Kevin Karnes

Drivers with a suspended license or overdue traffic tickets may be eligible to get back on the road through the Lee County Clerk’s annual Operation Green Light event March 28 through April 8.

Anyone with cases in collections will be allowed to pay their court fees and fines without getting charged the 25% collection surcharge.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Special extended hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, April 1 and 8. The office will also be open exclusively for Operation Green Light customers 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2.

“Last year, we saved customers nearly $500,000 in fines and fees, and almost 1,000 people became eligible to get their licenses back,” said Kevin Karnes, Lee County Clerk of Court. “This year, we are partnering with the Tax Collector’s office starting April 2 to allow customers to request license reinstatements right at the courthouse.”

To take advantage of the offer, visit the Lee Clerk’s office at the downtown Fort Myers Justice Center or call 239-533-5000. Customers can also save time by scheduling an appointment at www.leeclerk.com/appointment.

“Operation Green Light helps drivers save money and get back on the road so they can work, run errands, and take care of their families,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “We are proud to partner with the Clerk’s office to offer our citizens this important opportunity to have their licenses reinstated.”

Traffic tickets must be paid in full, but if criminal court fees can’t be paid in full, customers can still benefit from savings by signing up for an affordable monthly payment plan.

Customers can pay their court fees and fines to the Clerk in cash, cashier’s check, money order or credit card. Additional statutory fees to the Tax Collector are required to reinstate a driver license. Payments by credit card are subject to a transaction fee. The Justice Center is located at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Learn more about Clerk’s Operation Green Light event at www.leeclerk.org/ogl. For questions about driver license reinstatements, visit the Tax Collector’s website at www.leetc.com.

Source: Clerk of the Circuit Court