Toll Amnesty Program saves drivers millions

Driving is an essential part of keeping many areas of our lives on track, especially as we navigate through the challenges of this pandemic. That's why I'm excited that we are able to continue the Toll Amnesty Program! This program is an initiative we started last month as part of Operation Green Light to help thousands of Lee County drivers get their licenses reinstated.
 
Within two weeks of being launched, the program saved drivers more than $1.55 million and helped hundreds become eligible to get their licenses back. But there are still 5,800 citizens with overdue toll citations and who are also eligible to collectively save millions. The program is possible through a partnership between the Clerk of Courts, the Honorable Lee County Judges, and the Lee County Government.
 
If you are one of the 5,800 people holding one or more of the 36,268 unpaid toll citations in Lee County then this message is for you. If your citation was filed with the Clerk prior to Jan. 1, 2020, you can get the fine on each citation reduced to $10. To take advantage of this opportunity, contact the Clerk’s office at 239-533-5000, schedule an appointment, or go to www.leeclerk.org to connect with a representative via TeleClerk, our new video conferencing system.
 
In addition to the toll fine reduction, all collection, delinquency, and payment plan fees are waived. However, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle’s license reinstatement fee is still required to be paid. Customers who cannot pay their overdue fines in full may be eligible to set up a payment plan.
Award marks 35th year of financial excellence
For the 35th consecutive year, the Lee County Clerk of Courts has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for its comprehensive annual financial report. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and it represents a significant accomplishment by a government agency and its management.

GFOA is a nonprofit professional association that advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

A special recognition and a hearty congratulations goes out to Terry Mallow and our Finance team for their commitment to excellence.
Operation Green Light gets 800 drivers back on the road

This November, the Clerk’s office hosted a two-week virtual Operation Green Light event to give customers with overdue court fees a break on their collection fees. More than 800 drivers paid off their court fees and became eligible to drive again.

During the event, 600 payment plans were established and more than $227,000 was collected and disbursed to local and state governments. Even though Operation Green Light has ended, customers not in collections may be eligible to set up a traffic ticket or criminal case payment plan. To learn more, call 239-533-5000.
In-person recording services resume at Fort Myers’ office

Fort Myers residents and businesses can once again record deeds, mortgages, and other official records in person at the Recording office in the County Administration Building. Customers are required to wear a face mask, maintain six feet distance from others, and go through a temperature and health screening.

Appointments are not needed to record documents, but they are required to apply for a passport. To schedule an appointment for passport services, customers can call 239-533-5007. Marriage licenses and ceremonies continue to be provided via video conference at LeeClerk.org.

Documents left in the lobby drop boxes, e-recorded through a third-party vendor, or mailed continue to be processed in the order they were received. Dropped off documents at both the Fort Myers and Cape Coral offices are docketed the same day they are received.
Office closed for Christmas and New Year's Day

Best wishes to your and your family for a safe and joyful Christmas holiday and New Year's Day celebrations.
 
In observance of of the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays, the Clerk's office will be closed on Dec. 24 & 25, and on Dec. 31 & Jan. 1.

In the News
LINDA DOGGETT