How a License Suspension Works in Florida
A suspended license in Florida means the state has temporarily revoked your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period. The suspension is not permanent — it has a defined end date — but you cannot drive until that date passes and you complete any required steps to restore your license.
Florida suspensions fall into two categories: administrative suspensions, which happen automatically when you meet certain conditions (like failing to pay a traffic fine or missing a court date), and court-ordered suspensions, which a judge imposes as part of a sentence. Both prevent you from driving, but the steps to restore your license differ depending on which type you have.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains the suspension. You cannot straightforward wait out the calendar date — you must take specific actions to have the suspension lifted, or it will remain on your record indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
- Florida suspensions are temporary but remain in effect until you complete restoration steps; waiting for the calendar date alone does not restore your license.
- The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- You can check your suspension status and reason through the DHSMV website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000.
- Restoration usually requires paying outstanding fines or fees, completing a defensive driving course or substance abuse program, and submitting a reinstatement request to DHSMV.
- Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, additional fines, and extended suspension periods.
The Most Common Reasons for Suspension in Florida
Unpaid traffic fines and court costs are the leading cause of suspension in Florida. If you receive a citation and do not pay the fine by the due date, or if you fail to appear in court for a traffic hearing, DHSMV will suspend your license automatically. The suspension stays in place until you pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs.
Failure to appear (FTA) in court is treated separately from the fine itself. Even if you pay the ticket, if you missed your court date, your license remains suspended until you resolve the FTA with the court. This often requires contacting the court clerk's office in the county where the ticket was issued and either appearing in person or requesting a continuance.
Child support arrears trigger automatic suspension through Florida's Child Support Enforcement program. If you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments, the state will suspend your license without a separate court hearing. Reinstatement requires working with the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office to bring your account current or establish a payment plan.
Driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points on your driving record, and DUI-related convictions also result in suspension. A DUI suspension is typically longer and may require completion of a substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
How to Find Out Why Your License Is Suspended
You can check your suspension status online through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "License and Permit Checks" section and select "Check Your Driver License Status." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your license is suspended, the reason for the suspension, and the date it is scheduled to be lifted (if applicable).
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They can tell you the suspension reason, what amount is owed (if any), and what steps you need to take to restore your license. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or ID, and staff can print a document showing your suspension status and the reason. This document is useful if you need to show proof of the suspension to an employer or court.
Steps to Restore Your Suspended License
The restoration process depends on the reason for your suspension. Start by confirming the exact reason and any amounts owed through the methods above.
For unpaid fines or court costs: Pay the full amount to the court that issued the citation. You can usually pay online through the court's website, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court processes your payment, they notify DHSMV, and your suspension is lifted. This can take three to five business days after payment.
For failure to appear: Contact the court clerk's office in the county where your case is pending. Explain that you missed your court date and ask what is required to resolve the FTA. You may need to appear in person, pay a failure-to-appear fee, or request a new court date. Once the court resolves the FTA, DHSMV will lift the suspension.
For child support arrears: Contact the Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement office at 1-800-622-5437 or visit their website at revenue.florida.gov. You will need to bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once your account status changes, the suspension is lifted automatically within a few business days.
For DUI-related suspensions: You must complete a substance abuse program (usually a DUI school course) and pay any fines. Some DUI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before you can drive again. Submit proof of program completion and any required fees to DHSMV.
The Reinstatement Fee and Final Steps
After you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension (paid fines, completed a program, or resolved a court matter), you must submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV. Florida charges a reinstatement fee of $150 for most suspensions. Some suspensions, such as those related to habitual traffic offender status, may have higher fees.
You can request reinstatement online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. If you request online, you will pay the reinstatement fee by credit card or debit card. By mail, send a check or money order payable to "DHSMV" along with a completed reinstatement form (available on the DHSMV website). Processing takes five to ten business days after DHSMV receives your request and payment.
Once your reinstatement is approved, DHSMV will mail you a new driver's license or send you a notice that your suspension has been lifted. You can then legally drive again. Keep your reinstatement confirmation or the notice from DHSMV in case you are stopped by law enforcement before your new license arrives.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and an additional six-month license suspension. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to up to five days in jail and a $250 fine, plus another six-month suspension. A third offense within ten years is a felony.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is suspended, you will be arrested and your vehicle may be impounded. You will face criminal charges in addition to the original suspension. This makes it critical to resolve your suspension before driving again, even if you believe the suspension was issued in error.
If you need to drive before your suspension is lifted, you may be able to request a hardship license (also called a business purposes license) from the court that issued your suspension. This allows limited driving for work, school, or medical appointments. Contact the court clerk's office to ask whether a hardship license is available for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
A hardship license is available only for certain suspension types and only through a court order. You must petition the court in the county where your suspension was issued, showing that you have a genuine need to drive for work, school, or medical treatment. Not all courts grant hardship licenses, and the process can take several weeks. Contact the court clerk's office to ask whether you are may be able to access.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay what I owe?
If you pay fines or fees directly to the court or agency, the suspension is typically lifted within three to five business days once they process your payment and notify DHSMV. If you also need to submit a reinstatement request to DHSMV, add another five to ten business days for processing. Total time is usually one to two weeks.
What if I think my suspension was issued by mistake?
Contact DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to request a review. If the suspension was issued in error, DHSMV can lift it when ready. If you believe the underlying fine or court matter was handled incorrectly, you will need to contact the court or agency that issued it to dispute the original decision. DHSMV can only remove suspensions that were issued in error; they cannot overturn court decisions.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I have already paid all my fines?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other amounts you owe. It is a fee charged by DHSMV to process your reinstatement request and restore your driving privileges. You must pay both the underlying debt and the $150 reinstatement fee.
Will a suspended license show up on a background check?
Yes. A suspended license appears on your driving record and will show up on background checks that include driving history. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains part of your record but is marked as resolved. Some employers and insurance companies may view a history of suspension, so resolving it promptly is important.