Having your Florida driver’s license suspended could make your daily life difficult, and getting it reinstated may be a complicated process. The requirements for license reinstatement sometimes depend on the underlying reason for the suspension. For example, the steps to reinstate your license after a traffic citation may differ from the process to get your license back after a suspension due to failure to pay child support.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides information on license reinstatement after suspensions due to traffic citations, points, court issues and drug offenses. According to the FLHSMV, failing to pay a traffic fine may get your license suspended until you meet the reinstatement requirements. These may include following the instructions in the original citation, paying the fine and submitting a reinstatement fee. If you receive a traffic summons and do not appear at court, you may need to contact the traffic court from your summons and follow their requirements. This process may also require you to pay a reinstatement fee.
You may lose your license if you accrue too many points for traffic violations such as careless driving, speeding and failing to yield. Points may remain on your record for at least five years, but you may be able to get a hardship license during your suspension that allows you to drive for employment purposes. After the suspension period ends, you may apply for reinstatement. Requirements may include completing driving school and paying a reinstatement fee. You may have to follow additional clearance steps after multiple suspensions.
This information on driver’s license reinstatement is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
