Three-day program allows customers to save on collection agency fees for past due traffic tickets, fines and other court obligations
This week, Karen E. Rushing, Sarasota County clerk of the Circuit Court and county comptroller, has announced dates for Operation Green Light, “a statewide program that helps customers with a suspended or revoked driver’s license pay overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets, while saving up to 30% in collection agency fees.”
State law requires the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office to turn over unpaid tickets and other outstanding court fines and fees to outside collection agencies after 90 days, a news release explains. During Operation Green Light, the clerk and comptroller “has been authorized to waive these collection agency fees for anyone who pays off their court obligations in full, or signs up for an affordable, customized monthly payment plan,” the release points out. The Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office also will help customers who are eligible to reinstate their suspended driver’s licenses, the release notes. The event will take place in Venice and Sarasota from April 18 through April 20, the release adds.
“Operation Green Light is a way for Florida clerk and comptrollers to give back to their community,” noted Rushing in the release. “If you have an overdue traffic ticket or court fee that has been passed on to a collections agency, or have a suspended or revoked driver’s license, we want to help you save money and get back on the road by paying your fines in full, or establishing an affordable and customized payment plan that works within your budget. We realize collection agency fees can be a financial burden and we’re hopeful many people will take advantage of Operation Green Light this week to save money,” Rushing added.
Customers who wish to participate in Operation Green Light may do so on the following dates and times, “with two convenient Sarasota County locations,” the release says:
- Thursday and Friday, April 18 and April 19 — 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (extended hours) at the South County Courthouse, located at 4004 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice (34293).
- Saturday, April 20 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic Sarasota County Courthouse, which stands at 2000 Main St. in downtown Sarasota. The entrance is on Ringling Boulevard.
Customers are encouraged to have their case number(s) ready in advance, the release adds, and they should bring a valid photo ID as well as a check, cash or credit card “to make their first installment on a payment plan. Appointments are not necessary, the release points out.
Operation Green Light is available to anyone with outstanding fees, fines and court obligations issued in Sarasota County, the release adds. Contact the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office to learn more about options to pay fines and court obligations, save money and restore driving privileges, the release continues. Persons may visit the office online at www.SarasotaClerk.com/OperationGreenLight or call 941-861-7400, which is the number for the Traffic and Fines Division.