Where to check your Broward County license status
You can check your Florida driver's license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website. The DHSMV runs the state's licensing system, so whether you live in Broward County or anywhere else in Florida, you use the same online tool to look up your license information.
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "License and Permit Status" section. You'll need your driver's license number or your Social Security number to search. The system shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there's a problem, it tells you why.
This online check is free and takes about two minutes. You don't need to visit a Broward County office or call anyone to find out your current status.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov lets you check your license status using your license number or Social Security number.
- A suspension in Broward County usually results from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction, and each has different steps to clear it.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Florida or most other states, and driving anyway can result in criminal charges.
- The Broward County Tax Collector's office handles reinstatement fees and can tell you exactly what you owe to restore your license.
- Some suspensions clear automatically after a set period; others require you to take action like paying fines or completing a course.
What the online status check tells you
When you search your license on the DHSMV website, the result will show one of several statuses. A valid license means you can drive legally. An expired license means it's past its renewal date but hasn't been suspended — you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. An active suspension means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.
If your license is suspended, the website usually shows the reason — for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Suspension for DUI." The reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get your license back. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires payment; a suspension for a DUI conviction may require you to complete a substance abuse course first.
The online check does not show the exact amount you owe or the exact steps to clear your suspension. For those details, you need to contact the Broward County Tax Collector's office or the Florida DHSMV directly.
Common reasons for Broward County license suspensions
The most frequent reason for a suspended license in Broward County is unpaid traffic fines. If you don't pay a fine by the due date, the court reports it to the DHSMV, which suspends your license. The suspension stays in place until you pay the fine and any associated reinstatement fees.
A second common cause is failure to pay child support. Florida law allows the Department of Revenue to request a license suspension if you fall behind on court-ordered payments. This suspension lifts once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan that the court approves.
A DUI conviction also triggers a suspension. The length depends on whether it's your first offense and whether anyone was injured. A first-time DUI suspension typically lasts six months to one year, but you may be able to get a hardship license that lets you drive to work or school while the suspension is active.
Other reasons include failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or not maintaining required insurance after an accident.
How to reinstate your license after a suspension
The steps to reinstate your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket, then pay a reinstatement fee to the Broward County Tax Collector. The reinstatement fee is typically $45 to $100, depending on the reason for suspension.
If the suspension is for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course before you can reinstate. The DHSMV website or a local DUI course provider can tell you which course meets state requirements. After you finish the course, you submit proof to the DHSMV and pay the reinstatement fee.
For child support suspensions, contact the Florida Department of Revenue to find out what payment or arrangement is needed. Once you satisfy their requirement, they notify the DHSMV, and your license is reinstated.
After you complete the required steps, reinstatement is usually when ready or within one business day. You don't need to renew your license or take a new test — your old license becomes valid again once the suspension is cleared.
Contacting Broward County offices for help
If the online status check doesn't give you enough detail, or if you need help understanding what to do next, contact the Broward County Tax Collector's office. They handle reinstatement fees and can tell you exactly what amount you owe and which office to pay. You can reach them by phone or visit one of their locations in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, or other Broward cities.
For questions about the reason for your suspension or the steps to clear it, you can also contact the Florida DHSMV directly through their website or by phone. They can confirm your suspension status and explain what documents or payments are required.
If your suspension is related to a traffic ticket, contact the court that issued the ticket — usually the Broward County Traffic Court. If it's related to child support, contact the Florida Department of Revenue. Having the right office saves you time and gets you accurate information about what you owe.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is typically a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine up to $500, jail time up to 60 days, or both. A second offense within five years is a felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can lead to additional fines, a longer suspension period, and difficulty getting insurance. If you're in an accident while driving suspended, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.
If you need to drive while your license is suspended, look into a hardship license (also called a business purpose license). This limited license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You explore through the DHSMV, and approval depends on the reason for your suspension and your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The search takes about two minutes. You enter your license number or Social Security number, and the DHSMV system returns your status when ready. The website is usually available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What if I can't find my license number?
You can search using your Social Security number instead. If you don't remember either, contact the Florida DHSMV or visit a Broward County driver's license office with a photo ID, and they can look up your information for you.
Can I reinstate my license online?
No. You check your status online, but reinstatement requires you to pay fines or fees through the Broward County Tax Collector or the court, and sometimes to submit proof of completing a course. After you complete those steps, the DHSMV processes the reinstatement, which usually takes one business day.
Does a suspension in Broward County affect my license in other states?
Yes. Florida is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between most U.S. states to share suspension and revocation information. A Florida suspension will show up in other states' systems, and you cannot legally drive in those states either.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing. Contact the DHSMV or the office that issued the suspension (the court, the Department of Revenue, or the licensing authority) to find out how to request one. You'll need to do this within a certain time frame, usually 10 to 30 days from when you were notified of the suspension.