Driving on a Suspended License in Florida

Many different circumstances can lead to a Floridian's license being suspended or revoked. Suspension is a temporary withdrawal of your license. Revocation means Florida terminates your privilege to drive. (Fla. Stat. § 322.01 (2026).)

If you drive with a suspended or revoked license, you could face a range of criminal penalties.

Reasons for License Suspensions in Florida

Certain driving offenses, criminal convictions, and civil matters can result in license suspension or revocation.

Point-Related Suspensions

For most minor traffic violations, you might have to pay a fine but won't have to worry about losing your license. However, if you rack up too many violations, license suspension is possible.

Florida uses a traffic violation point system and will suspend the license of drivers who accumulate too many points. Drivers who get 12 or more points within 12 months will get a 30-day suspension. Obtaining 18 or more points within 18 months will result in a 3-month suspension. Motorists who obtain 24 or more points in 36 months face a 1-year license suspension. (Fla. Stat. § 322.27 (2026).)

Criminal Conviction Suspensions

Many criminal convictions can lead to license suspension or revocation. The list of offenses includes:

• murder or manslaughter charges resulting from driving
• driving under the influence
• a felony, if a vehicle was used to commit it
• failing to stop after being involved in a crash in which someone is killed or injured
• making a false statement to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles relating to the ownership or operation of a vehicle
• having 3 reckless driving convictions within 12 months
• certain controlled substance violations, and
• certain prostitution charges, if a vehicle was used.

(Fla. Stat. §§ 322.055, 322.26 (2026).)

This is only a partial list. Many other offenses can result in the loss of driving privileges.

Other Types of Suspensions

Regardless of points, your license can be revoked if the State of Florida considers you a habitual traffic offender. And certain conduct unrelated to driving, such as failing to pay child support, can result in license suspension. (Fla. Stat. §§ 322.058, 322.245, 322.264, 322.27 (2026).)

Reinstating Your License

After your period of suspension or revocation, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement before you may drive again. You may need to apply for a new license if your license was revoked.

The reinstatement fee for a suspended license is $45. The fee is $75 for a revoked license. If your revocation or suspension was due to DUI or refusing to submit to a test to determine whether you’re intoxicated, you may be charged another $130. In some situations, such as if your suspension or revocation is due to a false or fraudulent insurance claim, you may be charged an additional $180 for reinstatement. (Fla. Stat. § 322.21 (2026).)

The above fees are for reinstatement only. You also must pay license issuance fees and any outstanding court costs and fines.

Misdemeanor Charges for Driving After Suspension or Revocation

If you drive on a suspended or revoked license, you’ll be charged with a civil infraction if you didn’t know your license was suspended or revoked. If you knew about the suspension or revocation at the time of the offense, you’ll face a criminal charge. (Fla. Stat. § 322.34 (2026).)

If you’re charged with criminal driving after suspension or revocation in Florida, the type of charge may depend on whether you have previous convictions for driving after suspension or revocation. The following apply to many, but not all, situations:

• First violation. A first conviction is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
• Second violation. A second conviction is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
• Third or subsequent violation. A third or subsequent conviction typically is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 1 year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine.

(Fla. Stat. §§ 322.34, 775.082, 775.083 (2026).)

In some situations, driving on a suspended or revoked license can also result in vehicle impoundment. (Fla. Stat. § 322.34 (2026).)

Felony Charges for Driving After Suspension or Revocation

A third or subsequent conviction is a third-degree felony if the most recent prior conviction for driving on a license that was suspended or revoked for one of the following charges:

• DUI
• refusal to submit to a chemical test
• a traffic offense causing death or serious bodily injury, or
• fleeing or eluding the police.

(Fla. Stat. § 322.34 (2026).)

If your license is revoked because the state of Florida considers you a habitual traffic offender, you’ll be charged with a third-degree felony for driving after revocation. (Fla. Stat. § 322.34 (2026).)

A third-degree felony is punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison. (Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083 (2026).)

Seeking Help for Charges of Driving After Suspension or Revocation

If you’re charged with driving after suspension or revocation in Florida, consider hiring a lawyer to represent you. A conviction may result in fines or even a jail sentence. You may experience problems keeping employment, traveling to school, obtaining insurance, and going about your daily life. Although the law provides specific penalties for a conviction, your sentence will depend on how prosecutors and the courts view the crime. An attorney who is familiar with how these cases are handled in your area will be able to provide guidance about your individual situation.