How long does a suspended license last in Florida?
Asked by: Lincoln Paucek | Last update: October 11, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)
How long does a suspended license stay on your record in Florida?
In Florida, a suspended license charge can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. It's important to note that while these factors can influence the duration, each case is unique.
How do I clear my suspended license in Florida?
To clear the suspension, contact the court in the county where the suspension was issued and satisfy the court requirements. You may then present proof of satisfaction in the form of an affidavit within 30 days, along with all applicable reinstatement fees, to any Florida driver license service center.
What happens if your license is suspended in Florida?
Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may be required to complete certain courses or classes. For example, if your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a DUI course. If you were involved in a traffic accident, you may be required to take a defensive driving course.
What is the maximum period a license can be suspended in Florida?
(1) The department shall, in its order suspending a license or appointment or in its order suspending the eligibility of a person to hold or apply for such license or appointment, specify the period during which the suspension is to be in effect; but such period shall not exceed 2 years.
3 Reasons for a Suspended License in Florida
What is the 10 day rule in Florida?
If you refused to take a breathalyzer test or scored a 0.08 or higher, you will automatically have your license automatically suspended for up to 18 months. However, under Florida law, a driver has only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a special hearing to prevent this from happening, aka the 10-Day Rule.
Can a driver's license be suspended indefinitely?
Indefinite Suspension – An indefinite suspension has no time frame. Instead, driving privileges remain suspended until the individual complies with a specific set of conditions. Typically, an indefinite suspension remains in place until the individual pays an outstanding balance.
How much does it cost to unsuspend a Florida license?
Drivers License Reinstatement Fees
For failure to comply with or pay a traffic ticket, you will pay a D-6 suspension reinstatement fee of $60.00. For reinstating your license after failing to pay child support, you will pay $60.00. For other suspensions, you must pay a suspension reinstatement fee of $45.00.
Will my insurance cover me if my license is suspended?
You must tell the insurance company your license is suspended when you apply for a policy; the company can cancel your coverage if you don't. To get insurance with a suspended license, you'll need to designate someone else as the insured driver or apply for a hardship license.
Can I reinstate my suspended license online in Florida?
Certain suspensions can be reinstated online. Visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles MyDMVPortal to see if this is an option for you. If you have a ticket and/or fine, it must be paid to, or disputed with, the Clerk of Courts Office in the county where the ticket or fine was issued.
Is there a payment plan for suspended license in Florida?
Request a Payment Agreement to Stop a License Suspension
If you are looking for a job, your repayment can be delayed up to 60 days. A payment agreement is the quickest way to get your license reinstated.
Can your license be suspended without you knowing?
Under certain circumstances, your driver's license can be suspended without notice of suspension or an administrative hearing. Generally, the due process clause of the 14th Amendment ensures that a person can't be punished without proper legal proceedings. That includes notice and a hearing.
How do you get driving with suspended license dismissed Florida?
There are several defenses that can be employed to beat a suspended license charge in Florida. One common defense is to challenge the validity of the traffic stop. If the stop was not conducted lawfully, the charges could be dismissed. Another defense is to prove that you were not aware of the suspension.
Does a suspended license show up on a background check in Florida?
Criminal convictions, including traffic violations that are classified as criminal violations like driving under the influence or with a revoked or suspended license, will always appear on basic background checks.
How long does a suspension affect insurance?
In most cases, a license suspension will only affect your insurance rate for 3-5 years. During that time, there are steps that you can take to lower your premium. For example, you can check to see what discounts your insurer offers, like a pay-in-full or defensive driving discount.
Can I renew my tag if my license is suspended in Florida?
Section 320.02(12), Florida Statutes, requires registration or re-registration to be withheld on any motor vehicle whether the owner or co-owner of the vehicle has a suspension against the driver license.
Can you get car insurance with a suspended license in Florida?
Yes, you can get car insurance in Florida even if your license is suspended. However, this may be challenging. Insurance companies will likely charge you higher premiums because they see you as a higher risk. It's also important to have insurance to avoid penalties or further license suspensions.
What happens if you have a flag on your license?
This tells police that your ID has been compromised or stolen. So if the criminals get pulled over with your driver's license number, law enforcement will see the flag on your record and ask for two or more pieces of identification to prove that they're you.
Does insurance check your license?
Insurance companies obtain Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant authorities. These reports provide a detailed account of your driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status.
How long does it take to get your license unsuspended in Florida?
The Clerk's Office will transmit the information to the DMV in Tallahassee which can take up to 10 business days to process the information and clear the suspension. The timing of reinstating a driver's license must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Can police tell if your license is suspended by running your plates?
The officer will only be able to see the driver's driving record. So, if someone drives your car and a cop runs your plates, your driving record will not pop up showing that your license is suspended. However, if the driver does not have a valid license, they may be cited or arrested.
Can you drive with a suspended license in Florida?
Knowingly driving on a suspended or revoked driver's license is a criminal offense that comes with criminal penalties. Having a criminal record might come with collateral consequences that last a lifetime.
What is the 7 year rule in Florida?
According to the FCRA's “7-year rule,” for example, certain criminal records must be removed from an applicant's history after seven years. These records include civil lawsuits, judgments against an applicant, arrest records, and paid tax liens. The FCRA also imposes a few additional restrictions on Florida employers.
What is the 2 second rule in Florida?
The two-second rule applies to any speed in good weather and road conditions. If road or weather conditions are not good, double your following distance. You should also double your following distance when driving a mobile home or towing a trailer.
What is the 33 day rule in Florida?
Rule 3.134 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure provides that if you are in jail, the prosecutor has 33 days from the date you are arrested to file formal charges against you.