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License Suspensions and Revocation

Venessa Bornost, P.A. March 28, 2023

Receiving a license suspension or revocation is an unfortunate part of being a motorist in Florida. Motorists can have their licenses suspended or revoked depending on many circumstances. Please note that Florida takes traffic incidents seriously. In 2021, the Florida Highway Safety office reported 401,540 vehicle crashes. Consequently, Florida uses license suspensions and revocations to keep motorists safe.  

At Venessa Bornost, P.A., I have the resources and skills to assist you during these challenging times. I strive to protect the Dunedin, Florida, community by providing knowledgeable traffic ticket counsel, particularly to those facing license suspensions and revocations. Also, I am proud to serve the people of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties with their legal counsel needs. 

Driver’s License Point System in Florida 

The driver’s license point system allows the state to track and penalize drivers who violate traffic laws or commit other driving-related offenses in Florida. Points are added to a driver’s record for each offense, and accumulating too many points can result in penalties such as license suspension, higher insurance rates, or even revocation of the driver’s license.  

Here is how the point system works in Florida:  

  • Speeding (15 mph or less over the posted speed limit): 3 points  

  • Speeding (more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit): 4 points  

  • Reckless driving: 4 points  

  • Running a red light: 4 points  

  • Passing a stopped school bus: 4 points  

  • Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage of $50 or more: 6 points  

  • Improper lane change: 3 points  

  • Following too closely (tailgating): 3 points  

  • Driving with an open container of alcohol: 3 points  

  • Driving while texting: 3 points  

  • Driving under the influence (DUI): 6 points  

  • Manslaughter or vehicular homicide: 6 points  

If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within 12 months, their license may be suspended for 30 days. If the driver accumulates 18 or more points within 18 months, their license may be suspended for three months. And if the driver accumulates 24 or more points within 36 months, their license may be suspended for one year. 

What Is the Difference Between a License Suspension and Revocation? 

In Florida, both license suspension and revocation are penalties that can be imposed on a driver’s license due to certain driving-related offenses or violations. However, there are important differences between the two: 

License Suspension 

  • License suspension is a temporary penalty, meaning the driver’s license is taken away for a specified period.  

  • Suspension can occur for various reasons, such as accumulating too many points on a driver’s record, failing to pay traffic fines, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or being involved in certain types of accidents.  

  • Once the suspension is over, the driver may have to pay a fee or meet other requirements before their license can be reinstated. 

License Revocation 

  • License revocation is a more severe penalty than suspension. It results in the driver’s license being canceled, which means the driver is no longer legally permitted to drive in Florida.  

  • Revocation can occur for more serious offenses such as multiple DUI convictions, certain felonies involving a vehicle, or using a vehicle to commit a felony.  

  • To reinstate a revoked license, a driver must typically wait a minimum time and meet certain requirements, such as completing a driver improvement course and passing a driving test.  

In summary, license suspension is a temporary penalty, while a revocation is a more severe and permanent penalty. 

Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation 

There are several reasons why a driver’s license may be suspended or revoked in Florida. Here are some of the most common reasons: 

License Suspension 

  • Accumulation of too many points on the driver’s record within a certain period.  

  • Failing to appear in court or pay a fine for a traffic citation.  

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol.  

  • Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test when suspected of DUI.  

  • Being involved in a hit-and-run accident.  

  • Being declared a habitual traffic offender (HTO) by the state of Florida.  

  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license.  

  • Failing to pay child support.  

  • Reckless or negligent driving. 

License Revocation 

  • Multiple DUI convictions.  

  • Vehicular homicide or manslaughter.  

  • Using a vehicle to commit a felony.  

  • Committing fraud in obtaining a driver’s license.  

  • Fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death.  

  • Conviction for certain drug offenses.  

Please note that certain medical conditions, particularly those requiring specific medications, may cause an individual’s license to be suspended during treatment. Individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as someone declared legally blind, may have their license revoked. 

Options Following a License Suspension or Revocation 

A common question is whether you can get your suspended or revoked license back. The short answer is yes. However, there is more to it than that.  

The process for reinstatement varies depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation.  

For a suspended license, once the suspension period has ended, the driver may need to pay a fee, complete a driver improvement course, or fulfill other requirements before the license can be reinstated. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will notify the driver of the steps necessary for license reinstatement.  

For a revoked license, the driver may need to wait a specified period before applying for reinstatement, which could range from one year to several years, depending on the reason for the revocation. The driver may also need to complete certain requirements, such as completing a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program or passing a driving test. The DHSMV will also notify the driver of the steps necessary for license reinstatement.  

In both cases, the driver may also need to pay a reinstatement fee to reinstate their license. Additionally, drivers should understand that some offenses may result in the permanent revocation of their license and may not be eligible for reinstatement. 

Get an Attorney’s Guidance 

Don’t face license suspension or revocation alone. Get the right legal counsel from a reliable traffic ticket attorney. Often, charges can be cleared up, and suspensions or revocations avoided.  

Contact my firm, Venessa Bornost, P.A., today to protect your rights to a fair defense. I proudly serve clients in Dunedin, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, Florida.