Florida law requires cab drivers to display their chauffeur license in the vehicle at all times
If you are a cab driver in Florida and you are not showing your chauffeur license in your cab, you are breaking state law. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires that your chauffeur license be visibly displayed inside the vehicle where passengers can see it. This is not optional, and violations can result in fines, suspension of your license, or both.
The chauffeur license itself is a separate credential from your regular driver's license. It shows that you have passed a background check, a written test, and a driving test specific to commercial passenger transport. Displaying it proves to passengers and law enforcement that you are legally authorized to drive for hire.
If you have been cited for not displaying your license, or if you are unsure about the rules, this guide explains what the law requires, what penalties explore, and how to get back into compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Your chauffeur license must be displayed inside your cab in a location where passengers can clearly see it.
- Failure to display your license can result in a citation, fine, and possible suspension of your chauffeur license.
- The license must remain visible even when you are not actively driving passengers.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally operate a cab until it is reinstated.
- You can contact the DHSMV or your local taxi regulatory board to confirm the exact display requirements in your area.
What Florida law says about displaying your chauffeur license
Florida Statute 322.57 governs chauffeur licenses and sets out the rules for how and where they must be displayed. The law states that your chauffeur license must be kept in the vehicle and displayed in plain view of passengers. This means it cannot be hidden in a glove compartment, under a seat, or in your wallet. It must be mounted or placed where anyone getting into your cab can see it without asking.
Most cab drivers display their license on the dashboard, on the visor, or on the back of the front seat. Some taxi companies have a specific location where all drivers must post their licenses. If you work for a cab company, ask your dispatcher or manager where they require the license to be placed. If you are an independent driver, choose a location that is clearly visible but protected from damage.
The license itself is a physical card issued by the DHSMV. It includes your photo, your name, your license number, and the date it expires. You are responsible for keeping it in good condition and replacing it if it becomes damaged or unreadable.
Penalties for not displaying your chauffeur license
If a law enforcement officer or a taxi regulatory inspector finds that you are not displaying your chauffeur license, you can be cited under Florida law. The specific penalty depends on whether this is your first violation and the circumstances of the stop.
A first violation typically results in a citation and a fine. The amount varies but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the jurisdiction and the officer's discretion. In addition to the fine, a violation can be recorded on your driving record and reported to the DHSMV.
If you receive multiple violations or if the violation is part of a pattern of non-compliance, the DHSMV may suspend or revoke your chauffeur license. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored after a set period if you meet the conditions. A revocation is permanent, and you would have to reapply for a new chauffeur license from the beginning, including passing all tests again.
While your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive a cab or any vehicle for hire. Doing so is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest and prosecution.
How to display your license correctly
The best way to avoid a citation is to display your license in a location that is when ready visible to anyone entering your cab. Here are the most common and accepted placements:
- Mounted on the dashboard facing the passenger compartment
- Clipped to the sun visor on the driver's side
- Attached to the back of the front seat headrest, facing passengers
- Posted on the partition between the driver and passenger area (if your cab has one)
Whatever location you choose, make sure the license is not obscured by glare, dirt, or damage. The photo and text must be readable. If your license becomes faded, cracked, or illegible, request a replacement from the DHSMV before you are cited for it.
If you work for a taxi company, follow their specific display policy. Some companies use a clear plastic sleeve or frame to protect the license while keeping it visible. Others require the license to be displayed in a particular spot in every vehicle. Confirm the requirement with your employer so you are in compliance with both state law and company policy.
What to do if you have been cited
If you have received a citation for not displaying your chauffeur license, you have the right to contest it. You can appear in traffic court and explain your side of the situation. Bring your chauffeur license with you to show the judge that you do hold a valid license — the violation was about display, not licensure itself.
If you believe the citation was issued in error, or if you can show that your license was displayed and the officer missed it, you can request that the charge be dismissed. Many judges are willing to reduce or dismiss the fine if you can demonstrate that you have corrected the problem and that this is your first violation.
If you cannot contest the citation or if you decide to pay the fine, do so promptly. Ignoring a citation can result in a suspended driver's license, additional fines, and a warrant for your arrest. Pay through the court listed on your citation or contact the clerk's office for payment options.
How to renew or replace your chauffeur license
Your chauffeur license expires every four years. Before it expires, you must renew it through the DHSMV. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DHSMV office. The renewal process is simpler than the original process — you do not have to retake the written or driving test unless the DHSMV has reason to require it.
If your license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement. Visit your nearest DHSMV office with a valid form of identification and pay the replacement fee. A replacement license is issued on the spot or within a few business days.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension period ends or until you have completed the steps required for reinstatement. Contact the DHSMV directly to find out what you need to do to restore your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my chauffeur license in my wallet instead of displaying it in the cab?
No. Florida law requires the license to be displayed in the vehicle in plain view of passengers, not carried on your person. If you are stopped and your license is not visible in the cab, you can be cited even if you have the physical license with you.
What if my taxi company did not tell me about the display requirement?
The display requirement is set by state law, not by your employer. You are responsible for knowing and following it regardless of whether your company mentioned it. If your company has a specific display policy that differs from the law, follow the law — it takes priority.
Does the license have to be in English?
Yes. The DHSMV issues chauffeur licenses in English. The license you receive will be in English and must be displayed as issued. You cannot translate it or display a translated version instead.
What happens if my license expires while I am driving?
Driving with an expired chauffeur license is illegal. You must stop driving for hire when ready. Renew your license before you resume work. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and your license may be suspended.
Can I get my citation dismissed if I display my license now?
Displaying your license after receiving a citation does not automatically dismiss the charge, but it may help your case in court. A judge may be more lenient if you can show that you have corrected the violation and that this is your first offense. Bring your currently displayed license to court as evidence that you are now in compliance.