A suspended driver’s license can stand in the way of so much. It can make it difficult for residents to get to work, take their children to school or even just get to the grocery store. The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office is setting aside one special day to help residents get back on the road.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the office is authorized to waive collection agency fees — some as high as 40 percent — for anyone who pays off their court obligations in full or signs up for a monthly payment plan. Florida law requires the clerk’s office to turn over unpaid tickets and other outstanding court fines and fees to an outside collection agency if the debt is not paid within 90 days of the due date.
The clerk’s office is opening all four of its courthouse locations during the one-day event, called “Operation Green Light.” Those who pay their debts or go on a monthly payment plan will also be able to reinstate their suspended driver’s license in most cases.
“The consequences for failing to pay court obligations can be severe,” Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon R. Bock said. “Operation Green Light is a chance to pay accrued fines, restore driving privileges and move forward with productive lives. Our goal is simple. We want to help people take responsibility, save money and get back on the road.”
Collection agency surcharges will be waived during Operation Green Light for overdue traffic tickets or criminal court obligations in Palm Beach County. For a driver with a $206 ticket for going 10-14 mph over the speed limit, that amounts to a savings of as much as $91.60.
Operation Green Light will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at all four of the clerk’s courthouse locations:
• Main Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 2.23, West Palm Beach.
• North County Courthouse, 3188 PGA Blvd., Room 1203, Palm Beach Gardens.
• South County Courthouse, 200 W. Atlantic Avenue, Room 1S-124, Delray Beach.
• West County Courthouse, 2950 State Road 15, Room S-100, Belle Glade.
Payments will be accepted by cash, check, money order and credit card. A 3.5 percent service fee will be applied to all credit card payments.
Clerk’s offices throughout the state will be hosting Operation Green Light events Oct. 12-19. To learn more about Operation Green Light, visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/operationgreenlight.
