Florida suspends your license when you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tracks points on your driving record based on traffic violations. Each violation carries a set number of points. When your total reaches certain thresholds within specific time windows, the state automatically suspends your license. The three suspension triggers are: 12 points accumulated within any 12-month period, 18 points within any 18-month period, or 24 points within any 36-month period. Whichever threshold you hit first is the one that triggers suspension.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. This means an old violation can still count toward a suspension if you rack up new violations quickly. The suspension is not optional — once you cross the threshold, the state issues a notice and your license becomes invalid on the date specified in that notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months triggers an automatic license suspension in Florida.
  • Common violations carry 3, 4, or 6 points; a single serious violation like reckless driving (6 points) combined with a few minor ones can reach 12 points quickly.
  • Points remain on your record for three years, so violations from earlier in the year still count if you get cited again.
  • You can reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to 4 points from your record once every 12 months.
  • If suspended, you must wait the suspension period and then request reinstatement; you cannot drive legally during the suspension even with a hardship permit.

How many points each violation costs

Florida assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A minor infraction like speeding 1–15 miles per hour over the limit costs 3 points. Speeding 16–29 miles per hour over the limit costs 4 points. Speeding 30 miles per hour or more over the limit costs 6 points. Reckless driving, careless driving, and improper lane change each carry 4 points.

More serious violations carry higher point totals. Fleeing or eluding police, driving with a suspended license, and at-fault accidents with injury or property damage all carry 6 points. Hit-and-run accidents carry 6 points. Driving under the influence (DUI) carries 6 points. A single serious violation combined with a few minor ones can push you toward the 12-point suspension threshold in just a few months.

The three suspension thresholds and what triggers each one

The first threshold is 12 points in 12 months. If you accumulate 12 or more points within any rolling 12-month period, your license is suspended. This is the most common suspension trigger because it requires the fewest points and the shortest time window.

The second threshold is 18 points in 18 months. If you have not yet hit 12 points in 12 months but you reach 18 points within any 18-month period, suspension is triggered. This applies to drivers with a longer history of violations spread over a wider time frame.

The third threshold is 24 points in 36 months. If you have not triggered either of the first two thresholds, reaching 24 points within any 36-month period results in suspension. This catches drivers who accumulate violations slowly but steadily over three years.

How to reduce points on your record

Florida allows you to remove up to 4 points from your driving record by completing an approved defensive driving course. You can do this once every 12 months. The course is typically offered online or in person and takes a few hours to complete. You pay a fee to the course provider, which varies but is usually between $20 and $50.

After you finish the course, you receive a certificate of completion. You must submit this certificate to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or to the court that handled your citation. The points are removed from your record after the department processes your request, which usually takes a few weeks. This reduction does not erase the violation itself — it only removes the points associated with it.

A defensive driving course is most useful if you are close to a suspension threshold. If you have 10 points and are worried about hitting 12, taking the course brings you down to 6 points and gives you breathing room. However, the course does not prevent suspension if you have already crossed a threshold — it only helps you avoid future suspensions.

What happens when you reach the suspension threshold

When your points reach a suspension threshold, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sends you a notice by mail. The notice includes the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and instructions for requesting reinstatement. The suspension start date is usually 10 to 30 days after the notice is mailed, giving you time to prepare.

Your license becomes invalid on the suspension start date. Driving during a suspension is illegal and can result in additional charges, fines, and a longer suspension period. You cannot obtain a hardship permit or work permit to drive during a points-based suspension — those are only available for suspensions related to unpaid tickets, child support, or other specific reasons.

The length of the suspension depends on your driving history. A first suspension is typically 6 months. A second suspension within five years is typically one year. A third or subsequent suspension within five years is typically 18 months. After the suspension period ends, you must request reinstatement from the department and pay a reinstatement fee, which is usually around $100.

How to request reinstatement after suspension ends

Once your suspension period is over, you cannot straightforward start driving again. You must formally request reinstatement from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You can request reinstatement online through the department's website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office.

To request reinstatement, you need your driver license number, your Social Security number, and payment for the reinstatement fee. The fee is non-refundable. After you submit your request and payment, the department processes it and mails you a new license or a notice that your reinstatement is complete. This process usually takes one to two weeks. Until you receive confirmation, your license remains suspended and you cannot drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended for points?

No. Hardship licenses are only available for suspensions due to unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or suspension for refusing a breath test. A suspension triggered by accumulating too many points does not may have access to for a hardship license. You must wait out the full suspension period.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward Florida suspension?

Yes. Florida counts violations from other states if you were convicted of them. The points assigned may differ from what the other state assigned, but Florida converts them to its own point scale. Points from other states stay on your Florida record for three years just like in-state violations.

If I take a defensive driving course, do I have to tell my insurance company?

No, but you should. Many insurance companies offer a discount if you complete a defensive driving course, usually 5 to 10 percent off your premium for three years. You will need to provide your certificate of completion to your insurer to claim the discount. The discount is separate from the point reduction you get from the state.

What if I get a violation while my license is already suspended?

Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation that carries 6 points. If you are caught driving during a suspension, you face criminal charges, fines up to $500, possible jail time, and an extended suspension. The new violation also adds to your point total, which can trigger another suspension after your current one ends.

How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?

Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your reinstatement request and fee. You will receive a new license by mail or can pick one up at a driver license office. You cannot drive legally until you have received your new license or official confirmation of reinstatement from the department.