Albert Knighten Jr. saw his pirate fine cut from $15,000 to $1,200.

The FCC levied the original penalty in June for operating an unlicensed station on 107.5 MHz from his residence in Fort Myers, Fla.

Knighten told the FCC the agency he couldn’t pay the steep fine and submitted financial documentation to back-up that claim.

That’s why the commission reduced the penalty, but cautioned Knighten that someone’s inability to pay is only one factor in how the agency calculates forfeitures. Any future violations of this kind may result in significantly higher penalties that may not be reduced due to his financial circumstances, the agency warned.

Knighten has 30 days to pay or the case may be referred to the Justice Department for collection.