How a Florida suspension works and what it means for you
A suspended Florida driver license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or most other states until the suspension is lifted. The suspension stays on your record even if you move out of state — other states' systems are linked through the National Driver Register, so a Florida suspension will show up when you try to get a license elsewhere.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues the suspension order, and you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why and how long it lasts. The length varies: some suspensions last 6 months, others a year or more, and a few are indefinite until you take specific action. You cannot straightforward wait out an indefinite suspension — you have to do something to end it.
Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can mean up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The penalties get worse if you are caught a second or third time. Even a minor traffic stop can result in arrest if your license is suspended.
Key Takeaways
- A Florida suspension prevents you from driving legally anywhere in the United States until it is lifted, because suspensions are shared between states.
- You will receive a written notice from DHSMV explaining the reason, length, and what you must do to end the suspension.
- Some suspensions end automatically after a set time; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a course, or resolve the underlying issue.
- Driving while suspended is a criminal offense with jail time and fines that increase with each offense.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.
Common reasons your Florida license gets suspended
The most common reason is unpaid traffic tickets or court fines. If you do not pay a ticket or fail to appear in court, the court orders DHSMV to suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you pay the fine and the court notifies DHSMV that it is resolved.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record also triggers a suspension. Florida uses a points system: minor violations like speeding add 3 points, reckless driving adds 4 points, and serious violations add more. If you get 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 90 days; a third lasts 180 days.
Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions result in automatic suspension. A first DUI suspension lasts six months; a second within five years lasts one year; a third or subsequent offense within ten years lasts two years or longer. You may be able to get a hardship license to drive to work or school during the suspension, but you must request it through the court that handled your case.
Other reasons include failing to maintain car insurance, failing to pay child support, refusing a breath test during a DUI stop, or being convicted of certain drug offenses. Some suspensions are administrative (DHSMV suspends you automatically) and others are court-ordered (a judge orders the suspension as part of a sentence).
How to find out why your license was suspended
Check the written notice DHSMV mailed to you — it will state the reason, the suspension start date, and the end date or what you must do to end it. If you cannot find the notice or it was sent to an old address, you can look up your suspension status online through the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line at 850-617-2000.
When you call or visit the website, have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. The DHSMV system will show you the reason code and the date the suspension began. If the reason is unpaid fines, the system will tell you which court or agency is holding the suspension. If it is a points suspension, you will see how many points you have and when they will drop off your record.
If the reason is unclear or you believe the suspension is a mistake, you can request a hearing with DHSMV. You have the right to contest the suspension, but you must request the hearing within a certain time frame — usually 10 days from the suspension notice date. Contact DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out the important date in your case.
Steps to get your license reinstated
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court listed in your suspension notice and ask what payment methods they accept — most courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once you pay, ask the court to send written confirmation to DHSMV. DHSMV will lift the suspension once they receive the court's notice.
If your suspension is due to points, you must wait out the suspension period (30, 90, or 180 days depending on how many suspensions you have had). You cannot shorten this period, but you can take a defensive driving course to reduce the points on your record. Completing an approved course removes up to 4 points and may lower your insurance rates. You can take the course before or after the suspension ends, but you cannot drive during the suspension period.
If your suspension is due to a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI education program and pay a reinstatement fee (usually $250 to $500). You may also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The court will tell you whether this is required. Once you complete the program and pay the fee, submit proof to DHSMV along with a reinstatement process.
For suspensions due to failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain a new insurance policy and file an SR-22 form with DHSMV. The SR-22 is a certificate from your insurance company proving you have coverage. Your insurer will file it directly with DHSMV, and the suspension will be lifted once DHSMV receives it.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee to lift the suspension. The fee is typically $25 to $500 depending on the reason and whether it is your first suspension. You pay this fee to DHSMV, not to the court or the agency that caused the suspension.
The reinstatement fee covers the cost of processing your reinstatement and updating your driving record. It does not cover any fines, court costs, or other money you owe — those are separate. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fines to the court and the reinstatement fee to DHSMV.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Once you pay and meet all other requirements (such as completing a course or paying fines), DHSMV will reinstate your license. You can usually drive the same day if you pay in person; if you pay by mail or online, allow 3 to 5 business days for processing.
Driving with a suspended license and criminal penalties
Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Florida, even if you are only driving a short distance or in an emergency. A police officer can pull you over for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension when they run your license. If you are caught, you will be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license.
A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If you are caught a second time within five years, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is also a first-degree misdemeanor with the same penalties.
If you were suspended for DUI and you drive while suspended, the charge is more serious — it is a felony in many cases. You will also face additional charges related to the DUI itself, which can result in much longer prison sentences and higher fines.
Even if you are not arrested, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. DHSMV will add additional suspension time or convert a temporary suspension to an indefinite one. You will also have a criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Hardship licenses and limited driving permits
If your license is suspended, you may be able to get a hardship license (also called a limited driving permit) that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. A hardship license is not available for all types of suspensions — it depends on the reason and whether a judge approves it.
For DUI suspensions, you must request a hardship license through the court that handled your DUI case. You will need to show that you have a legitimate need to drive (such as employment or school) and that you have no other way to get there. The judge will decide whether to grant it. If approved, you can drive only during specific hours and only to the places listed on the permit.
For other suspensions, contact DHSMV to ask whether a hardship license is available. Some suspensions (such as those for unpaid fines) do not may have access to. If you are may be able to access, DHSMV will tell you what documents to submit and what fee to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Florida suspension stay on my record?
The suspension itself ends after the period set by DHSMV or the court (usually 6 months to 2 years), but the suspension will remain on your driving record for 10 years. This means it will show up if you explore for a job that requires a driving record check or if you move to another state and explore for a license there.
Can I get my license back early if I pay a fee?
No. You cannot pay extra money to shorten a suspension period. You must either wait out the suspension or complete the required action (such as paying fines or finishing a DUI course). The reinstatement fee only applies once you have met all other requirements.
What happens if I move out of state while my license is suspended?
Your Florida suspension will follow you. When you explore for a license in another state, that state will check the National Driver Register and see the Florida suspension. Most states will not issue you a license until the Florida suspension is lifted. You must resolve the suspension in Florida first.
Can I appeal a suspension if I think it is wrong?
Yes. You have the right to request a hearing with DHSMV within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension was issued in error or that you have a valid reason why it should not have been imposed. Contact DHSMV or the court listed in your notice to request a hearing.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about the suspension?
Yes. You must notify your insurance company that your license is suspended. Failing to do so could result in your policy being cancelled. If your suspension was due to failure to maintain insurance, you will need to file an SR-22 form to reinstate your license, which your insurer will file on your behalf.