A suspension stops your legal right to drive when ready
A suspension in Florida means the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has temporarily revoked your driving privilege. You cannot legally operate a motor vehicle on any public road. The suspension remains in effect until you meet specific conditions set by the state — paying fines, completing a course, serving a waiting period, or resolving the underlying violation. A suspension is different from a revocation, which is permanent and requires a formal reinstatement process through the DHSMV.
The moment DHSMV issues a suspension order, your license is no longer valid. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, vehicle impoundment, and additional fines. The suspension stays on your driving record and affects your ability to renew your license, register a vehicle, or obtain insurance.
Key Takeaways
- A suspension is temporary and stops your legal driving privilege until you meet the state's conditions for reinstatement.
- Common reasons for suspension in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, and driving with a suspended license.
- You must contact DHSMV or check your license status online to learn the exact reason for suspension and what steps you need to take.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that results in arrest, fines up to $500, and possible jail time.
- Reinstatement requires paying all outstanding fines, court costs, and a reinstatement fee, plus completing any required courses or waiting periods.
Common reasons your Florida license gets suspended
Florida suspends licenses for several specific violations. Unpaid traffic fines are the most common reason — if you do not pay a ticket within the important date set by the court, DHSMV automatically suspends your license. Failure to appear in court for a traffic citation also triggers suspension. If you were ordered to appear and did not show, the court notifies DHSMV, which suspends your license when ready.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record causes suspension. Florida assigns points for violations: a speeding ticket is 3 points, reckless driving is 4 points, and a DUI is 6 points. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 or more points within 18 months, suspension lasts 60 days.
Other suspension triggers include driving with a suspended or revoked license, failing to maintain car insurance, being convicted of a DUI, and failing to pay child support. Some suspensions are also issued by the Florida Department of Revenue for unpaid taxes or by the Department of Children and Families for unpaid court-ordered support.
How to find out why your license was suspended
You can check your suspension status and reason through the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line. Visit flhsmv.gov and use the "Check License Status" tool — you will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system tells you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and the date the suspension began.
If you prefer to call, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-CHECK (1-844-352-4325). Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative will tell you the suspension reason and explain what you must do to reinstate your license. Some suspensions have multiple requirements — for example, you may need to pay a fine, complete a defensive driving course, and wait a specific number of days before reinstatement is possible.
Keep a record of the suspension reason and any reference numbers the DHSMV provides. You will need this information when you begin the reinstatement process.
What you must do to reinstate your suspended license
Reinstatement steps depend on the suspension reason. For unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court, plus any collection costs. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the exact amount due and payment methods accepted. Some courts accept online payment, while others require payment in person or by mail.
For suspensions due to points, you must wait out the suspension period — 30 days for 12 points or 60 days for 18 points — and then pay the reinstatement fee. As of 2024, Florida's reinstatement fee is $150. You can pay this fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
For DUI-related suspensions, you must complete a DUI course (also called a substance abuse course) approved by DHSMV. The course typically costs between $150 and $300 and takes 4 to 8 hours to complete. You must provide proof of completion to DHSMV before reinstatement is possible. You will also owe the reinstatement fee.
For suspensions due to failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case. Contact the court to reschedule your appearance or resolve the charge. Once the court notifies DHSMV that the case is resolved, your suspension may be lifted, though you may still owe fines or fees.
The reinstatement fee and timeline
Florida charges a $150 reinstatement fee for most suspensions. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or course fees you owe. You must pay the reinstatement fee to DHSMV after you have met all other suspension requirements — paid fines, completed courses, or waited out the suspension period.
Pay the reinstatement fee online at flhsmv.gov, by mail to the address provided on your suspension notice, or in person at any driver's license office. Online payment is the fastest method and usually takes effect within 24 hours. Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days to process. In-person payment is when ready.
After you pay the reinstatement fee and meet all other requirements, your license is reinstated. You do not need to take a new photo or retake the written test unless your license has expired. Your reinstatement is recorded in the DHSMV system, and you can drive legally again.
Penalties for driving on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Florida. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you face arrest and criminal charges. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
In addition to criminal penalties, your vehicle will be impounded. Retrieving an impounded vehicle costs $100 to $200 in towing fees, plus daily storage fees. Your insurance company will likely drop your coverage, and you will be unable to register your vehicle or obtain new insurance until your license is reinstated.
A conviction for driving with a suspended license also adds points to your record and extends your suspension. If your original suspension was for points, a conviction adds 6 more points, which may trigger an additional suspension period.
What to do if you cannot meet reinstatement requirements right away
If you cannot pay fines or fees when ready, contact the court or DHSMV to discuss payment plans. Many Florida courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Call the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment arrangement. You must make payments on time — missing a payment may result in additional suspension or criminal charges.
If you cannot afford a DUI course, some providers offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Search for DHSMV-approved DUI course providers in your county and ask about financial options. Some nonprofit organizations also offer information with fines or course costs for low-income drivers.
While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Do not attempt to drive to work, to court, or to pay your fines — doing so creates additional criminal charges. Use public transportation, rideshare services, or ask friends or family for rides until your license is reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support or failure to pay taxes, you may request a limited license that allows you to drive to work or court. Contact DHSMV to ask whether your suspension reason qualifies for a limited license and what documentation you must provide.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
If you pay the reinstatement fee online, your license is reinstated within 24 hours. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. Once reinstatement is complete, you can drive legally when ready. You do not need to wait for a new physical license card to arrive in the mail.
Will a suspension show up on a background check?
Yes. A license suspension is part of your driving record and appears on background checks conducted by employers, insurance companies, and landlords. The suspension remains on your record for several years, even after reinstatement. A clean driving record going forward helps, but the suspension history does not disappear when ready.
What if I moved out of Florida — do I still have to reinstate my license?
If you move to another state, your Florida suspension follows you. You cannot obtain a license in a new state while a Florida suspension is active. You must reinstate your Florida license first, even if you no longer live in Florida. Once reinstated, you can then explore for a license in your new state.
Can I appeal a suspension if I think it was issued by mistake?
Yes. You can request a hearing with DHSMV to contest a suspension. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. Contact DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to file a request. At the hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension was issued in error or that you have already resolved the underlying violation.