How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) maintains a public lookup tool where you can check your license status without calling or visiting an office. Go to the DHSMV website and use the Driver License Status Inquiry tool — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool tells you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you don't have your license number handy, you can call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 850-617-2000. They can look up your status by name and date of birth, though wait times vary. You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person with a photo ID, though this takes longer than the online tool.
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid — you cannot legally drive. The suspension will end on a specific date set by the court or DHSMV, after which your license becomes valid again if you've met any conditions. A revocation is permanent and requires you to go through a formal reinstatement process, which is different from waiting out a suspension.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV Driver License Status Inquiry tool on the official website gives you an when ready answer using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension is temporary and ends on a set date; a revocation is permanent and requires formal reinstatement steps.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or accumulating too many points.
- If your license is suspended, you must stop driving when ready — driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties and makes insurance claims void.
- You can call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 or visit a local office if the online tool doesn't work or you need to speak to someone.
Common reasons your Florida license gets suspended
Traffic violations and points are the most frequent cause. Florida uses a points system: minor violations like speeding add 3 points, reckless driving adds 4 points, and serious violations add more. When you accumulate 12 points within 12 months, 18 points within 18 months, or 24 points within 36 months, DHSMV suspends your license automatically.
Unpaid traffic fines and court-ordered restitution also trigger suspension. If you don't pay a fine by the important date the court sets, the court reports it to DHSMV and your license is suspended until you pay. Child support arrears work the same way — if you fall behind on court-ordered payments, the Department of Revenue can request suspension.
Medical suspension happens when DHSMV receives a report from a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement that you have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive safely. You may be suspended pending a medical evaluation or a hearing. Failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket or criminal charge also results in suspension.
What happens when you drive on a suspended license in Florida
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense within five years becomes a first-degree misdemeanor with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. A third offense within ten years is a felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, your insurance will not cover any accident or damage if you're driving on a suspended license. If you cause an accident, you're personally liable for all damages, medical bills, and property loss. Police can impound your vehicle, and you'll pay towing and storage fees. Your license suspension will also be extended.
If you're caught driving suspended, you'll receive a citation. You must appear in court on the date listed. Ignoring the citation makes things worse — the court can issue a warrant for your arrest.
Steps to reinstate your license after suspension ends
First, confirm that your suspension period has ended by checking the DHSMV status tool again. The tool will tell you the exact date your suspension lifts. If the suspension was due to unpaid fines or child support, make sure those are paid before the reinstatement date — if they're not, your license won't be reinstated even after the suspension period ends.
Once the suspension period has passed and all fines or support payments are current, you can reinstate your license online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DHSMV office. Online reinstatement is fastest and costs $45 for a standard reinstatement. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
If your suspension was due to a medical condition, you'll need to complete a medical evaluation and submit it to DHSMV before reinstatement. If it was a points suspension, you may need to complete a driver improvement course — DHSMV will tell you this when you check your status.
Medical suspensions and how to challenge them
A medical suspension is issued when DHSMV receives a report that you have a condition — such as seizures, severe vision loss, dementia, or uncontrolled diabetes — that makes driving unsafe. You don't have to be convicted of anything; the report alone triggers the suspension.
You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. You must request the hearing in writing within ten days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can present medical evidence showing that your condition does not impair your driving ability, or that you've been treated and are now safe to drive. If the hearing officer agrees, the suspension is lifted.
If you want to reinstate after a medical suspension without a hearing, you must submit a medical evaluation from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. DHSMV may also require you to pass a driving test. The specific requirements depend on the condition reported.
What to do if you believe your suspension is a mistake
Check the DHSMV status tool first to see the exact reason for suspension. The reason code will tell you whether it's points-based, fine-related, medical, or something else. If the reason doesn't match what you know about your record, contact DHSMV Customer Service at 850-617-2000 with your license number and the details of your case.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines you believe you already paid, bring proof of payment — a receipt, cancelled check, or bank statement — to a local DHSMV office or mail it to DHSMV with a written explanation. Processing corrections takes time, so don't expect when ready results.
If you believe the suspension was issued in error — for example, points were added for a violation you weren't responsible for — you can contest the underlying violation in traffic court. You'll need to file a motion or appear in court to challenge the ticket. Once the violation is removed, DHSMV will recalculate your points and may lift the suspension if you're below the threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Florida?
Suspension length depends on the cause. A points suspension typically lasts six months from the date DHSMV issues it. A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay. Medical suspensions vary but often last until you provide medical clearance. The DHSMV status tool shows your specific end date.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Florida does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during a suspension. You cannot legally drive for any reason while suspended. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, paying what you owe when ready is the only way to restore driving privileges.
What if I moved out of Florida — does the suspension still explore?
Yes. Florida suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, and most states honor suspensions from other states. If you move and try to get a license in another state, that state will see the Florida suspension and likely deny your process until it's resolved.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, no. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process — you pay the fee, meet any conditions, and your license is restored. If your suspension was due to a criminal charge or you want to challenge a medical suspension, consulting a lawyer may help, but it's not required for basic reinstatement.
Will my insurance rates go up if my license was suspended?
Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record and insurers see it. Your rates will increase, and some insurers may drop you entirely. After reinstatement, the suspension stays on your record for several years, continuing to affect your rates.