How to learn about your Florida license is suspended right now
You can check your license status through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without paying a fee. Go to flhsmv.gov, find the "License Check" tool, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you cannot access the online tool, you can call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 during business hours and provide your license number to a representative. You can also visit a local Florida driver's license office in person with your ID and ask staff to check your status. All three methods are free.
A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid—you cannot legally drive. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. The status page will not always tell you why your license was suspended, so you may need to contact DHSMV directly to learn the reason.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status for free on flhsmv.gov using the License Check tool, or call DHSMV at 850-617-2000.
- A suspension is temporary; a revocation requires formal reinstatement and is much harder to reverse.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- You cannot legally drive on a suspended license, and doing so can result in criminal charges and additional penalties.
- Reinstatement usually requires paying outstanding fines or fees and may require completing a driver improvement course.
Common reasons your Florida license gets suspended
Unpaid traffic fines are the most frequent cause of suspension in Florida. If you do not pay a fine within the important date set by the court, the clerk's office reports it to DHSMV, which suspends your license automatically. The suspension stays in place until you pay the fine in full, plus any late fees.
Failure to pay child support or alimony also triggers suspension. The Florida Department of Revenue can request that DHSMV suspend your license if you fall behind on court-ordered payments. This suspension lifts once you bring your account current or arrange a payment plan with the child support enforcement office.
Accumulating too many points on your driving record within a set time period will suspend your license. Florida assigns points for traffic violations—for example, a speeding ticket is 3 points, reckless driving is 4 points. If you get 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended for 30 days.
Driving with a suspended license, refusing a breath test, or being convicted of a DUI also result in suspension. The length depends on whether it is your first offense and the specific charge. A first DUI suspension is typically 6 months to 1 year.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. A second offense within 5 years is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover your suspension when they run your license. Even if you were pulled over for something minor—a broken taillight, for example—the suspension charge will be added. Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face towing and storage fees on top of legal costs.
A conviction for driving with a suspended license also adds points to your record and can trigger additional suspension time. It can affect your insurance rates, employment (especially if your job requires driving), and housing or loan applications.
Steps to reinstate your suspended license
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. For most suspensions, you must first resolve the underlying issue—pay the fine, pay the child support, or complete a required course.
Once the cause is resolved, contact DHSMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You can do this online through flhsmv.gov, by phone at 850-617-2000, or in person at a driver's license office. Some suspensions lift automatically once the debt is paid; others require you to request reinstatement formally.
For suspensions related to points or DUI, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or substance abuse course before reinstatement. DHSMV will tell you which course is required when you contact them. Courses can be taken online or in person and typically cost $20 to $50.
After you have completed all requirements, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $15 to $150. Once paid, your license is usually reinstated within a few business days.
Suspensions that require a formal hearing
Some suspensions—particularly those related to refusing a breath test or a DUI arrest—give you the right to request a formal hearing before DHSMV. This is called an administrative review, and you have 10 days from the date of arrest or notice to request one.
At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue why your license should not be suspended or why the suspension should be shortened. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold, reduce, or dismiss the suspension.
If you do not request a hearing within 10 days, your right to one is waived and the suspension becomes final. Even if you lose the hearing, you can still challenge the suspension in circuit court, though this requires an attorney and is more expensive.
How long suspensions typically last
The length of a suspension depends on the cause and whether it is your first offense. A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay; there is no set time limit. A suspension for accumulating points is typically 30 days, but you cannot drive during that time.
A first DUI suspension is usually 6 months if you refused a breath test, or 6 months to 1 year if you were convicted. A second DUI within 5 years extends the suspension to 5 years. A third DUI within 10 years can result in a 10-year suspension.
A suspension for failure to pay child support lasts until the debt is current. A suspension for refusing a breath test is 12 months for a first refusal, 18 months for a second, and permanent for a third refusal within 10 years.
Some suspensions run concurrently, meaning they overlap. Others run consecutively, meaning one starts after the other ends. DHSMV will explain the timeline when you contact them about your specific suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, medical appointments, or court dates. Driving to work on a suspended license is a criminal offense. Some people pursue a hardship license, which allows limited driving for essential purposes, but this requires a formal request to DHSMV and is not granted automatically.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A license suspension itself does not appear on a criminal background check. However, if you were convicted of driving with a suspended license, that conviction will show up. Employers who check your driving record through the Department of Motor Vehicles will see the suspension history.
What is a hardship license and how do I get one?
A hardship license allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court during a suspension. You must show that the suspension causes undue hardship. Contact your local DHSMV office or the circuit court in your county to request one. Approval is not may provide and depends on the reason for your suspension.
If I move out of Florida, does my suspension follow me?
Yes. Florida suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, and most states honor suspensions from other states. You will not be able to get a license in another state until your Florida suspension is resolved. Some states may impose additional requirements before reinstating your driving privileges.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?
Reinstatement usually takes 3 to 5 business days after you pay outstanding fines or fees and meet all other requirements. Some suspensions lift automatically once payment is processed; others require you to request reinstatement. Check with DHSMV to confirm your suspension has been lifted before you drive.