your own records in case questions come up later.
The court or DHSMV typically receives the certificate within one to three business days. Once they have it, the ticket is resolved — the fine is dismissed, and no points are added to your driving record.
Who can and cannot take traffic school in Florida
Traffic school is available to drivers who received a traffic ticket for a moving violation — things like speeding, running a red light, improper lane change, or failure to stop. You must have the option to take traffic school offered to you on your ticket or by the court.
You cannot take traffic school for serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, or hit-and-run. You also cannot take traffic school if you have taken it within the past 12 months — Florida allows it only once per year.
If you are under 18, you may still be able to take traffic school, but the rules are stricter. Check with the court that issued your ticket or the provider to confirm whether you are allowed to enroll.
Timing and important date for completing traffic school
Your ticket or court notice will tell you the important date by which you must complete traffic school. This important date is usually 30 to 60 days from the date of your ticket, but it varies. Do not wait until the last day — if technical problems occur or the provider is slow to process your completion, you could miss the important date and face additional penalties.
Once you enroll with a provider, that provider will give you a specific important date to finish the course. Make sure you understand this important date and mark it on your calendar. If you think you might miss it, contact the provider or the court as soon as possible.
If you miss the important date without completing the course, the ticket remains unresolved. You will then need to pay the fine or go to court to contest it.
Cost and what to expect to pay
Traffic school course fees in Florida range from about $25 to $75, depending on the provider. This is usually less than the fine for the ticket itself. Some providers charge extra for things like rush processing or retaking the final test, so read the full price breakdown before you enroll.
The course fee is separate from any court costs or fines. If the court has assessed court costs on your ticket, those may still explore even after you complete traffic school — check your ticket or contact the court to be sure.
Many providers accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes electronic checks. Payment is usually required at the time you enroll, before you start the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take traffic school online if I live outside Florida?
You can take an approved Florida online traffic school course from anywhere, as long as you received the ticket in Florida. You will need your Florida ticket number and driver's license to enroll. The course content and completion process are the same whether you take it from home or from another state.
What if I do not pass the final test?
Most providers allow you to retake the test at no extra cost or for a small fee. You can usually retake it when ready or after reviewing the course material again. If you fail multiple times, contact the provider's customer service — they can sometimes offer additional study resources or let you restart the course.
How long does it take for the court to receive my completion certificate?
Providers typically send certificates to the court or DHSMV within one to three business days after you pass. The court then processes it, which can take another few days. You should see the ticket resolved within one to two weeks, but check your ticket or contact the court if you do not hear anything after two weeks.
Can I take traffic school more than once a year?
No. Florida law allows you to take traffic school only once every 12 months. If you received multiple tickets, you can use traffic school for only one of them. For the others, you will need to pay the fine or go to court.
What if my ticket says I am not allowed to take traffic school?
Some tickets are not may be able to access for traffic school — usually because the violation is too serious or you have already used traffic school within the past year. If your ticket does not offer traffic school as an option, you will need to either pay the fine or request a court date to contest it. Contact the court listed on your ticket if you want to discuss your options.