What the Broward County Clerk of Courts handles for license reinstatement
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is not the body that reinstates your driver's license — that is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). However, the Clerk's office handles the court-ordered portion of reinstatement when your license was suspended due to a traffic conviction, unpaid traffic fines, or a failure to appear in court. If your suspension came from a criminal conviction or court judgment, you must resolve that case through the Clerk's office before DHSMV will process your reinstatement.
The Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale (the main Broward County courthouse) maintains your case file, records court orders, and confirms to DHSMV when you have satisfied court requirements. You cannot skip this step if a court suspension is the reason your license was taken.
If your suspension is administrative — meaning it came directly from DHSMV for points, medical reasons, or a license expiration — you do not need to contact the Clerk's office at all. You work only with DHSMV.
Key Takeaways
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts only handles reinstatement when a court order or conviction caused your suspension; administrative suspensions go directly to DHSMV.
- You must contact the Clerk's office to find out what specific court requirement you need to satisfy — payment of fines, completion of a program, or proof of insurance.
- The Clerk's office does not reinstate your license; they confirm to DHSMV that you have met the court's terms.
- Once the Clerk certifies completion, you then submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV, which charges a separate reinstatement fee.
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts main number is 954-831-6000, and you can also visit their website or the courthouse in person to check your case status.
Determining whether your suspension involves the Clerk of Courts
Before you contact the Clerk's office, confirm that a court order is actually the reason for your suspension. Check your suspension notice from DHSMV — it will state the reason code. Codes that involve the Clerk of Courts include suspensions for failure to pay court-ordered fines, failure to appear in court, conviction of a traffic offense, or a court-ordered suspension related to a criminal case.
If your notice says your suspension is due to points accumulation, medical review, or license expiration, the Clerk's office cannot help you. Contact DHSMV directly at 1-844-5-DLHELP (1-844-535-4357) or visit their website.
If you are unsure, call the Clerk of Courts at 954-831-6000 and provide your case number or driver's license number. They can tell you in minutes whether your case is in their system and what you owe.
Steps to resolve your case with the Broward County Clerk of Courts
Once you have confirmed the Clerk's office handles your suspension, follow these steps in order:
- Contact the Clerk's office by phone at 954-831-6000, by visiting their website at browardclerk.org, or in person at the main courthouse (201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301). Have your driver's license number, case number, or full name and date of birth ready.
- Ask for a case summary that lists exactly what the court ordered you to do. This might be payment of fines, restitution, completion of traffic school, proof of insurance, or a combination.
- Satisfy each requirement in the order listed. If you owe fines, pay them to the Clerk's office (they accept payment by phone, online, or in person). If you need to complete a program, enroll and finish it, then obtain proof of completion.
- Confirm completion with the Clerk. Once you have done everything, contact the Clerk again to verify they have recorded your compliance. Ask them to confirm in writing or by email that your case is satisfied.
- Request a clearance letter or court order stating that you have met all court requirements. The Clerk will send this to DHSMV automatically in some cases, but it is safer to request it yourself and keep a copy.
- Submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV once you have the clearance. You can do this online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a Florida DMV office. Include the clearance letter from the Clerk and pay DHSMV's reinstatement fee (typically $45 to $75, depending on the reason for suspension).
Common reasons for court-ordered suspensions in Broward County
The most frequent reason the Clerk of Courts becomes involved is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the important date, DHSMV suspends your license automatically. The Clerk's office holds your case and will not release it until payment is made in full.
Failure to appear in court is another common trigger. If you were cited and did not show up on your court date, the court issues a suspension order. You must appear in court (or have an attorney appear for you) to resolve the underlying case before the suspension can be lifted.
Conviction of certain traffic offenses — such as driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, or a DUI — results in a court-ordered suspension. The length and terms of the suspension are set by the judge. You cannot reinstate until the suspension period ends and any other court orders (such as completion of DUI school) are finished.
Failure to maintain proof of insurance, if ordered by the court, also triggers a suspension. You must show the Clerk proof that you now carry valid insurance, and they will notify DHSMV.
Fees and timelines for Broward County Clerk involvement
The Clerk of Courts does not charge a fee for processing your case or confirming completion — that is part of their public function. However, you will owe whatever fines or court costs the judge ordered, and those amounts vary by case.
Once you have paid fines or satisfied other requirements, the Clerk typically updates DHSMV within 1 to 3 business days. However, do not assume this has happened automatically. Call the Clerk to confirm, and request written proof.
After the Clerk confirms completion, DHSMV's reinstatement fee is separate and non-refundable. This fee is usually $45 to $75 and must be paid when you submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV. Processing time for DHSMV reinstatement is typically 1 to 2 weeks after they receive your request and fee.
How to contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts
Main phone line: 954-831-6000. This is the general number; you may be transferred to the traffic or criminal division depending on your case type.
Online case search: Visit browardclerk.org and use their case search tool. You can look up your case by name, case number, or driver's license number. This tool shows the current status of your case and any orders on file.
In-person visit: The main courthouse is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Bring your driver's license and any court documents you have. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours may vary by division).
Payment options: If you owe fines, you can pay by phone, online through the Clerk's website, by mail, or in person. Ask which method is fastest for your case.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume DHSMV has received notice of your compliance. The Clerk's office and DHSMV communicate, but delays happen. Always call the Clerk to confirm your case is marked satisfied before you pay DHSMV's reinstatement fee.
Do not pay fines to anyone other than the Clerk of Courts or an authorized payment processor. Scams targeting suspended drivers are common; verify you are paying the correct office.
Do not ignore a court order or suspension notice. The longer you wait, the more difficult reinstatement becomes, and you may face additional penalties or criminal charges for driving on a suspended license.
Do not confuse the Clerk's clearance with your actual license reinstatement. The Clerk confirms you have met court requirements, but DHSMV must process your reinstatement request separately. You are not legally driving until DHSMV issues your reinstated license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for the Clerk of Courts to confirm my case is satisfied?
No. Your license remains suspended until DHSMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. Wait for written confirmation from both the Clerk and DHSMV before you drive.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the Clerk of Courts and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow installment payments, especially for large amounts. You must request this before the important date; the court is not required to grant it, but it is worth asking.
Do I need a lawyer to resolve my case with the Clerk of Courts?
Not always. If your case is straightforward — you owe fines and can pay them — you can handle it yourself. If you failed to appear in court or face a criminal charge, an attorney can represent you and may be able to negotiate a better outcome.
How long does it take to reinstate my license after the Clerk confirms I have satisfied the court order?
DHSMV typically processes reinstatement within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving your request and fee. The Clerk's confirmation usually reaches DHSMV within 1 to 3 business days, but do not rely on automatic notification — submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV yourself to be certain.
What if my case is in a different Florida county, not Broward?
Contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where your case was filed. Each county has its own Clerk's office and case management system. Your suspension notice should indicate which county issued the order.