Suspended License in Florida: How to Check, Reinstate, and Avoid Issues
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If you have a suspended license in Florida, you are probably eager to get your driving privileges reinstated. This guide offers the latest information on suspended licenses in Florida, including reinstatement fees, impact on your driving record, license suspensions, potential criminal charges, and more.
Common Reasons for a Suspended License in Florida
Not surprisingly, the most common reasons for a suspended driver's license in Florida include:
- Ongoing traffic violations such as unpaid traffic tickets, reckless driving, and failure to appear for a traffic summons. Habitual traffic offenders can have their license suspended or revoked.
- Florida DUI laws have severe penalties. If you have one or more DUI convictions, you might also face a suspended license or loss of license. Likewise, if you are required to install an ignition interlock device following a DUI and fail to do so, you can also lose your driver's license.
- Failure to pay your child support obligations.
- If you accumulate too many points for driving infractions, this can also lead to license suspension or revocation. You can perform a Florida driver's license check to determine your license status.
How to Check the Status of Your License
Checking your Florida driver's license status is a smart idea. You can enter your driver's license and personal information online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to determine the latest status.
Steps to Reinstate Your Florida License
How to reinstate a suspended license in Florida is a major concern for some Florida drivers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reinstate your driver's license. These, of course, can vary based on the infraction.
- Your first step is to identify the issue: Why was your license suspended? Then you can address it.
- If your license was suspended for traffic violations, you will need to satisfy any requirements from your local tax court and pay a reinstatement fee.
- If the issue was related to points violations, you have the option of applying for a hardship license after submitting proof that you completed an Advanced Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) school and paid a reinstatement fee. If you choose to wait until the suspension period is up, you will still need to submit evidence of your Advanced Driver Improvement class and pay a fee.
- If you were charged with a DUI, you will need to pay a fee and potentially install an ignition interlock device.
- Finally, if you were delinquent on child support payments, you must first get up to date on them. Next, you can visit the Department of Revenue site or call them at 1-850-488-5437, and they will share that update with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Finally, you can pay a reinstatement fee.
Costs and Fees Associated with License Reinstatement
Naturally, there are costs and fees associated with a Florida suspended license. Here are some of the most common fees you might have to pay when getting your license reinstated:
- Administrative fee for drug and alcohol offenses: $130
- Revocations: $75
- D-6 suspension for failing to follow a court order after a traffic violation: $60
- Disqualification: $75
- Child support suspension ordered by the court: $60
- Child support suspension ordered by the Department of Revenue (DOR): $45
- DUI program fee: $15
- Interlock fee: $12
You may also need to get SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility in the wake of serious driving violations. This requirement can increase your monthly car insurance payments significantly and even limit your options when it comes to car insurance.
Tips for Avoiding Future License Suspensions
If you want to avoid future driver's license suspensions or revocations, it all starts with good driving habits. Consider the following tips:
- Be a safe and smart driver. Never get behind the wheel when you are under the influence. Follow all posted traffic signs and speed limits. Consider a safe driving course.
- Ensure that you are up to date on child support payments or other related obligations.
- Check the points on your license to make sure you are not close to the limit.
- If you do receive a ticket, address it immediately so it doesn't turn into a serious issue.
All of these savvy practices can help prevent future license suspensions and issues in Florida.
Helpful Resources for Florida Drivers
The good news is that Florida shares a wealth of information to help drivers and drivers-to-be in the state. Check out these helpful resources:
- The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department is a great go-to resource for Florida drivers. You can find all the information you need to know on Florida driver's licenses and ID cards.
- The Official Florida Driver License Handbook has the latest rules and regulations for Florida drivers and can help you study for the knowledge test if needed.
- The Teen Safe Driving Coalition is a great resource for younger drivers in Florida.
- Your insurance company can also provide information on safe and smart driving in Florida.
Protect Yourself with the Right Car Insurance
Florida car insurance is a must for every driver in The Sunshine State. You must have proof of insurance with you at all times when you are driving. If you haven't done a comparison lately, there is no time like the present to shop for affordable car insurance that meets your needs. Visit EverQuote today for a free custom quote that can help you find the best auto insurance in Florida.