What the Broward Clerk handles in license reinstatement

The Broward Clerk of Court is the local office where you go to handle the paperwork side of getting your license back. They do not decide whether you are allowed to drive again — that decision comes from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). What the Clerk does is process your reinstatement request, collect fees, and send your paperwork to DHSMV for final approval.

Broward County includes Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and surrounding areas. If you live in Broward and your license was suspended or revoked in Florida, the Clerk's office is where your reinstatement process begins. You cannot skip this step and go straight to DHSMV — the Clerk is your entry point.

The Clerk's office is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, but you can also handle some reinstatement steps by mail or phone. Knowing which route works for your situation saves time and money.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward Clerk of Court processes reinstatement paperwork and collects the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on why your license was suspended.
  • You must first resolve the reason your license was suspended — paying traffic fines, completing a DUI course, or serving a suspension period — before the Clerk can move your case forward.
  • The Clerk's office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, but you can mail documents or call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
  • After the Clerk processes your request and collects the fee, DHSMV makes the final decision on reinstatement, which typically takes two to four weeks.
  • If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or child support, the Clerk's office can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment on the spot.

Why your license was suspended and what you must fix first

Before you walk into the Clerk's office, you need to know the reason your license was suspended. Florida suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires you to take a specific action before reinstatement is possible. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines.

If your suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full. If it is for a DUI, you must complete a DUI education course and possibly a substance abuse evaluation. If it is for points, you may need to wait out a suspension period or take a defensive driving course. If it is for child support, you must make a payment arrangement or pay in full.

You can find out the reason by calling the Broward Clerk's office at (954) 831-6000 or visiting their website. Have your driver's license number ready. Once you know what you owe or what course you need, you can complete those steps before your appointment.

Documents and fees you need to bring

What you bring depends on the reason for your suspension, but a few items are always necessary. Bring a valid form of identification (your suspended license, passport, or state ID), proof that you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension, and the reinstatement fee.

The reinstatement fee ranges from $45 to $150, depending on the type of suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $45 to $75. A DUI-related suspension costs more — usually $100 to $150. The Clerk's office accepts cash, check, or card. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee for your situation, because it can vary.

If you paid fines, bring a receipt or proof of payment. If you completed a DUI course, bring the certificate of completion. If you were ordered to take a defensive driving course, bring that certificate. If your suspension was for points and you are past the suspension period, bring nothing extra — just your ID and the fee.

How to submit your reinstatement request in person

The Broward Clerk of Court's main office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You do not need an appointment for most reinstatement requests, but calling ahead at (954) 831-6000 can save you a trip if your case is complicated.

When you arrive, go to the Traffic and Criminal Division or ask at the main desk for the license reinstatement window. Bring all your documents and the fee. The clerk will review your paperwork, confirm that you have resolved the suspension issue, collect your fee, and give you a receipt. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Ask the clerk for a timeline. After the Clerk submits your paperwork to DHSMV, the state typically takes two to four weeks to process and mail your reinstated license. Some people receive their license in the mail; others are told to pick it up at a local Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Mailing your reinstatement request if you cannot visit in person

If you live outside Broward County or cannot visit the office, you can mail your reinstatement request. Send your documents and fee to the Broward Clerk of Court, Traffic and Criminal Division, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting.

Make copies of everything you send — keep the originals for your records. Use certified mail with return receipt so you know when the Clerk receives your packet. Processing by mail takes longer than in person, usually three to six weeks from the time the Clerk receives your documents.

Before you mail anything, call the Clerk's office to confirm the current mailing address and any special instructions. Staff can also tell you whether your case requires an in-person visit or can be handled entirely by mail.

What happens after the Clerk processes your request

Once the Clerk collects your fee and confirms you have resolved the suspension issue, they send your paperwork to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. DHSMV reviews the file and makes the final decision on whether to reinstate your license. This step is out of the Clerk's hands — DHSMV is the state agency that actually restores your driving privileges.

You will receive notice of DHSMV's decision by mail. If your license is reinstated, you will either receive your new license in the mail or be told where to pick it up. If DHSMV denies reinstatement, the letter will explain why and what you need to do next. This is rare if you have completed all the required steps, but it can happen if paperwork is missing or incomplete.

If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the Broward Clerk's office and ask for a status update. They can check whether DHSMV has received your file and how far along the process is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from DHSMV before you drive.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Call the Broward Clerk's office and ask about payment plans. Some suspensions allow you to pay the fee in installments rather than all at once. The Clerk can tell you whether your situation qualifies and set up a schedule.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license through the Clerk?

No. The reinstatement process through the Clerk is straightforward and does not require legal representation. You can handle it yourself by gathering your documents, paying the fee, and submitting your request. A lawyer is only necessary if you are fighting the suspension itself, which is a different process.

What if my suspension was in a different Florida county?

If your license was suspended for a reason tied to Broward County (a ticket issued there, a DUI arrest there), you handle reinstatement through the Broward Clerk. If the suspension originated in another county, contact that county's clerk of court instead. DHSMV can tell you which county handles your case if you are unsure.

How long does it take to get my license back after the Clerk submits my paperwork?

DHSMV typically takes two to four weeks to process and mail your reinstated license. If you submitted by mail to the Clerk, add another one to two weeks for the Clerk to receive and process your documents first. In total, expect four to six weeks from the time you submit to the Clerk until you receive your license.