The basic steps to remove a suspension from FLHSMV
To remove a suspension from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific requirement that caused it. The reason matters because different suspensions require different actions. Once you have completed that requirement, you submit proof to FLHSMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and your suspension is lifted.
You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension or call FLHSMV to have it removed without doing anything. The state will not lift it until you have addressed the underlying reason. The good news is that most suspensions are removable once you know what step to take.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact FLHSMV or check your suspension notice to learn the exact reason your license was suspended, because each reason requires a different action.
- Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or failure to maintain car insurance, and each has its own removal process.
- After you complete the required action, you must submit proof to FLHSMV along with a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
- FLHSMV processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person at a driver license office, and you should keep copies of everything you send.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need to confirm, contact FLHSMV directly. You can call their Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000 or visit a local driver license office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
FLHSMV also maintains an online lookup tool on their website where you can check your driving record and suspension status. This tells you the reason code and the date the suspension took effect. Write down the exact reason — it determines what you do next.
Removing suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — not FLHSMV — to find out the exact balance and where to send payment. The court's contact information is usually on your ticket or suspension notice.
Once the court confirms payment, they send a clearance to FLHSMV automatically. This can take one to two weeks. You do not need to submit anything yourself; the court handles the notification. However, you will still owe FLHSMV's reinstatement fee once the suspension is cleared.
Removing suspensions for failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date. You must contact the court that issued the suspension and resolve the underlying case. This usually means appearing in court, paying any fines, or working out a payment plan with the judge.
Once the court resolves your case, they notify FLHSMV. If you are unsure which court or what the original charge was, call FLHSMV or visit a driver license office with your ID. They can tell you which court has your case and provide the phone number.
Removing suspensions for unpaid child support or alimony
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support or alimony, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement program or the court that ordered the support. You can reach them at 1-800-622-5437. They will tell you the amount owed and your payment options.
You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once. Once you have made an arrangement or paid in full, the agency notifies FLHSMV. This process can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Removing suspensions for no proof of insurance
A suspension for failure to maintain car insurance means you either did not have insurance when you were stopped or did not provide proof to the court. To remove this suspension, you must obtain a current insurance policy and submit proof to FLHSMV.
You can provide proof by mailing a copy of your insurance card or policy to FLHSMV, or by visiting a driver license office in person. Some insurance companies can send proof directly to FLHSMV on your behalf — ask your agent. Once FLHSMV receives and processes your proof, the suspension is cleared, though you will still owe the reinstatement fee.
Paying the reinstatement fee and completing the process
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, FLHSMV charges a reinstatement fee. The amount varies depending on the type of suspension — it ranges from around $25 to $150. You can pay this fee by mail, in person at a driver license office, or online through FLHSMV's website.
Submit your proof of compliance (court clearance, insurance proof, child support agreement, or whatever applies to your suspension) along with the reinstatement fee. Keep copies of everything you send. FLHSMV typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving them. Once processed, your suspension is lifted and you can legally drive again.
What to do if you cannot afford to pay right away
If you owe fines or child support but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court or agency involved and ask about a payment plan. Most courts allow you to pay in installments, and child support enforcement has formal payment plan options. A payment plan does not remove the suspension when ready, but it shows good faith and may allow you to request a hardship license while you pay.
A hardship license lets you drive for essential purposes — work, medical appointments, court dates — while your suspension is still technically active. You must request this from FLHSMV and show that you have a legitimate need. It is not automatic, but it is worth asking about if you need to drive while resolving your suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay what I owe?
It depends on how you pay and who you pay. If you pay a court fine directly to the court, they send clearance to FLHSMV, which can take one to two weeks. If you pay FLHSMV's reinstatement fee, they process it within one to two weeks. If multiple agencies are involved, the timeline can stretch to three to four weeks.
Can I drive while my suspension is being lifted?
No, not unless you have a hardship license. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while resolving your suspension, contact FLHSMV about a hardship license request.
What if I do not know which court has my case?
Call FLHSMV at 850-617-2000 with your driver's license number or Social Security number. They can tell you which court issued the suspension and provide the court's contact information. You can also visit a local driver license office in person and ask them to look it up for you.
Do I have to go to court in person to lift my suspension?
Not always. For unpaid fines, you can usually pay by phone or mail without appearing. For failure to appear, you may need to go to court, but some courts allow you to resolve cases by phone or mail if you contact them first. Call the court and ask what options are available for your specific case.
What happens if I ignore my suspension?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 or more, and face jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your suspension can be extended. The longer you wait, the more expensive and complicated the situation becomes.