How Do I Check If My Florida Driver’s License is Valid or Suspended?

Having your Florida driver’s license suspended can disrupt your daily life and lead to serious legal consequences if you continue to drive. Whether your license was suspended due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or other legal issues, it’s important to understand your rights, the reasons for the suspension, and the steps you can take to restore your driving privileges.

The State of Florida has made it simple for drivers to determine whether or not their license is valid or suspended, revoked, or canceled. A visit to the following website: https://services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/ will permit a driver to enter his or her license number and pull up any relevant information regarding suspension. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason. It is imperative that you take action immediately to avoid being charged with driving on a suspended license, which can be a criminal offense if you have knowledge of the suspension. According to the law, that knowledge can be inferred based on you being notified, regardless of whether or not you actually received the notice.

Reasons to Have Your Driving License Suspended in Florida

There are many reasons why your driers license may be suspended in Florida, some of which may be without your knowledge. In addition, some reasons are not even related to your driving record, but may be used as punishment for other offenses. The following are among the most common reasons:

• DUI-Related Offenses: Convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or refusing a breath, blood, or urine test, can result in immediate and mandatory suspensions, sometimes even before a court conviction for a DUI.
• Driving Without Insurance: Failure to maintain required auto insurance or even provide proof that you have insurance can lead to suspension until valid coverage is shown and fines are paid.
• Accumulation of Traffic Violations: Florida’s points system means accumulating too many points from traffic infractions within a set period can trigger suspensions. For example, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months can result in a suspension for 30-days.
• Failure to Pay Fines or Appear in Court: Not paying traffic fines or missing court dates for traffic tickets can result in administrative suspension.
• Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License: Being caught driving while your license is already suspended can lead to longer suspensions and criminal charges.
• Failure to Pay Child Support: Falling behind on child support payments can prompt the Department of Revenue to suspend your license.
• Drug-Related Convictions: Some drug offenses, even unrelated to driving, can trigger mandatory suspensions.
• Medical or Physical Incapacity: Certain medical conditions that impair safe driving may lead to suspension pending medical review.
• Underage Drinking or Tobacco Use: Florida enforces zero-tolerance for minors; convictions for underage possession can result in a six-month suspension.

Steps to Take If Facing Suspension

If you receive notice that your Florida driver’s license is suspended, you need to take action to avoid having additional problems. The following are some important steps to take:

Identify the Reason for Suspension: Visit the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) or check your status online to get a detailed report of the suspension and the specific requirements for reinstatement of the license. Review the suspension reason and length. Depending on the reason, there may be something that you can do to have the suspension removed. Log in to the FLHSMV Driver License Check website or call the DHSMV to review the suspension reason and length.

• Stop Driving Immediately: Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida.  If you are caught, it can lead to jail time, fines, and a longer suspension.
• Address the Cause: Once you know the reason, take care of the problem, if possible. Pay any outstanding fines, resolve court issues, or submit medical documentation S or proof of meeting minimum vision standards as required.
• Apply for a Hardship License: If eligible, you may apply for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments.
• Complete Required Courses: For suspensions related to DUI or points, you may need to complete traffic school or a DUI course.
• Submit Reinstatement Fees: Pay the applicable reinstatement fee, which can range from $45 to $130 depending on the violation. Show proof of bodily injury and liability insurance.
• Submit Documentation: Bring all necessary documents (proof of compliance, course completion certificates, medical reports, etc.) to the DMV.
• Reinstate Your License: Once requirements are met, you can reinstate your license at a local DMV office or online if eligible.
• Do Not Drive Until Reinstated: Remember that driving with a suspended license can lead to further penalties, including extended suspension, hefty fines, and possible jail time.

How a Florida Attorney Can Help

Navigating a license suspension can be confusing and stressful, but an experienced Florida traffic or criminal defense attorney can make the process easier by ensuring that you do everything correctly and eliminating roadblocks and problems.  When you have an attorney working for you, they can assist by:

• Reviewing Your Driving Record: By examining your records, lawyer can identify the exact cause of the suspension and potential errors in cases where your suspension should not have happened.
• Guiding you through all processes: Lawyers will explain the steps you need to take, help gather and submit required documentation, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
• Helping You Challenge the Suspension: If you’re eligible, an attorney can request a formal review hearing to challenge the suspension, especially in DUI cases where time is critical (you have only 10 days to request a hearing after a DUI arrest). They can challenge evidence (such as test results or officer procedures that may be faulty or illegal), and negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions.
• Providing  representation: Your lawyer can represent you in administrative hearings to contest the suspension or request a hardship license.
• Negotiating with the Court: Lawyers will look for ways to reduce fines, set up payment plans, or resolve warrants that may be affecting your license.
• Guiding you through reinstatement: If you ae eligible for reinstatement, lawyers can ensure you complete the right steps and provide proper documentation and avoid further legal issues.
• Defending against criminal charges: If you’re caught driving on a suspended license, your attorney can defend you in court and work to mitigate the penalties.
• Reducing stress and saving time: By handling court appearances, filings, and negotiations, an attorney minimizes your stress and the risk of costly mistakes.

A suspended driver’s license in Florida is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. By understanding why your license was suspended and taking proactive steps to fix the issue, you can avoid further complications. Hiring a skilled Florida attorney can make the process smoother, protect your legal rights, and increase your chances of quickly regaining your driving privileges.

Get Help if Your License has Been Suspended

If you have questions about how to lift a suspension, get help from the criminal defense attorneys at Taracks & Associates. Founding attorney Barry Taracks is a former state prosecutor with over 30 years of professional experience. He is familiar with both sides of the courtroom and knows the courts, the judges and prosecutors, and the intricacies of the criminal justice system. He understands the tactics prosecutors use to get a conviction and how to combat them by making sure your rights are protected, challenging the credibility and reliability of the evidence against you, and building a defense tailored to your individual situation.