Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Florida?

Yes, it’s possible to get a speeding ticket dismissed in Florida, but it depends on the circumstances of your case and how you handle the citation. Florida law provides several legal options for challenging or resolving a speeding ticket without it appearing on your driving record.

1. Contesting the Ticket in Court

You have the right to contest your speeding ticket by requesting a court hearing. During the hearing, you or your attorney can question the officer who issued the citation, challenge the accuracy of the radar or laser device used, and present evidence such as witness testimony or dashcam footage. If the judge finds errors in the citation or determines that the officer’s evidence is insufficient, the ticket may be dismissed.

2. Attending a Driver Improvement Course

In some cases, drivers can attend a Florida Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course instead of having points added to their record. While this doesn’t technically “dismiss” the ticket, it prevents points from being assessed, which can help avoid insurance increases and license suspensions. Eligibility depends on your driving history and the type of violation.

3. Officer No-Show in Court

If the issuing officer fails to appear at your scheduled hearing, the judge may dismiss the ticket automatically. This doesn’t happen often, but it can occur due to scheduling conflicts or administrative issues.

4. Errors on the Citation

Minor mistakes on a speeding ticket—such as a misspelled name or incorrect vehicle information—won’t automatically lead to dismissal. However, significant factual errors, like the wrong statute cited or incorrect location, can sometimes result in the ticket being thrown out.

5. Radar or Laser Calibration Issues

Florida law requires that radar and laser devices used by law enforcement be properly tested and calibrated. If you can show that the equipment wasn’t maintained or used according to required procedures, the judge may dismiss your ticket.

6. Lack of Proper Notice or Due Process

If you were not properly informed of the violation, or if you were cited under unclear circumstances (for example, multiple speed limit signs in a construction zone), you may have grounds for dismissal.

Important Deadlines

Florida drivers generally have 30 days from the date of the citation to respond—by paying the fine, requesting traffic school, or contesting the ticket in court. Failing to act within this window can lead to additional penalties, including license suspension.

Bottom Line

Getting a speeding ticket dismissed in Florida is possible through evidence-based challenges, procedural errors, or officer absence. Even if the ticket isn’t dismissed, completing traffic school or negotiating for a reduced penalty can help minimize long-term consequences like insurance hikes and point accumulation. Always review your citation carefully, act within the 30-day window, and consider seeking professional advice if you plan to contest the violation.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.