FORT MYERS, FLA (April 26, 2021) – One thousand Lee County residents saved more than $460,000 on overdue court fines and fees during the Lee County Clerk’s Operation Green Light. During the two-week event in March, 792 drivers became eligible to get their license back and 169 were reinstated on the spot.
The annual event helps those with cases in collections save money on delinquent fines. There were 2,821 cases paid in full and 470 payment plans established for anyone who couldn’t pay off their cases.
“While this annual event helps many people save on collection fees, we encourage customers to work with the Clerk’s office prior to being sent to collections and having their licenses suspended,” said Linda Doggett, Lee County Clerk of Courts. “We offer affordable payment plans to help customers stay in compliance with their court obligations.”
To accommodate Operation Green Light customers during the pandemic, customers were able to pay their fines by phone and via TeleClerk, the Clerk’s video conferencing service. The Clerk’s office also enforced social distancing and mask wearing while making payments in person.
Even though the two-week event has ended, customers not in collections may be eligible to set up a payment plan. For the last three years, the Lee Clerk’s office has held the annual event as part of a statewide initiative. No dates have been set for the next Operation Green Light.
For more information about setting up a payment plan or to make a case payment, visit LeeClerk.org.
ABOUT THE CLERK’S OFFICE:
The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court as a public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds. Clerk Linda Doggett is directly elected by and accountable to Lee County residents. In addition to the role of Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Clerk is the County Recorder and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor for Lee County.
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