Florida's Suspension and Revocation System
Florida suspends and revokes licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). A suspension is temporary — your driving privilege stops for a set period, then you can restore it by meeting specific requirements. A revocation is permanent removal of your license; you must reapply and meet new conditions to drive again. The two carry different penalties and different paths to get back on the road.
The most common reason for suspension in Florida is unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court. Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record, DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or failing to pay child support. Each reason has its own restoration process and fee.
Florida does not issue a physical notice that your license is suspended. You find out when you are stopped by law enforcement, when you try to renew your license, or when you check your status online through the DHSMV website. Many drivers do not know they are suspended until they are pulled over.
Key Takeaways
- Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that carries jail time, fines, and a longer suspension period.
- A first offense can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine; a second offense within five years can mean up to five years in prison.
- You can check your suspension status for free on the DHSMV website before you drive, and you should do this before attempting to restore your license.
- Restoration requires paying all fines, court costs, and a reinstatement fee that ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension.
- Florida offers a hardship license in some cases, which allows limited driving for work, school, or medical treatment while your suspension is active.
Criminal Penalties for Driving While Suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal misdemeanor, not a civil violation. The penalty depends on whether you knew your license was suspended and whether you have prior convictions for the same offense.
A first offense carries a maximum of 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. The court may also extend your suspension by an additional six months. If you are stopped a second time within five years, the charge becomes a felony, and you face up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. A third offense within ten years is also a felony with the same maximum penalties.
The court will also order you to pay court costs and may impose probation. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will pay towing and storage fees. If you caused an accident while driving suspended, the penalties increase and you may face additional charges for reckless driving or leaving the scene.
How to Check Your Suspension Status Before Driving
You can check whether your license is suspended through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "License and Permit Checks" section and select "Check Driver License Status." You will need your driver license number and date of birth. The check is free and takes less than one minute.
If your license shows as suspended, do not drive. The system will tell you the reason for suspension and the date it will be lifted, if applicable. If the suspension is indefinite or marked as "revoked," you cannot restore it online — you must contact the DHSMV or visit a local driver license office in person.
You can also call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-CHECK (1-844-352-4325) to speak with a representative. Have your driver license number ready. The phone line operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Steps to Restore Your License After Suspension
Restoration is not automatic. You must take action and meet all requirements before your driving privilege returns. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended.
| Reason for Suspension | What You Must Do | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear | Pay all fines and court costs to the court that issued the citation | $45 |
| Too many points on driving record | Complete a defensive driving course; pay reinstatement fee | $75 |
| DUI conviction | Complete DUI school, pay fines, install ignition interlock device (if required) | $150 |
| Driving without insurance | Obtain proof of current insurance; pay reinstatement fee | $45 |
| Child support arrears | Contact the Department of Revenue; arrange payment plan or proof of compliance | $45 |
Once you have met all requirements, you must submit proof to the DHSMV. You can do this online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. If you submit online or by mail, allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. In-person restoration is usually when ready.
You will also pay the reinstatement fee listed above. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. Some driver license offices accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks; others accept cash only. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.
Hardship License: Limited Driving While Suspended
Florida allows you to request a hardship license (also called a "business purposes only" license) if your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear, or driving without insurance. A hardship license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs while your suspension is in effect.
You cannot use a hardship license for any other purpose. You must carry the hardship license at all times while driving, and you must be able to show proof that you are traveling for one of the allowed purposes — such as a work schedule, school enrollment, or a medical appointment letter. Driving outside these purposes is still a criminal offense.
To request a hardship license, you must appear in person at a driver license office with proof of financial hardship and documentation of your need (such as a work letter or school enrollment). You will pay a $25 fee. The hardship license is valid for the duration of your suspension or until you restore your full license, whichever comes first.
What Happens If You Are Stopped While Suspended
If a law enforcement officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be arrested and taken into custody. You will be charged with driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor. You will be booked, fingerprinted, and held until you can post bail or be released on your own recognizance.
Your vehicle will be impounded. You must pay towing fees (typically $150 to $300) and daily storage fees (typically $25 to $50 per day) to retrieve it. If your vehicle is impounded a second time within one year for the same offense, it may be subject to forfeiture — meaning the state can keep it.
You will appear in court for your arraignment, usually within 24 to 72 hours. At that time, you can enter a plea, request a public defender if you cannot afford an attorney, or request a continuance. If you are convicted, you will receive the penalties listed above, and your suspension will be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for driving with a suspended license if I did not know it was suspended?
Yes. Florida law does not require you to know your license is suspended — ignorance is not a defense. You are responsible for checking your status before driving. However, if you can show you took reasonable steps to find out your status and the DHSMV failed to notify you of the suspension, you may have a defense. This is rare and requires an attorney.
Will a hardship license show up on a background check?
A hardship license is a valid Florida driver license and will show on background checks. However, it will indicate the restrictions. Employers and insurance companies can see that you are driving under limited authority. This may affect employment or insurance rates.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay my fines?
If you pay fines in person at a driver license office and submit your reinstatement fee at the same time, your license is usually restored when ready. If you pay by mail or online, allow 5 to 10 business days. Some courts take longer to report payment to the DHSMV, so check your status online before you drive.
Can I drive in another state if my Florida license is suspended?
No. Your Florida suspension is reported to the National Driver Register, and other states will honor it. If you are stopped in another state, law enforcement will see the suspension and can charge you under that state's laws, which may carry different penalties. You cannot legally drive in any state while your Florida license is suspended.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines and reinstatement fee?
Contact the court that issued your citation and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. You can also ask about community service in place of fines, though this is at the court's discretion. Once you have an agreement with the court, provide proof to the DHSMV to begin the restoration process.