What causes a license suspension in Florida

In Florida, your driver's license can be suspended for reasons that fall into a few broad categories: traffic violations, failure to pay court fines or child support, medical or safety concerns, and administrative issues like not carrying proof of insurance. The most common reason is a suspension tied to a DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test. Florida also suspends licenses for accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a set time period — typically 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months.

A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored once you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process, which is much harder. Most suspensions in Florida last between a few months and a few years, depending on the reason.

You may also face a suspension if you fail to appear in court, don't pay a traffic fine, or don't maintain proof of financial responsibility (usually car insurance). If you're under 18, your license can be suspended for dropping out of school or failing a drug test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues suspensions for DUI convictions, traffic point accumulation, unpaid fines, and failure to maintain insurance.
  • You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.
  • Reinstating your license usually requires paying reinstatement fees, completing required courses or programs, and sometimes serving a waiting period.
  • Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, fines, and additional license suspension time.
  • Some suspensions can be reduced or lifted early if you meet specific conditions, such as installing an ignition interlock device or completing a DUI course.

How to learn about your Florida license is suspended

The fastest way to check your suspension status is through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website at flhsmv.gov. You can search your driving record online using your driver's license number and date of birth. The search will show whether your license is currently suspended, the reason for the suspension, and the date it will be lifted — if one is set.

You can also call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to speak with someone who can tell you the status and explain what you need to do to reinstate your license. Have your driver's license number ready. If you're not sure whether you have a suspension, checking before you drive is important — driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida.

Reinstatement fees and what you must do to restore your license

Reinstating a suspended license in Florida requires paying a reinstatement fee to the DHSMV. The fee is typically $75, but it can be higher if your suspension was for DUI or other serious violations. You must also pay any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or child support that led to the suspension in the first place.

Beyond fees, the steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for accumulating traffic points, you may only need to pay the fee and wait out any required waiting period. If it was a DUI suspension, you will likely need to complete a DUI course (usually a 12-hour program) and may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period. If the suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, you must show proof of current coverage before reinstatement.

Once you have completed all requirements and paid all fees, you can submit your reinstatement request to the DHSMV in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. Processing typically takes a few weeks.

DUI suspensions and ignition interlock requirements

A DUI conviction in Florida results in an automatic license suspension. A first-time DUI suspension lasts six months if you refused a breath test, or three months if you took the test and failed. A second DUI within five years results in a five-year suspension. A third or subsequent DUI within ten years can result in a ten-year suspension or permanent revocation.

To reinstate your license after a DUI suspension, you must complete a DUI course approved by the Florida Department of Education. You must also install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The length of time you must use the device depends on your conviction history — typically six months for a first offense, but longer for repeat offenses.

The cost of the DUI course is usually between $200 and $400. The ignition interlock device costs vary but typically run $50 to $100 per month for installation, monitoring, and maintenance. These costs are in addition to the $75 reinstatement fee and any court fines.

Point accumulation and how it leads to suspension

Florida uses a point system for traffic violations. Each violation carries a point value — for example, speeding is typically 3 points, reckless driving is 4 points, and at-fault accidents are 4 points. When you accumulate too many points within a certain time frame, your license is automatically suspended.

The thresholds are: 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months. Once you hit one of these thresholds, the DHSMV will send you a notice of suspension. The suspension lasts until you meet reinstatement requirements, which usually include paying the reinstatement fee and waiting out a suspension period (often 30 days).

You can reduce points on your record by completing a defensive driving course. Florida allows you to remove up to 4 points if you take an approved course once every 12 months. This can help you avoid suspension or reduce the length of a suspension you are already facing.

Suspensions for unpaid fines, child support, and insurance violations

Florida suspends licenses for reasons beyond traffic violations. If you fail to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered child support, the court can request that the DHSMV suspend your license. If you fail to maintain proof of insurance and are caught driving without it, your license can be suspended for up to three years on a first offense.

To reinstate your license in these cases, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, catch up on child support, or show proof of current insurance. Once you have done so, you can request reinstatement through the DHSMV. The reinstatement fee still applies.

If you are facing suspension for unpaid fines or child support, contact the court or the Florida Department of Revenue (which handles child support enforcement) to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. Some courts will agree to reduce or waive fines if you demonstrate financial hardship.

Driving on a suspended license in Florida

Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years is a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. You will also face additional license suspension time — typically an additional six months to one year.

If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, you will likely be arrested. Your vehicle may be impounded. You will face criminal charges in addition to the original suspension. For this reason, it is critical to either reinstate your license or find alternative transportation while your license is suspended.

If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, you may be able to request a hardship license (also called a business purposes license) from the DHSMV. This allows limited driving for specific purposes. The requirements and availability vary depending on the reason for your suspension, so contact the DHSMV to ask whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

A suspension itself is temporary and will be removed from your record once it is lifted. However, the violation that caused the suspension — such as a DUI conviction or traffic violation — will remain on your driving record for a longer period. DUI convictions stay on your record for 75 years in Florida, while most traffic violations stay for three to five years.

Can I get my suspension reduced or lifted early?

Some suspensions can be reduced if you meet certain conditions early. For example, if you install an ignition interlock device before the required date, you may be able to shorten a DUI suspension. Contact the DHSMV or speak with a traffic attorney to find out whether your specific suspension qualifies for early relief.

What is a hardship license and how do I get one?

A hardship license allows you to drive for specific purposes — such as work, school, or medical treatment — while your license is suspended. You must show that you have a genuine need to drive and no other reasonable transportation. You can request one through the DHSMV, but availability depends on the reason for your suspension. DUI suspensions typically do not may have access to unless you install an ignition interlock device.

Do I have to pay reinstatement fees if I was suspended by mistake?

If your suspension was issued in error, you can request that the DHSMV correct it. Contact the DHSMV with documentation showing the error, and they will review your case. If the suspension is lifted due to an error, you should not be charged a reinstatement fee. However, if the suspension was valid but you believe the reason was unfair, you may need to work with a traffic attorney to challenge it in court.

Will a suspended license affect my car insurance?

Yes. If your license is suspended, your car insurance policy may be cancelled or non-renewed. Once your license is reinstated, you will need to show proof of insurance to the DHSMV before you can legally drive again. You may also face higher insurance rates because of the suspension and the violation that caused it.