Florida Statute 322.27 is the law that controls driver license points

The rule you are looking for is Florida Statute 322.27. This statute lays out exactly how points are assigned to your driving record, how many points different violations carry, and what happens to your license when you accumulate too many. It is the foundational law that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) uses to manage the point system.

You will find the full text of this statute on the Florida Legislature's official website at flsenate.gov or in the Florida Statutes database. The statute is organized by section, and each section addresses a different part of how points work — from the point values for specific violations to the suspension rules that kick in at certain thresholds.

If you are reading this because you received a traffic ticket or notice about points on your record, the actual point count and suspension status are maintained by DHSMV, not in the statute itself. The statute sets the rules; DHSMV applies them to your individual record.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida Statute 322.27 is the law that defines how many points each traffic violation carries and what happens when you reach certain point totals.
  • The statute is publicly available on the Florida Legislature website (flsenate.gov) and in the official Florida Statutes database.
  • Points accumulate on your driving record based on convictions, not just citations, and different violations carry different point values.
  • Your actual point count and license status are tracked by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, not in the statute itself.
  • License suspension thresholds are set by statute: 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers a suspension.

How to find and read the statute online

The easiest way to access Florida Statute 322.27 is to go to flsenate.gov and use the search function for "322.27" or "point system." The Legislature maintains the current version of all Florida statutes, updated regularly as laws change. You can also search the Florida Statutes database directly by statute number.

When you open the statute, you will see it is divided into subsections. The opening sections define what a point is and which violations carry points. Later sections spell out the suspension thresholds and how the point count is calculated over time. Reading it straight through can feel dense, so it helps to know what you are looking for before you start.

If you need a printed copy, you can read the statute as a PDF from the same website. Some county clerk offices and public libraries also keep printed copies of the Florida Statutes available.

What the statute actually says about point values

Florida Statute 322.27 assigns points to violations in a tiered system. Most moving violations carry 3, 4, or 6 points depending on the severity. For example, speeding carries 3 points, reckless driving carries 4 points, and at-fault accidents carry 4 points. More serious violations like driving with a suspended license or fleeing police carry 6 points.

The statute also specifies that points are only added when you are convicted of the violation, not when you are cited. If you pay a ticket, contest it in court, or have it dismissed, the conviction does not happen and no points are added. This is an important distinction that the statute makes clear.

Non-moving violations — like parking tickets or equipment violations — do not carry points under this statute. Only moving violations that occur while the vehicle is in motion count toward your point total.

Suspension thresholds set by statute

The statute defines three point accumulation windows that trigger automatic license suspension:

  • 12 points in 12 months = 30-day suspension
  • 18 points in 18 months = 3-month suspension
  • 24 points in 36 months = 12-month suspension

These thresholds are written directly into 322.27. When you cross one of these lines, DHSMV is required by law to suspend your license. You do not have to wait for a hearing or notice — the suspension becomes effective automatically once the point total is reached.

The statute also allows for point reduction through a defensive driving course. If you complete an approved course, you can reduce your point total by up to 4 points, but only once every 12 months and only if you have not taken the course in the past 12 months. This option is written into the statute as well.

Where to check your actual point count

While Statute 322.27 defines the rules, your personal point count is maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You can check your driving record — including your current points — through DHSMV's website at flhsmv.gov or by visiting a local DHSMV office in person.

You will need to provide your driver license number or Social Security number to pull your record. The record will show every conviction on your driving history, the points assigned to each, and your current total. This is the official source for what points you actually have, not the statute itself.

If you believe there is an error on your record — a conviction that should not be there, or points that were not removed after a course — you can request a review through DHSMV. The statute gives you the right to challenge the record, but you have to start with DHSMV, not with the Legislature.

Other statutes that work with 322.27

Florida Statute 322.27 does not stand alone. Other statutes work together with it to create the full picture of how points and suspensions work. For example, Florida Statute 322.271 covers the rules for habitual traffic offender (HTO) status, which is a more serious designation that can result from repeated violations. Statute 322.28 covers license reinstatement after suspension.

If you are researching the point system for a specific situation — like an HTO case or a reinstatement question — you may need to read more than just 322.27. The statute itself often references these related sections, so you can follow the cross-references to find the full legal picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the point value for a specific violation in the statute?

Yes. Florida Statute 322.27 lists point values for different violation types. However, the statute groups violations by category rather than listing every possible offense. If you have a specific ticket, it is faster to call DHSMV or check your driving record online — they can tell you exactly how many points that conviction will add.

Does the statute say anything about insurance rates or surcharges?

No. Florida Statute 322.27 covers only the point system and license suspension. Insurance surcharges and rate increases are controlled by insurance companies and separate insurance regulations, not by this statute. Your insurance company may charge more based on points, but that is not part of the statute itself.

If I move out of Florida, do these points follow me?

The statute applies only to Florida licenses and Florida driving records. If you move and get a license in another state, that state's point system takes over. However, many states share driving record information through the National Driver Register, so a Florida conviction may still show up on your record in your new state.

Can I dispute the point value assigned to my conviction?

The statute sets the point values, so you cannot dispute those. However, you can dispute whether you were actually convicted of the violation in the first place. If you believe the conviction itself is wrong — for example, if the ticket was dismissed but still shows on your record — you can request a correction from DHSMV with proof of the dismissal.

Does the statute explain how to get points removed?

Yes, partially. The statute covers the defensive driving course option, which removes up to 4 points once per 12 months. It also covers how points age off your record over time (older convictions eventually stop counting toward suspension thresholds). For other removal options, you would need to contact DHSMV directly, as the statute covers only the course-based reduction.