Polk County Clerk of Court (Traffic)
Polk County’s main courthouse in Bartow serves Lakeland PD, Winter Haven PD, Polk Sheriff, and FHP Troop C (I-4 corridor).
Florida Rule of Traffic Court 6.340 lets you file a sworn, notarized Affidavit of Defense in lieu of personal appearance. Post the required bond, attach any evidence, and mail the packet so it reaches the clerk at least 5 business days before your hearing date:
Polk County Clerk of Court (Traffic)
255 N Broadway Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
Polk County accepts a written Affidavit of Defense under Florida Rule of Traffic Court 6.340. The sworn, notarized affidavit must be filed with a bond equal to the civil penalty plus clerk fees, and it must reach the clerk at least 5 business days before the scheduled hearing. The hearing officer rules in writing.
Florida lets you resolve most non-criminal infractions online by paying the civil penalty within 30 days. Pay through Polk County Clerk of Court (Traffic)’s online pay portal.
Every extra week between the citation and your filing is another week the officer can forget. Florida courts routinely grant first-time extension requests as a matter of course — you generally do not need a hardship reason.
- Typical grant
- 30 additional days
- Method
- Online form
- Bail deadline
- Extended with the response deadline.
- Traffic clerk phone
- (863) 534-4000
“I’d like to request a 30-day extension on my response deadline so I can prepare and file a Trial by Written Declaration. My citationnumber is ____.”
Common Florida violations eligible by mail
Not legal advice. Courthouse addresses, hours, and filing procedures change. Verify with the official Florida court website before mailing or appearing.