On Monday, Miami-Dade kicked off the Green Light Operation 2026, a new initiative aimed at assisting residents with suspended driver's licenses to bring their debts up to date without incurring additional collection fees. This was announced by Juan Fernández-Barquín, the county's Clerk of Courts and Comptroller.
The program, which will run until April 19, automatically waives the collection fees that are typically added to unpaid debts sent to collection agencies. These fees usually amount to 30% of the total outstanding balance.
Eligible debts encompass traffic fines, parking violations, misdemeanors, and criminal cases that are currently in the collection process.
The fees have been directly removed from the system, allowing participants to pay online 24/7 without needing to attend in person.
For those who prefer face-to-face service, the courthouse offices are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Payments can also be made by phone: Traffic at 305-275-1111, Parking at 305-275-1133, and Criminal cases at 786-971-2746.
The office has also set up a dedicated email -OGL@miamidadeclerk.gov- and a 24-hour voicemail and text line at 305-999-5363, where interested parties must provide their full name, email, and license or vehicle plate number.
Various payment methods are accepted, including cash, personal and cashier's checks, money orders, and Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Discover cards. Mailed payments must be postmarked between April 6 and April 18.
The program additionally offers the option of setting up monthly payment plans with automatic deductions for those unable to pay the full amount upfront, although this option is not available for parking fines.
Previous editions of the program have been notably successful: over 5,500 individuals benefited, and more than $275,000 in collection fees were waived.
To regain a license through the Green Light Operation, participants must not have outstanding violations in other Florida counties or suspensions unrelated to unpaid fines.
As of October 2025, more than 85,000 individuals in the county had active suspended licenses. Child support-related suspensions must be resolved directly with the State Attorney's Office.
Fernández-Barquín emphasized that the primary goal of the campaign is to "help people get back on the road."
It is noteworthy that in the April 2025 edition, nearly $250,000 in fees were waived, highlighting the program's continued impact across its various iterations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Miami-Dade's Green Light Operation
What is the duration of the Green Light Operation 2026?
The operation runs from its start date until April 19, 2026.
Which types of debts are eligible for the program?
Eligible debts include traffic fines, parking violations, misdemeanors, and criminal cases under collection.
How can payments be made?
Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the courthouse offices.
Are monthly payment plans available?
Yes, monthly payment plans with automatic deductions are available, except for parking fines.