Start with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the state agency that suspended your license, and they are your first call. You can reach them at 850-617-3800 during business hours Monday through Friday. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

DHSMV can tell you the exact reason for your suspension, when it took effect, and what you must do to get it reinstated. Different suspension types have different requirements — some require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require you to complete a course or provide proof of insurance, and some require all three. The person on the phone will walk you through what applies to your case.

If you cannot reach someone by phone or prefer to handle this in writing, you can visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use their online services portal. You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person — there are locations in every county. Bring your ID and any documents related to why your license was suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Florida DHSMV at 850-617-3800 to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to reinstate it.
  • Different suspension types require different actions — some need a reinstatement fee, others need proof of insurance or a completed course, and some need multiple things.
  • If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may need to contact the court or the Department of Revenue before DHSMV can reinstate your license.
  • You can handle reinstatement online through flhsmv.gov, by phone, or in person at any county DHSMV office.

Contact information for suspension-specific issues

Some suspensions point you to other agencies. If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, the court that issued the ticket must clear the suspension before DHSMV can reinstate your license. Call the clerk's office for the county court where the ticket was issued and ask what you owe and how to pay it.

If your suspension is tied to child support arrears, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 850-488-1193. They manage the child support suspension program and can tell you the amount owed and payment options. Once you pay or set up a payment plan, the Department of Revenue notifies DHSMV and your suspension is lifted.

If your suspension resulted from a DUI conviction, you will need to contact the court that handled your case. Some DUI suspensions require you to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible. The court will explain what is required in your situation.

Understanding reinstatement fees and what they cover

Most Florida license suspensions require a reinstatement fee. The amount varies depending on the reason for suspension — it is typically between $150 and $500. This fee is separate from any fines you may owe to a court or any child support arrears. You pay the reinstatement fee directly to DHSMV, either online, by mail, or in person at an DHSMV office.

The reinstatement fee does not restore your license when ready. After you pay it and complete any other requirements (like providing proof of insurance or finishing a required course), DHSMV processes your request. Processing usually takes a few business days. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick one up at an DHSMV office.

What to do if you need to drive before your license is reinstated

Florida does not issue temporary driving permits for suspended licenses. However, you may be able to request a hardship license if your suspension is for certain reasons — typically if you need to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Call DHSMV at 850-617-3800 and ask whether a hardship license is available for your type of suspension.

A hardship license is not a full license. It restricts where and when you can drive, and you must carry documentation showing the hardship reason. Not all suspension types may have access to for a hardship license, so ask DHSMV before you make the trip to an office.

How to check your suspension status online

You can check whether your license is currently suspended without calling. Visit flhsmv.gov and select "Check Driver License Status" from the online services menu. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your current status and, if suspended, the reason and reinstatement requirements.

This online check is useful if you are not sure whether your suspension is still active or if you have already completed the reinstatement steps and want to confirm your license is restored. The status updates within one business day after DHSMV processes your reinstatement.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor that can result in jail time, fines, and additional license suspension. The penalties increase if you have prior violations. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle will likely be impounded.

This is why it matters to resolve your suspension quickly and to ask about a hardship license if you need to drive. The cost and time of reinstatement are far less than the cost of a criminal charge and the complications it creates for employment, housing, and insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Florida license suspension last?

The length depends on the reason. Some suspensions last six months, others last a year or longer. Traffic-related suspensions are often shorter than DUI-related ones. DHSMV will tell you the end date when you call, and you can also see it in the online status check.

Can I get my license back if I move out of Florida?

Your Florida suspension follows you. If you move to another state, that state may not recognize your Florida license anyway, but you cannot straightforward get a license in a new state to avoid a Florida suspension. You must resolve the suspension with Florida before you can legally drive in any state.

What if I disagree with the reason my license was suspended?

You have the right to request a hearing. Contact DHSMV and ask for an administrative hearing. You will need to file a written request within a certain timeframe — DHSMV will explain the important date when you call. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue your case before a hearing officer.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I think the suspension was wrong?

You must pay the fee to reinstate your license, but paying it does not prevent you from requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension. You can pay the fee, get your license back, and still pursue a hearing if you believe the suspension was improper. If you win the hearing, DHSMV may refund the fee.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Call DHSMV and ask about payment plans. Some suspension types allow you to pay the fee in installments rather than all at once. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a payment plan, so ask what options are available for your specific situation.