What the Broward County Clerk of Courts can and cannot do for your license
The Broward County Clerk of Courts does not reinstate driver's licenses. That is the job of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The clerk's office handles court cases, fines, and records — but license reinstatement is a separate administrative process run entirely by DHSMV.
If your license was suspended or revoked because of a court case in Broward County — a DUI conviction, unpaid traffic fines, or a failure to appear in court — you may need to resolve that court matter first. Once the court issue is cleared, you then contact DHSMV to request reinstatement. The Broward County Clerk can tell you whether your case is resolved, but they cannot reinstate the license itself.
Understanding which agency handles which step saves time and prevents you from going to the wrong office.
Key Takeaways
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles court fines and case records, but DHSMV handles all license reinstatement decisions.
- If your suspension came from a Broward court case, you must resolve that case (pay fines, complete required programs, or satisfy court orders) before DHSMV will consider reinstatement.
- You can contact the Broward County Clerk at 954-831-6000 to check whether your specific court case is closed or still active.
- Once your court matter is resolved, you submit a reinstatement request directly to DHSMV online, by mail, or in person at a Florida driver license office.
- Reinstatement fees, required documentation, and processing time depend on the reason your license was suspended or revoked.
Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement
Florida suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines what you must do to get it back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, accumulation of points, or failure to complete a required program (such as traffic school or DUI education).
If the suspension came from a Broward County court case, the Clerk of Courts has a record of your case and can tell you what the court ordered. You may need to pay outstanding fines, provide proof that you completed a mandated program, or show that you satisfied other court conditions. Until those steps are done, DHSMV will not process a reinstatement request.
If your suspension came from a different reason — such as points accumulated from multiple traffic violations, or a suspension from another county or state — the process may be different. DHSMV's website lists all active suspensions under your name, and you can check this before contacting either agency.
How to find out what your Broward court case requires
Contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 954-831-6000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays). Have your case number or driver's license number ready. The clerk's staff can tell you whether your case is closed, what fines or conditions remain unpaid or incomplete, and what documents you need to provide as proof of compliance.
You can also visit the Clerk's office in person at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Records and Payments section handles inquiries about case status and can accept payments for outstanding fines. If you prefer to search online, the Broward County Clerk's website has a case search tool where you can look up your case by name or case number — though this shows only basic information, and staff can provide more detail by phone.
Write down exactly what the clerk tells you: the case number, the amount of any remaining fines, the name of any program you must complete, and the important date (if one exists). This information becomes your checklist before you contact DHSMV.
Steps to resolve your court case before requesting reinstatement
Once you know what your Broward court case requires, follow these steps in order:
- Pay any outstanding fines. You can pay by phone (954-831-6000), online through the Clerk's website, by mail, or in person. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number — you will need proof of payment when you contact DHSMV.
- Complete any required programs. If the court ordered traffic school, DUI education, or another program, enroll and finish it. Request a certificate of completion from the program provider and keep it with your other documents.
- Satisfy any other court orders. This might include community service, probation completion, or restitution. Contact the court or your probation officer to confirm when these are finished.
- Confirm the case is closed. Call the Clerk again at 954-831-6000 and ask them to verify that all court requirements are met and the case is closed. Request written confirmation if possible.
How to request reinstatement from DHSMV after your court case is resolved
Once your Broward court case is fully resolved, you contact DHSMV — not the Clerk — to request license reinstatement. DHSMV offers three ways to submit a reinstatement request: online through their website (flhsmv.gov), by mail, or in person at any Florida driver license office.
The online method is fastest. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "License Reinstatement," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and payment information for the reinstatement fee. DHSMV will process your request and notify you by mail within a few weeks.
If you mail your request, send it to the DHSMV address listed on their website along with proof that your court case is resolved (payment receipts, program certificates, or written confirmation from the Clerk). Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Processing by mail takes longer — typically four to six weeks.
You can also visit a Florida driver license office in person. Bring your proof of court resolution and payment. Staff will process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order, though you may need to take a new photo and pay the fee at that time.
Reinstatement fees and what to expect after you submit your request
DHSMV charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension. The fee typically ranges from $25 to $150, but the exact amount depends on your specific case. When you contact DHSMV or visit their website, they will tell you the fee for your situation.
After you submit your reinstatement request, DHSMV processes it and sends you a letter with the decision. If approved, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again. If denied, the letter explains why — usually because a court requirement was not fully met or documentation was incomplete. In that case, contact the Clerk again to resolve the remaining issue, then resubmit your reinstatement request.
Processing time varies. Online requests may be approved within two to three weeks. Mail requests take four to six weeks. If you need your license sooner, visiting a driver license office in person is the fastest option.
What to do if you cannot find your case or the Clerk says it is still open
If the Clerk tells you your case is still active or you cannot locate your case number, ask the staff member for the specific reason. Common issues include: fines that were never paid, a failure to appear that was never resolved, or a program that was never completed. The Clerk can tell you exactly what step is missing.
If you believe the case should be closed but the Clerk's records show it as open, you may need to speak with the prosecutor's office or the judge's office. The Clerk can provide you with the contact information for the appropriate office. Do not assume the case is resolved until the Clerk confirms it in writing.
If your case involves a DUI or a serious traffic offense, you may also need to contact your probation officer or the court-ordered program provider to confirm that all conditions are met. These agencies sometimes report completion to the court, and there can be a delay between when you finish and when the court's records are updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Broward County Clerk reinstate my license directly?
No. The Clerk handles court cases and fines, but DHSMV handles all license reinstatement decisions. You must resolve your court case through the Clerk, then request reinstatement from DHSMV.
What if my suspension is from a different county or state?
Contact DHSMV directly. If your suspension came from outside Broward County, the Broward Clerk cannot help. DHSMV can tell you the reason for suspension and what you need to do to get it lifted.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online requests typically take two to three weeks. Mail requests take four to six weeks. In-person requests at a driver license office are processed when ready if all documents are complete.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I already paid my court fines?
Yes. Court fines and the DHSMV reinstatement fee are separate charges. The reinstatement fee goes to DHSMV and covers the cost of processing your request and restoring your license.
What if DHSMV denies my reinstatement request?
The denial letter explains why. Usually it means a court requirement was not fully met or your documentation was incomplete. Contact the Clerk or the relevant court office to resolve the issue, then resubmit your request to DHSMV.