How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
The fastest way to check is to visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website and use their license status lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number or your Social Security number. The tool tells you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled — and if it is suspended, it will show you why.
You can also call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your license number or Social Security number ready. A representative will look up your status and explain what led to the suspension.
A third option is to visit a local Florida DMV office in person. Bring your license or state ID. Staff can print a document showing your current status, which is useful if you need proof for your employer or insurance company.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online lookup tool at flhsmv.gov shows your license status when ready and explains the reason for any suspension.
- Common reasons for suspension in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, drug convictions, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
- You can call 850-617-3000 or visit a local DMV office if you prefer to speak with someone directly about your status.
- Once you address the underlying reason for suspension — paying fines, clearing a court hold, or completing a required program — you can request reinstatement through the DHSMV.
What the DHSMV lookup tool shows you
When you search your license status on the DHSMV website, the results page displays your current status and the specific reason or reasons for suspension. Florida suspensions fall into several categories: administrative (usually related to points or insurance lapses), criminal (related to drug or DUI convictions), financial (unpaid fines or court costs), and court-ordered (child support, criminal restitution, or other court holds).
The lookup tool also shows whether you have any holds on your license — these are blocks placed by courts, the Department of Revenue, or other agencies that prevent reinstatement until the underlying issue is resolved. If you have multiple holds, each one will be listed separately.
If the tool shows your license as active, you are clear to drive. If it shows suspended or revoked, do not drive — operating a vehicle on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Florida and carries its own penalties.
Common reasons Florida suspends licenses
The most frequent cause is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Florida uses a points system: minor violations like speeding add 3 points, reckless driving adds 4 points, and at-fault accidents add points depending on severity. If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. Reaching 18 points within 18 months results in an 18-month suspension.
Financial holds are also common. These include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to pay child support. The Florida Department of Revenue places holds for unpaid child support, and courts place holds for unpaid fines or restitution. Until the money is paid, the DHSMV cannot reinstate your license even if you request it.
Criminal suspensions result from convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), drug-related offenses, or reckless driving causing injury or death. These suspensions are typically longer and may require completion of a substance abuse course or other program before reinstatement is possible.
Administrative suspensions happen when you fail to maintain car insurance, fail to respond to a traffic citation, or fail to pay a traffic fine within the important date set by the court.
What to do if your license is suspended
Your first step is to understand exactly why it is suspended. The DHSMV lookup tool or a phone call to 850-617-3000 will tell you. Write down the reason and any case numbers or court information provided — you will need these details to resolve the suspension.
Next, address the underlying cause. If it is unpaid fines, contact the court listed on your suspension notice and pay the amount owed. If it is a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (30 days for 12 points, 18 months for 18 points) and then request reinstatement. If it is a criminal suspension, you may need to complete a required program — the DHSMV letter will specify what is required.
Once you have resolved the cause, you can request reinstatement. You can do this online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the type of suspension but typically ranges from $25 to $150. The DHSMV will tell you the exact fee when you request reinstatement.
Checking your driving record for points
Your suspension may be based on points you have accumulated, so it is worth reviewing your full driving record. You can order a copy of your Florida driving record from the DHSMV website or by mail. The record shows every traffic violation, accident, and conviction on your license for the past three to five years, along with the points assigned to each.
Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation. After three years, they drop off automatically and no longer count toward suspension. If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly, you can dispute it by contacting the court where the ticket was issued.
Some violations, like DUI or reckless driving, stay on your record longer than three years and carry heavier point values. If you have one of these on your record, it will have a larger impact on your suspension risk.
Driving on a suspended license in Florida
Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended is a separate criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to up to five days in jail and a $250 fine. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension period, add more points to your record, and make it harder to get your license back. If you need to drive before your suspension ends, ask the DHSMV about a hardship license (also called a business purposes license). These are limited licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship license, but it is worth asking.
Getting a hardship license while suspended
A hardship license lets you drive for specific purposes during a suspension period. In Florida, you can request one if your suspension is based on points, an insurance lapse, or certain administrative reasons. You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is for a DUI, drug conviction, or unpaid child support.
To request a hardship license, contact your local DMV office or the DHSMV directly. You will need to show proof of financial hardship — typically a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive for work, or documentation of medical appointments or school enrollment. There is a fee, usually around $25 to $50.
A hardship license is not a full license. It restricts where and when you can drive. Violating the restrictions — for example, driving somewhere other than work — is a separate offense and can result in criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. If you are caught, you face jail time, fines, and an extended suspension. You may be able to request a hardship license for limited driving purposes like work or medical appointments, but you must get approval from the DHSMV first.
How long does a suspension last in Florida?
It depends on the reason. A points suspension lasts 30 days for 12 points or 18 months for 18 points. Criminal suspensions for DUI or drug convictions last longer, sometimes several years. Financial suspensions stay in place until the debt is paid. The DHSMV lookup tool will show your specific suspension length.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my license?
Yes. Reinstatement fees in Florida range from $25 to $150 depending on the suspension type. You pay this fee when you request reinstatement, after you have resolved the underlying cause of the suspension. The DHSMV will tell you the exact amount when you explore.
What if I moved out of Florida — does my suspension still explore?
Yes. A Florida license suspension follows you to other states through the Interstate Compact, an agreement between states to recognize each other's license suspensions. You cannot straightforward move and get a license in another state while a Florida suspension is active. You must resolve the suspension through Florida first.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The DHSMV lookup tool requires your own license number or Social Security number for privacy reasons. Only you, law enforcement, or a court can access your license status information.