Traffic Crimes in Polk County, FL

Some traffic violations listed in Chapter 316 are not classified as civil infractions. Instead, these traffic violations are classified as criminal offenses. Although most traffic crimes are classified as a misdemeanor, some are classified as a felony. Those criminal traffic offenses are listed in section 318.17, Florida Statutes, including:

• Driving under the influence and related acts. §316.193, 316.1932, 316.1939, Fla. Stat.
• Filing a false affidavit to transfer liability for a red light camera ticket. §316.0083(1)(d)(5), Fla. Stat.
• Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. §316.1935, Fla. Stat.
• Leaving the scene of an accident (“hit and run” crimes). §§ 316.027, 316.061, 316.063(2), Fla. Stat.
• Making false crash reports. §316.067, Fla. Stat.
• Obstructing a weight and safety officer of the Department of Transportation. §316.545(1), Fla. Stat.
• Obstructing a street or highway for purposes of solicitation. §316.2045(2), Fla. Stat.
• Participating in racing on a highway. §316.191(3), Fla. Stat.
• Reckless driving. §316.192, Fla. Stat.
• Selling or installing improper sunscreening material. §316.2956, Fla. Stat.
• Violating federal rules and regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. §316.302(5)(b), Fla. Stat.
• Willfully failing or refusing to comply with any lawful order or direction of any law enforcement officer, member of a fire department, traffic accident investigation officer, or traffic infraction enforcement officer. §316.072(3), Fla. Stat.
• Willful violation of load restrictions resulting in serious bodily injury or death. §316.520(3)(b), Fla. Stat.
• Willful violation of load restrictions resulting in serious bodily injury or death. §316.520(3)(b), Fla. Stat.

These crimes are commonly prosecuted in the courtrooms throughout Polk County, FL, including the main courthouse in Bartow, and the additional courthouses in Lakeland and Lake Alfred, FL.

Attorney for Traffic Crimes in Polk County, FL

If you were arrested for a criminal traffic offense in Polk County, FL, contact an experienced attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients at the Bartow, Lake Alfred, Winter Haven, and Lakeland courthouse.

We can help you fight the criminal charges in court while we take action to protect your driver’s license at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (DHSMV).

Don’t face the judge alone. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.

Call 813-250-0500 today.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Polk County, FL, for Traffic Crimes

The primary law enforcement agencies operating inside Polk County include one county-wide sheriff’s office and ten distinct municipal police departments. Those law enforcement agencies in Polk County, FL, authorized to make an arrest for a felony, misdemeanor, or traffic crime includes:

• Polk County Sheriff’s Office
• Auburndale Police Department
• Bartow Police Department
• Davenport Police Department
• Haines City Police Department
• Lake Alfred Police Department
• Lake Hamilton Police Department
• Lake Wales Police Department
• Lakeland Police Department
• Winter Haven Police Department

Other state and specialized agencies are authorized to make an arrest for a criminal offense committed in Polk County, FL, include:

• Florida Highway Patrol
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The following six municipalities contract directly with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for policing in their area:

• Dundee
• Eagle Lake
• Fort Meade
• Frostproof
• Mulberry
• Polk City

How Do You Pay the Fine and Cost Costs in Polk County, FL?

If you enter a plea in traffic court in Polk County, the Traffic Hearing Officer or Judge might give you the following payment options which are listed on the final disposition paperwork after your case is resolved:

1. Pay by credit card, cash or by check/money at any Polk County Clerk of Courts Office. Go to www.polkcountyclerk.net for
   Hours of Operation and Locations;
2. Pay by credit card via Telephone: 877-716-1781 (by selecting payment option only);
3. Pay by credit card via internet at www.polkcountyclerk.net; Traffic Tickets;
4. Pay via Western Union Quick Collect or Amscot.

*If paying by credit/debit card, online, in person or over the phone, a convenience fee, per case, will be added to the amount owed. The Clerk of Court Office does not receive any part of this fee.

If you are unable to pay the total amount owed by the due date, you must report to the Clerk’s Office and request a payment plan. There is a $25 non-refundable service fee for this request. We will work with you to ensure that your obligations are met.

The Clerk’s Office cannot extend your payment date or adjust the total amount owed but we can help you in meeting these obligations if you contact us prior to the case being remitted to an outside collections agency.

The Clerk shall pursue the collection of all monetary obligations which remain unpaid after 90 days through outside collection agency efforts at which time an additional charge up to 40% of the outstanding balance may be added to the amount owed in accordance with Section 28.246(6), F.S.

Read more about criminal and DUI defense in Lakeland, FL, and fighting criminal cases at the Lake Alfred courthouse.

This article was last updated on Thursday, May 14, 2026.