How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a record of every suspended license in the state. You can check your status yourself in minutes without calling anyone or visiting an office. The fastest way is through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov — look for the "License Status Check" tool on the homepage. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-850-617-2000. They can tell you whether your license is suspended, why it was suspended, and what you need to do to restore it. Have your license number ready when you call.
A third option is to visit a Florida Driver License office in person. Bring your license or ID, and staff can print your driving record on the spot. This takes longer than the online tool but gives you a paper copy you can keep.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your license status online at flhsmv.gov using your license number and date of birth, or by calling 1-850-617-2000.
- Florida suspends licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, and accumulating too many points.
- The reason for your suspension determines what you must do to restore your license — some require payment, others require a medical evaluation or a hearing.
- Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Florida and can result in arrest, fines, and additional suspension time.
- Once you complete the required steps, you must formally request reinstatement through DHSMV; your license does not automatically restore.
Common reasons Florida suspends a driver's license
Florida does not suspend licenses for a single reason. The most common cause is accumulating too many points on your driving record — typically 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months. Each traffic violation adds points: a speeding ticket might add 3 points, a reckless driving charge might add 4.
Other frequent reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and conviction of certain crimes. If you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), your license is typically suspended when ready, even before trial. Suspension can also result from failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket or from accumulating too many violations within a short time.
Some suspensions are temporary — they lift automatically after a set period if you meet certain conditions. Others remain in place until you take specific action, such as paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or obtaining a medical clearance.
What the suspension notice should tell you
When DHSMV suspends your license, they mail you a notice explaining the reason, the effective date, and how long the suspension lasts. This notice is the key document you need. It will say whether your suspension is temporary (lifting on a specific date) or conditional (lifting only after you complete an action).
Read the notice carefully for the reinstatement requirements. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, the notice lists the amount owed and where to pay it. If it is due to points, the notice may require you to complete a traffic school course. If it is medical, the notice will explain what documentation you need from a doctor. Keep this notice — you will need it when you request reinstatement.
If you did not receive a notice, or if you lost it, you can request a copy from DHSMV by phone or by visiting a Driver License office. The online status check will also tell you the reason for suspension, though it may not include all the details about reinstatement steps.
Steps to restore your license after suspension
Restoration steps depend on why your license was suspended. If the suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court or the agency listed on your suspension notice to find out exactly how much you owe and where to send payment. Once you pay, keep your receipt.
If the suspension was for accumulating points, you may need to complete a traffic school course approved by Florida. Some suspensions lift automatically after the course is finished; others require you to request reinstatement after completion. Check your suspension notice or call DHSMV to confirm.
If the suspension was medical, you will need a letter from a physician stating that you are safe to drive. The letter must address the specific medical condition that led to suspension. Submit this letter to DHSMV along with a reinstatement request.
After you complete the required steps, you must formally request reinstatement. You cannot straightforward start driving again. Submit your reinstatement request to DHSMV by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License office. Include proof that you have met all requirements — receipts for paid fines, completion certificates for courses, medical clearance letters, or whatever your suspension notice required. DHSMV will review your request and notify you when your license is restored.
Reinstatement fees and processing time
Florida charges a reinstatement fee when you restore a suspended license. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long it lasted, but typically ranges from $45 to $150. You must pay this fee in addition to any fines, court costs, or other amounts owed. Ask DHSMV what the exact fee is for your situation when you call or visit.
Processing time for reinstatement requests varies. If you submit everything correctly and meet all requirements, reinstatement may take one to two weeks. If your paperwork is incomplete or if DHSMV needs to verify information, it can take longer. During this time, your license remains suspended — you cannot drive legally.
Some Driver License offices can process reinstatement requests faster if you visit in person and bring all required documents. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need and whether the office can process your request the same day.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested on the spot. The charge is typically a misdemeanor, though it becomes a felony if your license has been suspended multiple times or if you caused an accident while driving suspended.
Penalties include fines (typically $250 to $500 for a first offense), jail time (up to 60 days for a misdemeanor), and additional suspension time added to your existing suspension. Your car may be impounded, and you will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back. A criminal record for driving suspended can affect your employment, housing, and insurance rates.
If you need to drive before your license is restored, some suspensions allow you to request a hardship license, which permits you to drive only for work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Not all suspensions may have access to for a hardship license — call DHSMV to ask whether yours does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Florida?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for points typically last six months to one year. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Suspensions for DUI can last six months to three years depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense. Check your suspension notice or call DHSMV for the specific duration of your suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Some suspensions allow a hardship license, which lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Not all suspension reasons may have access to. Call DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000 and ask whether a hardship license is available for your situation. If it is, you will need to complete an process and pay a fee.
What if I cannot pay the fines right away?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you set up a payment plan, your suspension may be lifted while you pay, or you may become may be able to access for a hardship license. Do not ignore the fines — they grow with interest and penalties.
Does my suspension show up on a background check?
A suspended license is part of your driving record, which employers, landlords, and insurance companies can see. It does not appear on a criminal background check unless you were charged with a crime for driving suspended. Your driving record is separate from your criminal record.
What if I moved out of Florida — do I still need to restore my license?
If you move to another state, your Florida suspension remains on your record. When you explore for a license in your new state, they will see the Florida suspension. Most states will not issue you a license until you clear the suspension in Florida. Contact DHSMV to find out what you need to do to restore your Florida license from out of state.