Getting pulled over for speeding can be stressful—and expensive. If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Alachua County, Florida, you’re probably wondering what kind of financial hit you’re facing. The truth is, the cost of a speeding ticket can vary widely based on how fast you were going, whether it was in a school or construction zone, and if you’ve had prior violations.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about speeding ticket costs in Alachua County, including base fines, additional fees, points on your license, and your options for reducing or fighting the ticket.

Base Fines for Speeding Tickets in Alachua County

The base fine for speeding in Florida is set by state law but administered by each county. Alachua County typically adheres to the following guidelines for non-criminal speeding violations:

If you were caught speeding in a school zone or construction zone, the fine can double or even triple. For example, driving 15 mph over the limit in a school zone could result in a fine of $304 or more.

Additional Costs and Hidden Fees

The base fine isn’t the only thing you’ll pay. Your final ticket cost will include administrative fees, court costs, and potentially driver improvement course fees if you opt for traffic school to avoid points.

Typical add-ons include:

• Clerical fees: $6–$15
• Court technology fee: ~$10
• Administrative court fees: ~$30–$50
• Traffic school fee (if elected): ~$25–$50 (plus course cost)

That means a ticket with a $204 base fine could easily balloon to $250–$300 once all fees are added in.

Points on Your License

Florida operates on a point system, and speeding violations can add anywhere from 3 to 4 points to your driving record, depending on how fast you were going:

• 3 points: Speeding 15 mph or less over the limit
• 4 points: Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit

Accumulating too many points within a certain period can result in:

• License suspension
• Increased insurance premiums
• Mandatory driver improvement courses

Suspension Thresholds:

• 12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension
• 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
• 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension

Mandatory Court Appearance for High-Speed Violations

If you were cited for going 30 mph or more over the posted limit, you may be required to appear in court. These are considered criminal traffic violations and come with more severe consequences, including:

• Higher fines (often $400+)
• Court fees
• Possible jail time or probation
• Reckless driving charges

You cannot simply pay the fine online and move on—these cases often require legal counsel and court proceedings.

How to Pay a Speeding Ticket in Alachua County

You have three basic options when you receive a ticket in Alachua County:

1. Pay the Fine
   • This admits guilt and results in points being added to your license.
   • Can be paid online via the Alachua County Clerk of Court website.
2. Elect Traffic School
   • Eligible once every 12 months, up to 5 times in a lifetime.
   • Avoids points but still requires paying the fine and attending a course.
3. Contest the Ticket in Court
   • You can plead not guilty and request a hearing.
   • Hiring a traffic attorney can increase your chances of dismissal or reduced penalties.

Can a Lawyer Help Reduce Your Ticket Cost?

Yes. Hiring a Florida traffic defense attorney can help you:

• Avoid license points
• Lower your fine or dismiss the ticket
• Represent you in court if needed
• Protect your insurance rates

For high-speed offenses or drivers with prior violations, legal representation can often save you money in the long run—especially if your insurance premiums are at stake.

How Speeding Tickets Affect Your Insurance

Even a single speeding ticket in Alachua County can raise your insurance rates—sometimes by as much as 20% to 40%, especially if you’re a young or high-risk driver. Accumulating multiple violations within a short time frame may result in:

• Policy cancellation
• SR-22 insurance requirements
• Loss of good driver discounts

Electing traffic school or successfully contesting the ticket can prevent insurance hikes by keeping your driving record clean.

Final Thoughts

The true cost of a speeding ticket in Alachua County goes well beyond the number printed on the citation. With additional fees, license points, court appearances, and increased insurance rates, that $204 ticket could cost you hundreds—if not thousands—over time.

Understanding your options and acting quickly—whether that means paying the fine, taking traffic school, or hiring a lawyer—can make a big difference in minimizing the damage.