Points on Driver's License in Florida (2026 Guide)
In Florida, a simple moving violation can cost you a lot more than just the price of the ticket. The FLHSMV tracks your driving habits through a point system, and racking up too many points in a short period is a fast track to a suspended license and massive insurance rate increases. In this guide, we break down exactly how Florida assigns points, how to check your current status, and the steps you can take to avoid them altogether.
How to Check Points on Your Florida Driving Record
The quickest way to check points on your license is to pull your driving record directly through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website. It costs between $8 and $10 (plus a $2 convenience fee) and takes less than 5 minutes. You don't even have to leave your home.
Below is the full list of methods to check points on your driving record:
- Online: Purchase your 3-year, 7-year, or complete driving record via the MyDMV Portal for $8 to $10, plus a $2 convenience fee.
Note: The free FLHSMV Online Driver License Check only shows if your license is valid or suspended; it does not display your actual point balance. - By Mail: Complete the Driver License Record Request Form and mail it to the Bureau of Records in Tallahassee listed on the form with the appropriate fee ($8 for a 3-year record, or $10 for a 7-year or complete record).
- In-Person: Visit your local driver license service center or clerk of court office to purchase a copy of your driving record. This also costs $8 to $10 depending on the record type you choose.
- By Phone: Call the FLHSMV customer service center at 850-617-2000 to request the Driver License Record Request Form by mail. Due to privacy laws, FLHSMV staff cannot tell you your point count over the phone.
Can You Remove Points from Your License?
Florida does not allow you to remove points from your record, but you may take a Florida Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to avoid points being added after an eligible citation.
- You must elect to take the course before paying your ticket.
- You can use the BDI course once every 12 months, and no more than 5 times in your lifetime.
- The citation will still appear on your record, but no points will be assessed.
Below are our top Florida Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course recommendations for 2026.
How Does the Florida Point System Work?
- Points are assigned once you're convicted of a moving violation.
- Each violation adds a set number of points to your driving record.
- License suspension occurs if you accumulate too many points in a short time frame.
License Suspension Thresholds in Florida:
- 12 points in 12 months - 30-day suspension
- 18 points in 18 months - 3-month suspension
- 24 points in 36 months - 1-year suspension
Note: License suspensions can also result from serious infractions or repeated offenses, even if you haven't accumulated enough points.
Points for Common Violations in Florida
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (less than 15 MPH over limit) | 3 |
| Speeding (15 MPH or more over limit) | 4 |
| Speeding resulting in a crash | 6 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Running a red light | 4 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 4 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash (property damage only) | 6 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | 3 |
| Improper lane change | 3 |
| Careless driving | 3 |
| Violation involving a traffic signal or sign | 4 |
| Child restraint violation | 3 |
| Texting while driving (second/subsequent offense) | 3 |
| Driving during restricted hours (for minors) | 3 |
Out-of-State Violations
Florida may assign points to your driving record for out-of-state traffic convictions if the offense is equivalent to a Florida moving violation. These points count toward your suspension total.
How Points Affect Your Insurance
Insurance companies have their own criteria, but more points typically mean higher premiums. Serious or repeated violations can significantly increase your insurance rates-even if your license isn't suspended.
About the Author
When he’s not decoding DMV jargon, you’ll usually find him on a tennis court or cycling up a hill he regrets halfway through.
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