Free Guide to Florida License Points and Suspension

Understanding Florida's Point System and How Points Accumulate

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) uses a point system to track driving violations. When you receive a traffic ticket in Florida, the citation may carry a specific number of points. These points remain on your driving record for different time periods depending on the violation type. Understanding how points work is the first step toward managing your driving record.

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Different violations carry different point values. For example, a careless driving citation typically adds 4 points to your record, while reckless driving adds 4 points as well. Speeding violations usually carry 3 points for speeds up to 15 miles per hour over the limit, and more points for higher speeds. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) adds 6 points. Hit and run accidents, driving with a suspended license, and fleeing police are among the most serious violations, each carrying points that can quickly accumulate.

The accumulation of points happens relatively quickly. Once a violation is reported to DHSMV by the court, the points are added to your record. If you receive multiple violations within a short period, the points stack on top of each other. For instance, two speeding tickets within 12 months would add 6 points total to your driving record. This is why understanding what violations carry points is important for drivers who want to maintain a clean record.

Points remain on your driving record for different lengths of time. Most violations stay on your record for 3 years from the date of conviction. However, some serious violations, like DUI, remain for 5 years or longer. After the designated time period passes, the points drop off your record automatically. You do not need to take action to remove points once they expire—the DHSMV removes them automatically.

Practical takeaway: Review your driving record periodically by contacting DHSMV or checking your record online through the official Florida portal. Knowing your current point total helps you understand where you stand with the point system and what violations remain on your record.

Point Thresholds That Trigger License Suspension

Florida law establishes specific point thresholds at which the DHSMV must suspend your driver's license. These thresholds are based on the time period during which points accumulate. The suspension is mandatory—meaning it happens automatically when you reach the threshold—unless you take action through the legal system or complete a driving improvement course.

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If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, DHSMV will suspend your license for a 30-day period. This is the first level of suspension. If you accumulate 18 or more points within an 18-month period, your license will be suspended for a 3-month period. If you accumulate 24 or more points within a 36-month (3-year) period, your license will be suspended for a 12-month period. The longer the observation window, the more serious the suspension becomes.

It is important to understand that these thresholds are automatic. You will receive a notice from DHSMV informing you that you have reached the suspension threshold, and your license will be suspended on a specific date. The notice typically arrives in the mail several weeks before the suspension takes effect, giving you time to respond if you have legal grounds to challenge the suspension.

The suspension notice will specify the exact date your license suspension begins and the length of the suspension. During this time, you are not legally permitted to drive in Florida. Driving with a suspended license is itself a violation that carries additional points (6 points for driving with a suspended license) and can result in criminal charges. This creates a serious situation where one suspension can lead to additional violations if you continue to drive.

Practical takeaway: Monitor your point total throughout the year. If you know you are approaching a threshold—for example, if you already have 10 points and receive another 2-point violation—you may have options to prevent suspension, such as completing a defensive driving course before points take effect.

How Defensive Driving Courses and Traffic School Reduce Points

Florida allows drivers to reduce points on their driving record by completing an approved defensive driving course, often called traffic school. This is one of the most practical options available for drivers who want to lower their point total before reaching a suspension threshold. The course is educational and teaches safe driving practices while also providing point reduction benefits.

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A defensive driving course in Florida can reduce up to 4 points from your driving record. This means if you have accumulated 10 points and you complete a course, your point total would drop to 6 points. The reduction happens only once every 12 months, so you can complete one course per year to remove points. The course cannot reduce your points below zero, and it cannot be used to reduce points from a violation that is currently under dispute in court.

To use a defensive driving course for point reduction, you must not have used this benefit within the past 12 months. Additionally, the traffic violation must have occurred at least 10 days before you complete the course. You cannot take a course immediately after receiving a ticket; there is a waiting period. The course itself typically takes 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on whether you take it in-person or online.

Many approved defensive driving providers in Florida offer both classroom and online options. Online courses can often be completed at your own pace, making them convenient for busy schedules. In-person courses are offered through various driving schools and community organizations throughout the state. The cost of these courses typically ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the provider. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can submit to DHSMV to have the points reduced.

Practical takeaway: If you have received a recent traffic citation and your point total is climbing toward a suspension threshold, look into taking a defensive driving course before your suspension date. Calculate your current points, subtract 4 (the maximum reduction), and see if this brings you below the suspension threshold. This single action could prevent your license from being suspended.

The License Suspension Process and What Happens When Your License Is Suspended

Understanding the suspension process helps you know what to expect if you reach a point threshold. The process is typically administrative, meaning it happens through the DHSMV without requiring a court hearing, unless you request one. When DHSMV determines that you have reached the point threshold, it sends you a written notice at the address listed on your driver's license.

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The notice explains that your license will be suspended on a specific date. It will specify the length of the suspension (30 days, 3 months, or 12 months, depending on your point accumulation). The notice also explains your rights, including the right to request a hearing before DHSMV before the suspension takes effect. This is an important right—if you believe the points were incorrectly assessed or if there are other circumstances you want to present, you can request a hearing to contest the suspension.

To request a hearing, you must respond to the notice within a specific time frame, usually 10 days. The hearing will be conducted by a DHSMV examiner. You can present evidence about your driving record, the violations in question, or other relevant information. The examiner will then decide whether the suspension should proceed. Many drivers request a hearing to buy time or to present mitigating circumstances, though it is important to understand that the hearing is based on the facts of your violations, not on personal hardship.

Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Florida. However, Florida does offer a limited driving permit in some circumstances, which allows you to drive for specific purposes such as work, school, or medical treatment during your suspension period. To obtain this permit, you must request it from DHSMV and meet certain conditions. The permit allows restricted driving only—you cannot drive for recreational purposes or any reason outside the approved purposes.

Practical takeaway: If you receive a suspension notice, read it carefully and note the date your suspension begins. If you believe there is an error or if you want to present your case, request a hearing within the deadline. Even if you do not challenge the suspension, you may want to apply for a limited driving permit if you need to drive for work or medical reasons.

Reinstating Your License After Suspension

Once your license suspension period ends, you cannot simply resume driving. You must take specific steps to reinstate your license with the DHSMV. Understanding the reinstatement process beforehand helps you prepare and avoid delays in getting your license back.

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The reinstatement process begins by submitting a