The Osceola County Clerk of Courts Office is tasked with collecting traffic fines from people who receive citations — and revoking the driver’s licenses of those who don’t pay those fines.
The latter is work Clerk of Courts Kelvin Soto said he’s not interested in — he wants to see people’s driving rights restored to allow them to work and transport their families.
Operation Green Light continues through Saturday, and through that state-sponsored program, those with suspended driver licenses will be able to pay overdue court obligations, including unpaid traffic tickets.
The program is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday 8 a.m. to until 1 p.m.
A state statute establishes the operation is done at least once a year in each Florida county; Soto envisions doing it more than once.
“We’re here to offer families some help, at least to enroll in a payment plan that would allow them to lift their restrictions and get them back on the road,” he said.
Director of Criminal Court Operations Catherine Smith said the savings are as much as 40 percent on what would be sent to collection services.
“This event has been well received in Osceola County,” she said, noting 90 people were assisted last weekend, and 584 have become eligible for reinstatement since Osceola County began participating.
Testimonials from county residents read that the program is “an affordable, simple and fast way to get my license back … the ability to pay court responsibilities with less stress.”
“Our deputy clerks are here, ready to help serve the community members of Osceola County,” Smith said
Those taking part would need to bring a copy of their citation, proof of valid insurance and registration for their vehicle. Payments with credit cards are assessed a 3.5 percent convenience fee.
The Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) bus was in town last weekend. On the days it’s at the Osceola Courthouse, customers can go to the bus and walk away with their new license. The Clerk’s Office has also partnered with Osceola Tax Collector Bruce Vickers and his office. Once a customer clears up their fines through OGL, if the FLOW bus is not available, they will be offered a “fast pass” for the Tax Collectors office to quickly service their DMV or licensing issues.
The Osceola Clerk’s office also can directly connect to other county’s Clerk’s offices to provide contacts there for issues in other counties.
