If you are taking the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course to prevent points from a citation, you must notify the court clerk within 30 days before enrolling. No notification is needed if you are court-ordered or taking the course voluntarily.
Understanding when to notify the court is important if you plan to use the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course for point prevention. The process and requirements depend on your reason for taking the course. Missing a deadline can affect your driving record, so review the steps carefully.
When You Must Notify the Court
If you want to use the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course to prevent points on a qualifying traffic citation, Florida law requires you to notify the clerk of court in the county where your citation was issued. You must make this election within 30 days of your citation date. If you are court-ordered to take the course, you do not need to notify the court before enrolling, as the court has already issued the order. If you are taking the course voluntarily for personal reasons, you can enroll directly without contacting the court.
How to Notify the Clerk of Court
To elect the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course for point prevention, contact the clerk of court in the county where you received your citation. You can usually notify the clerk in person, by mail, or through the county’s online system. Confirm the accepted methods with your specific county. You will also need to pay an election fee, which varies by county.
Deadlines and Why They Matter
You must notify the clerk of court within 30 days of your citation date to be eligible for point prevention. If you miss this deadline, you lose the option to use the course for that citation, and points will be added to your record. After making the election, you typically have 60 to 90 days from the citation date to complete the course and submit your certificate, depending on your county. For official rules and deadlines, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) at the FLHSMV website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Election track — notify court first | Yes — within 30 days of citation date |
| Court-ordered — notify court first | No — court has already issued the order |
| Voluntary — notify court first | No |
| Election deadline | 30 days from citation date |
| Completion deadline | 60–90 days from citation date (varies by county) |
| Does enrolling notify the court | No — these are separate steps |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I enroll in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course before notifying the court?
Contact the clerk of court for your county immediately. If you are still within the 30-day window from your citation date, you can still make the election. If the deadline has passed, the election may no longer be available for that citation.
How do I find the clerk of court for my county?
The court information is usually printed on your traffic citation. You can also search for your county clerk’s office online or visit the Florida Association of Court Clerks website.
Does Driving Logic handle the court election for me?
No. Driving Logic provides the course and reports your completion to the FLHSMV, but the election with the county clerk is your responsibility.
What is the election fee for the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course?
The election fee is set by each county and can vary. Contact the clerk of court in the county where your citation was issued for the exact amount.
Does enrolling in the Florida Basic Driver Improvement Course automatically notify the court?
No. Enrolling in the course does not notify the court. You must notify the clerk of court separately if you are electing the course for point prevention.