Operation Green Light offers a chance to save costs on unpaid tickets

I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Sarasota County for many years, and one of the most significant aspects of my role as clerk and comptroller is the ability to give back to my community in meaningful ways.

One such opportunity is our annual Operation Green Light event, a driver’s license reinstatement program that helps customers save money and get back on the road.

This reinstatement program 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 outstanding court fees to outside collection agencies after they are 90 days late. Unfortunately, many individuals don’t realize the severe consequences of not paying court fees, some of which can result in a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

During Operation Green Light, I am authorized to waive these collection agency fees for anyone who pays their court obligations in full or signs up for an affordable monthly payment plan. All outstanding tickets, court fines and interest must still be paid, but waiving the 30% collection agency fees can save customers a lot of money.

Our office will also help eligible customers to restore their suspended driver’s license. If you’re one of the thousands of drivers in the state of Florida who are driving illegally, you know firsthand the negative impact not having a valid driver’s license can have on your life. Getting your license back is a massive benefit for anyone unable to drive to work, earn a paycheck or visit with friends legally. The last thing you want is to get ticketed for driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Operation Green Light occurs this week at two convenient locations in Sarasota County, including the South County Courthouse in Venice on April 18 and 19, with extended hours from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The entrance to the Sarasota location is on Ringling Boulevard, and appointments are not necessary.

Participating in Operation Green Light is easy, and we will have dedicated staff on hand to assist customers looking to save money on their outstanding fees and fines and have their driver’s licenses reinstated.

Here are some other things to know:

● Ensure you bring your photo ID and a check, cash or money order to pay your ticket or case in full.

● Credit cards are also accepted and are subject to a 3.5% processing fee.

● Payment plans are available; you must apply in person and make an initial down payment of $25 per case.

● This program is available to anyone with a violation in Sarasota County.

If your ticket or outstanding fine was issued in another county, you need to check with the clerk and comptroller’s office in that county to see when they are holding their Operation Green Light event to participate.

To learn more, visit our website at www.SarasotaClerk.com/OperationGreenLight or call our office at 941- 861-7400.

I am hopeful that many people will take advantage of Operation Green Light this week to save money while fulfilling their financial obligations to our community.

Karen E. Rushing is Sarasota County’s elected clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller.