Court Ordered Payments Program

As part of their judgments and sentences in criminal cases, defendants are ordered to pay court costs and fines. Defendants are required to pay these in full at the time of sentencing or enroll in a payment program.

Court Ordered Payments Court was established in 1997 via administrative order to assist customers paying their criminal court costs and fines by allowing them to make payments over time. Unless other arrangements are made, first payments are due 30 days from the date of sentencing, and payments will continue every 30 days until the balance is paid in full.

Payments are automatically set at a rate of $50 per month for Misdemeanor and Traffic cases and $75 per month for Felony. A $25 partial payment fee is added to those cases that are set on the payment plan. Payments should be made unless other arrangements have been made with the clerk or the sentencing judge.

Forms and Assistance

Approved Community Service Providers
Community Service Information
COP Brochure
Court Ordered Payments Application / Financial Affidavit
Information Sheet and Application

Court-Ordered Payments (Cop) Program FAQ'S (850) 606-4001

Are their any additional fees or penalties incurred by being on the COP Program?
  • There is a one-time $25.00 administrative assessment for making partial payments pursuant to FS 28.24(26).
  • There is also a $10.00 per month late fee if a late notice is issued.
  • The clerk will request suspension of your Florida driver license pursuant to FS 322.245(5) if you fail to make payments timely.
  • The Clerk is required pursuant to FS 28.246(6) to turn your debt over to a collection agency or law firm if you are not making timely payments. If this happens, the collection agency or law firm may add an additional 40% to the amount you owe.
Can my cash bond be applied to my court costs and fines?

Yes, FS 903.286 requires the Clerk to withhold from the return of the cash bond, posted on behalf of a defendant, sufficient funds to pay any unpaid court fees, court costs and criminal penalties. You will remain responsible for paying the balance of any outstanding costs and fines.

Can the Clerk's office alter or adjust my costs and fines?

The Clerk's Office cannot adjust the total amount you owe, because costs and fines are ordered by the court. But we can and will help you in meeting your court-ordered obligations if you stay in touch with us.

Leon County Clerk's Office
COP Program / Central Cashiering
Leon County Courthouse
1st Floor, Suite 100
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4001
Click here for our current hours of operation.

How do I figure what I owe?

You may review this document for various costs and fines. If you have additional questions, you may call 850-606-4001.

How do I make my installment payments?

All payments should be made by cash, money order or credit card. You may pay in person at the Leon County Clerk's Office, Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe St, 1st floor, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301. You may mail payments to Clerk of Court, ATTN: Court Costs and Fines, 301. S. Monroe Street, #100, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

What are my next steps if I have been ordered to perform community service hours in lieu of paying court costs and fines?

For a list of Community Service Agencies, please Click Here

What happens if I can't make a payment or miss a payment?

You should contact the Clerk's Office at 850-606-4001 as soon as you realize that you will be unable to make a payment so that we can offer alternative solutions. We will work with you to ensure that your obligations are met. If you do not contact us, we will issue a late notice, request suspension of your Florida driver license, and assess other fees.

What is the Court-Ordered Payment (COP) Program?

It is the payment program provided by the Clerk that allows defendants to make partial payments on court costs and fines imposed by the sentencing judge. The in-court clerks distribute an information sheet to all defendants at sentencing.

When do my payments begin?

Your first payment is due on the day you are sentenced.

Where can I get more information?

Jump To Forms and Assistance

Who is eligible for the COP Program?

Cases are automatically set on the payment program at sentencing. You must either pay in full the day of sentencing or make your first monthly payment and pay the administrative fee on the day of sentencing.