The cost to reinstate a suspended license in Florida depends on why it was suspended, but you will pay at least a $75 reinstatement fee plus any fines or fees tied to the reason for suspension
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) charges a base reinstatement fee of $75 for most suspensions. On top of that, you may owe additional money: court fines if the suspension came from a traffic conviction, child support arrears if it was suspended for non-payment, or fees from the Florida Department of Revenue if it was suspended for unpaid taxes or other debts. The total can range from $75 to several hundred dollars depending on your situation.
The reason your license was suspended matters because it determines what you have to pay and who you pay it to. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines goes to the court that issued the fine. A suspension for unpaid child support goes to the Florida Department of Revenue. A suspension for a DUI conviction may include the $75 reinstatement fee plus court costs and fines. You cannot reinstate until you have paid what is owed for the underlying reason.
Key Takeaways
- The base reinstatement fee is $75, but you will owe additional money tied to why your license was suspended — unpaid fines, child support arrears, or other court-ordered debts.
- You must pay the underlying debt (the reason for suspension) before DHSMV will process your reinstatement, not just the $75 fee.
- You can find out what you owe by calling DHSMV at 850-617-3800 or checking your suspension notice, which lists the reason and the agency to contact.
- Payment methods vary by the agency collecting the money — courts accept payments in person or by phone, while the Department of Revenue handles child support and tax-related debts.
How to find out exactly what you owe
Your suspension notice should state the reason for suspension and list an agency or court to contact. That document is your starting point. If you no longer have it, call DHSMV at 850-617-3800 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you the reason for suspension and direct you to the right agency.
Once you know the reason, contact the agency responsible. If it was a traffic fine, call the court listed on your notice. If it was child support or a tax debt, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 850-488-6800. They will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment over the phone or in person. Do not assume the $75 reinstatement fee covers everything — it does not.
What different suspension reasons cost
| Reason for Suspension | Who You Pay | What You Owe |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fine or moving violation | The court that issued the citation | $75 reinstatement fee + the original fine + court costs |
| DUI or reckless driving conviction | The court + DHSMV | $75 reinstatement fee + court fines + any mandatory fees set by the court |
| Unpaid child support | Florida Department of Revenue | $75 reinstatement fee + the full amount of back child support owed |
| Unpaid taxes or other revenue debts | Florida Department of Revenue | $75 reinstatement fee + the full amount of the debt |
| Failure to pay traffic citation or appear in court | The court that issued the citation | $75 reinstatement fee + original fine + failure-to-appear fees |
| Medical suspension (certain medical conditions) | DHSMV | $75 reinstatement fee only (after medical clearance is provided) |
How to pay and get your license reinstated
Once you have paid the underlying debt, you still need to pay the $75 reinstatement fee to DHSMV. You can do this online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. You will need to provide proof of payment for the underlying debt — a receipt from the court or the Department of Revenue.
Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your payment and proof. Some courts and the Department of Revenue can process payments when ready, but DHSMV still needs time to update their system. Your license will not be valid until DHSMV confirms the reinstatement is complete. You can check the status of your reinstatement by calling DHSMV or logging into your account on their website.
Payment options for different agencies
For traffic fines (paid to the court): Most Florida courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Call the court listed on your citation to ask which methods they offer. Some courts use a third-party payment processor, so you may be directed to a website or phone number that is not the court's main line.
For child support or tax debts (paid to the Department of Revenue): Call 850-488-6800 to make a payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. You can also pay in person at any Department of Revenue office or by mail. Ask for a receipt showing the payment was received — you will need this to show DHSMV.
For the $75 reinstatement fee (paid to DHSMV): Pay online at the DHSMV website using a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at any Driver License office. Include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension with your payment so DHSMV can match it to your record.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount right now
If you owe a large amount — especially for child support or a substantial fine — you may be able to set up a payment plan. Courts and the Department of Revenue both offer payment arrangements in some cases. Call the agency that is collecting the money and ask whether they will accept installment payments. They may require you to pay a portion upfront and the rest over time.
Your license will remain suspended until the debt is paid in full and DHSMV processes your reinstatement. A payment plan does not reinstate your license; it only delays the important date for paying. Once the final payment is made and DHSMV receives proof, your reinstatement will be processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid part of what I owe?
No. Your license remains suspended until the full amount is paid and DHSMV completes the reinstatement. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and vehicle impoundment. Wait until your reinstatement is confirmed before driving.
Do I have to pay the $75 fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
If DHSMV made an error and the suspension should not have happened, you may not owe the $75 fee. Contact DHSMV to dispute the suspension. If they agree it was a mistake, they will clear the suspension without charging you. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing.
What if I cannot find the court or agency that suspended my license?
Call DHSMV at 850-617-3800 with your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason for suspension and provide the contact information for the court or agency responsible. DHSMV can also tell you the exact amount owed and sometimes process payments on their behalf.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay everything?
DHSMV typically processes reinstatements within 5 to 10 business days of receiving your payment and proof that the underlying debt was paid. Some cases are faster if the payment is made in person at a Driver License office. You can check your reinstatement status online or by calling DHSMV.