Frequently Asked Questions for Traffic Hearing Officers

Related Information

• Traffic Court

Q What is a Hearing Officer?

A

A Hearing Officer is an attorney that has been appointed by the Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit to preside over civil traffic infractions matters without injury.

Q Who appoints or hires Hearing Officers?

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A panel of four Judges analyzes and interviews the most qualified candidates to recommend to the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit then appoints and swears them into office.

Q What are the requirements to become a Hearing Officer?

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An attorney must be a member in “Good Standing” of the Florida Bar for at least five years and have trial experience. Once selected the attorney must complete a (40) hour training program and participate in an annual Continued Legal Education seminar.

Q What types of Traffic cases do Hearing Officers preside over?

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All civil traffic infraction cases are heard by Hearing Officers. Civil traffic infractions include pre-trial and trial hearings for citations in which a person is suspected of committing a non-criminal traffic infraction. These violations are classified as either moving or non-moving. Excluded are accidents with injuries and all criminal traffic offenses which are heard by a judge. Hearing Officers also preside over parking violations and rule on most civil traffic motions.

Q Are Hearing Officers considered Judges?

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No. Hearing Officers are appointed to preside over Traffic Infractions only.