How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
You can check your Florida driver's license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without paying a fee. The fastest method is the online License and Permit Status Check tool at flhsmv.gov. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system tells you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service line at 1-850-617-3800. Have your license number ready. They can confirm your status over the phone, though wait times vary by time of day and season.
A third option is to visit a local DHSMV office in person. Bring your license or state ID. Staff can print your driving record on the spot, which shows your current status and the reason for any suspension. This also gives you a chance to ask questions about next steps.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online status checker at flhsmv.gov is free and shows your license status in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in arrest and additional charges.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of points, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered restitution.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for the suspension before you can restore your license, and restoration often requires paying a reinstatement fee to the DHSMV.
Why your license might be suspended in Florida
Florida suspends licenses for many reasons, and the cause determines how you restore it. The most common trigger is accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 points within 24 months, or 24 points within 36 months. Points come from traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents. A single serious violation—such as driving under the influence—can also result in suspension.
Non-driving reasons also suspend licenses. Failure to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution, failure to appear in court for a traffic case, and failure to maintain child support payments all trigger suspension. Some suspensions come from the Florida Department of Revenue for unpaid taxes or from the Department of Children and Families for unpaid child support.
Medical suspensions occur when the DHSMV receives a report that you have a condition that makes you unsafe to drive. This might come from a physician, an eye care professional, or a law enforcement officer. You can request a hearing to challenge a medical suspension.
What happens when you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $500, and a six-month license suspension on top of your existing suspension. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to up to five days in jail and a fine up to $750. A third offense within ten years becomes a felony.
Law enforcement can arrest you on the spot if they discover your license is suspended during a traffic stop. Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face towing and storage fees. A criminal record for driving with a suspended license can affect employment, housing, and insurance rates.
Even if you are not stopped, driving on a suspended license voids your auto insurance coverage. If you cause an accident, you are personally liable for all damages, and your insurance company can deny your claim.
Steps to restore your Florida driver's license
Restoration steps depend on why your license was suspended. For a points-based suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (usually six months to one year) and then pay the reinstatement fee, which is typically $150 to $250. You can check the exact fee and remaining suspension time on the DHSMV website or by calling customer service.
For suspensions due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or the entity that imposed the suspension. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the relevant agency (Department of Revenue, Department of Children and Families, etc.) to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once paid, the court or agency notifies the DHSMV, and your suspension is lifted.
For failure-to-appear suspensions, you must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or paying the fine. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out what is required. Some courts allow you to appear by phone or video.
For DUI-related suspensions, the process is more complex. You may be required to complete a substance abuse course, install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, and pay additional fees before you can restore your license. An attorney can help you understand your options.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
The DHSMV reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or restitution you owe. This fee is paid directly to the DHSMV and typically ranges from $150 to $250, depending on the reason for suspension. You pay it only once per suspension period, not every time you renew.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Online payment is the fastest method and takes effect when ready. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. In-person payment at an office is processed on the spot.
If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, some DHSMV offices may allow you to set up a payment plan. Call 1-850-617-3800 to ask about this option. Payment plans are not may provide and depend on your circumstances and the office's policies.
Hardship permits and restricted driving privileges
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work, medical treatment, or court-ordered obligations, you may be able to obtain a hardship permit (also called a restricted license). This permit allows you to drive only for specific purposes during your suspension period.
To request a hardship permit, you must file a petition with the court in the county where you were cited or where you live. You will need to show that the suspension causes undue hardship and that you have a legitimate need to drive. Examples include driving to work, to medical appointments, or to attend court-ordered programs. The court decides whether to grant the permit.
A hardship permit is not automatic. The court weighs factors such as whether you have other transportation options, how long the suspension will last, and the severity of the violation that caused the suspension. If granted, the permit specifies which roads you can use and what times you can drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Florida?
Suspension length depends on the cause. Points-based suspensions typically last six months for a first suspension, one year for a second within five years, and longer for subsequent suspensions. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear end once you resolve the underlying issue. DUI suspensions can last six months to several years depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense.
Can I drive to the DHSMV office to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even to conduct business related to your license. You must arrange alternative transportation or use a mail-in renewal if you are may be able to access. If you need to visit an office in person, ask a friend or family member to drive you.
What if I was not aware my license was suspended?
Lack of awareness is not a legal defense to driving with a suspended license. The DHSMV mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license, but mail can be delayed or lost. It is your responsibility to keep your address current and to check your status periodically. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV.
Do I need a lawyer to restore my license?
For most suspensions, you can restore your license on your own by paying fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period. However, if your suspension is due to a DUI, a medical condition, or a court case, an attorney can help you understand your options and represent you at a hearing if needed.
Will my insurance rates go up if my license was suspended?
Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record and signals to insurers that you are a higher-risk driver. Your rates will likely increase when you renew your policy. Some insurers may refuse to cover you until your suspension is resolved and your record is clear for a period of time.