Contest a Ticket
All dispute forms MUST be returned within 15 calendar days of the ticket issue date.
Consider the following questions before determining to contest a parking ticket:
- Did I enter the wrong license plate number when paying to park?
- Was I unsure of the law before choosing to park in the spot?
- Did I not see the signs in the area?
- Did I park in a handicap space when I do not have a handicap placard/license plate?
- Was I improperly parked in the handicapped space, striped access area, over the line, or taking up more than one space?
- Was my placard expired at the time of the citation?
- Was I using someone else's handicap placard?
- Did I forget to place my Vehicle registration Decal on my license plate?
Answering "yes" to any of these questions does not invalidate a parking citation. You must present your defense to the court system. Violations are photographed at the time the citation is issued.
Once Citations are Issued, the City Cannot Excuse Valid Tickets
All citation disputes must go through the court system's appeals process. If you feel your ticket is invalid, email us at parkingticket@myclearwater.com or call (727) 562-4094 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST for more information on how to dispute.
Contest a Citation: Plea of Not Guilty & Request a Hearing
All dispute requests of parking tickets MUST be registered within 15 calendar days of the ticket issue date by calling (727) 562-4094 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email parkingticket@myclearwater.com
For this option, you can contest a ticket with a plea of "not guilty" and request a hearing. Fill out this form.(PDF, 146KB)
Affidavit of Defense: For Those Outside of Pinellas County or with Physical Hardships
All dispute requests of parking tickets MUST be registered within 15 calendar days of the ticket issue date by calling (727) 562-4094 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by email at parkingticket@myclearwater.com
This option is available only for alleged offenders who reside outside of Pinellas County OR to those with physical hardships. Fill out this form.(PDF, 96KB)
Transfer of Liability: If Person Other than Registered Owner is Disputing Citation
All dispute requests of parking tickets MUST be registered within 15 calendar days of the ticket issue date by calling (727) 562-4094 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by email to parkingticket@myclearwater.com
For this option, you can contest a ticket if you allege a person other than the registered owner of the vehicle is disputing the citation. Fill out this form.(PDF, 77KB)
Court Hearings
Court hearings for contested parking citations are heard on Thursday evenings after 5 p.m. at the Pinellas County Government Center, 14250 49th Street N. in Clearwater, Fla. Once your court date has been scheduled, any questions regarding your “Not Guilty” plea or the scheduled hearing must be directed to the Pinellas County Clerk of the Court by calling (727) 464-7000. If you have scheduled a court date but choose to pay your ticket before the scheduled date, you must call the parking citation office at (727) 562-4094 to cancel, or you will be subject to additional fines.
Unless the judge has granted an extension to pay the fine and/or court costs, all fines imposed must be paid within 25 days of the court date, or late fees will be added. The court does not accept city of Clearwater parking citation payments.
Still Need Help?
If you still have parking ticket questions or concerns, contact our Parking Division using the Clearwater Connect online application. You also can call the Parking System Hotline at (727) 562-4094 for general parking information.