How to find out your suspension status in Florida
You can check whether your Florida driver's license is suspended through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by phone, or in person at a local DMV office. The fastest method is the online check, which takes about two minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.
Go to flhsmv.gov and select "Check Driver License Status" from the homepage. Enter your license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. The system will show your current status — active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled — and if suspended, the reason and the date the suspension began.
If you prefer not to use the website, call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3800 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your license number ready. You can also visit any Florida DMV office in person and ask a clerk to check your status on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online status checker at flhsmv.gov is the fastest way to confirm whether your license is suspended, and it shows the reason and start date.
- If you cannot access the website, call 1-850-617-3800 during business hours or visit a local DMV office with your license number.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense with fines, jail time, and additional suspension.
- The suspension reason determines what you must do to restore your license — some require paying fines or court costs, others require completing a course or waiting out a period.
What the status check will tell you
When you check your status, the system displays not just whether you are suspended, but the reason code for the suspension. Common reasons include failure to pay a traffic fine, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points from traffic violations, suspension for a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, and suspension for unpaid child support or court-ordered fines.
The status page also shows the effective date — when the suspension took effect — and sometimes the reinstatement date if the suspension is automatic after a set period. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines may lift automatically once you pay, while a suspension for points accumulation may require you to wait a minimum number of months before you can request reinstatement.
Write down or screenshot the reason code and any dates shown. You will need this information when you contact the court, the DHSMV, or a traffic attorney to understand what steps are required to restore your license.
Common reasons your Florida license might be suspended
The most frequent cause is failure to pay a traffic fine or court costs. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports this to the DHSMV and your license is suspended automatically. The suspension lifts once you pay the full amount owed plus any collection fees.
A second common reason is accumulation of points. Florida assigns points to moving violations — a speeding ticket is 3 points, a reckless driving conviction is 4 points. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 points within 18 months, the suspension is 90 days. If you accumulate 24 points within 36 months, the suspension is 12 months.
Other frequent causes include failure to appear in court after receiving a ticket, DUI conviction or refusal to submit to a breath test, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and unpaid child support or court-ordered restitution. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements and timelines.
What you cannot do while suspended
A suspended license means you do not have legal permission to operate any motor vehicle on Florida roads. This includes cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense, not a civil violation.
The penalties depend on how many times you have driven on a suspended license. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is also a first-degree misdemeanor with the same penalties.
Additionally, if you are caught driving on a suspended license, the DHSMV will extend your suspension — typically by adding another six months to the original suspension period. This means a single traffic stop can turn a three-month suspension into a nine-month one.
Steps to restore your license after suspension
The reinstatement process depends on the reason for suspension. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court's traffic division directly to confirm the exact amount, including any collection fees or court costs that have accrued.
If your suspension was for points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period (30, 90, or 12 months depending on how many points you had). Once the waiting period ends, you do not automatically get your license back — you must request reinstatement from the DHSMV. You can do this online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a reinstatement fee of $45.
If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you must complete a DUI course approved by the DHSMV, pay reinstatement fees, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. If your suspension was for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or working with an attorney, then request reinstatement.
For suspensions related to child support or court-ordered payments, you must contact the agency handling the case (usually the Department of Revenue or a court) to confirm that the debt has been satisfied or a payment plan established.
How long reinstatement takes
If you are paying a fine or court cost, reinstatement can happen within one to three business days after the court confirms payment to the DHSMV. If you are requesting reinstatement after a waiting period, the DHSMV typically processes your request within five to ten business days if you submit it online or by mail.
If your case is more complex — for example, if you need to complete a DUI course or resolve a court case — reinstatement may take several weeks. Some courts are slower than others at reporting payment or case resolution to the DHSMV, which can delay the process.
Do not assume your license is automatically restored on the reinstatement date. Check your status again online or by phone after the expected processing time to confirm the suspension has been lifted. If it has not, contact the DHSMV or the relevant court to find out why.
When to contact a traffic attorney
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, if you need to challenge the underlying ticket or conviction, or if you are facing criminal charges for driving on a suspended license, consider consulting a traffic attorney. An attorney can review your case, request a hearing with the DHSMV if appropriate, negotiate with the court, or represent you in criminal proceedings.
Many traffic attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on flat fees for common cases like license reinstatement. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to request a public defender if you are facing criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive anywhere, including to work, to the store, or to a medical appointment. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. Some states offer hardship licenses that allow limited driving, but Florida does not issue these for most suspension reasons.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for points accumulation last 30, 90, or 12 months. Suspensions for unpaid fines lift once you pay. Suspensions for DUI typically last six months to one year. Suspensions for failure to appear can last until you resolve the court case. Check your status online to see the specific timeline for your suspension.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A suspended license will not appear on a standard criminal background check, but it will show on a driving record check. Employers who require a valid driver's license, insurance companies, and law enforcement can all see a suspension on your driving record. Some employers may not hire you if your job requires driving and your license is suspended.
What if I moved out of Florida — is my suspension still valid?
Yes. Florida suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, and most states honor suspensions from other states. If you move to another state and try to get a license there, the new state will see the Florida suspension and likely will not issue you a license until it is resolved. You must reinstate your Florida license or resolve the underlying issue before you can obtain a valid license in another state.
Can I get my suspension lifted early?
In rare cases, yes. If you can show hardship — for example, loss of employment due to inability to drive — you can request a hardship hearing with the DHSMV. However, Florida grants these very rarely and only for specific suspension reasons. Your best option is to pay any fines owed or complete any required courses as quickly as possible to restore your license on the normal timeline.