What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without a Driver’s License in Florida

In the state of Florida, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. The penalties and fines for driving without a valid Florida driver’s license vary depending on different circumstances, like if a car accident injury occurs and whether this is the first offense.

If you are caught driving without a license in the state of Florida, consulting with a car accident attorney could save you from penalties on your license, fees from the Department of Motor Vehicles, and even jail time.

Florida driver’s license infractions

In charging offenders with driving on a suspended license, the state of Florida must prove that you knew your license was suspended. A charge of driving on a suspended license could count towards classifying you as a habitual traffic offender, which can add more fees and penalties with the more convictions you accrue.

Driving without a valid driver’s license is a second degree misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. To avoid this, the state of florida has pretrial programs that upon completion, you could have your charges dismissed or get them taken off your record.

Even if you have a valid driver’s license, the State of Florida requires you to physically possess the license if you are operating a motor vehicle. If you are able to show the court that you had a valid driver’s license at the time of the traffic stop, the ticket can be dismissed if you pay a $10 dismissal fee. If the ticket is not dismissed, the fine is $30.

Driving on a revoked license is very similar to the implications of driving without a license at all. However, if your license is revoked, the penalties for driving again can be much more severe. Driving on a revoked license could result in jail time, and your license could be revoked for up to an additional 5 years.

Potential penalties for driving without a license in Florida

(up to $500)

If you decide to fight your conviction, court fees can add up quickly.

If you are convicted previously, your license could be revoked for up to five years. This means you will not be eligible to legally drive a motor vehicle for the remainder of your revocation.

An individual can receive up to 60 days in jail for driving without a license in the state of Florida. However, jail time is usually reserved for habitual offenders, and first time offenders usually are not sentenced to jail.

Potential penalties for driving on a suspended/revoked license in Florida

Driving on a suspended/revoked license usually carries more severe penalties, depending on how many offenses a driver has. Here are the maximum penalties per offense when convicted of driving on a suspended/revoked license:

Driving on a suspended/revoked license usually carries more severe penalties, depending on how many offenses a driver has. Here are the maximum penalties per offense when convicted of driving on a suspended/revoked license:

A first offense of driving on a suspended/revoked license can result in up to 60 days in jail, and a maximum fine of up to $500.

A second offense of driving on a suspended/revoked license can result in up to one year in jail, a maximum fine of up to $1000, and vehicle impoundment.

A third offense of driving on a suspended/revoked license is considered a felony, and can result in up to 5 years in jail and a maximum fine of $5000. If the offenses occurred within a five year period, your license could be revoked for up to five years, as well as additional jail time and fines.

What happens if I get in an accident without a license?

If you are involved in an accident without a valid driver’s license, you may have to suffer the consequences of driving illegally. However, just because you do not have a license does not mean you are not entitled to pursue legal action.

If you are injured in an accident that was not your fault, you can still get compensation for the damages to yourself and your property, regardless of whether your license is valid or not. If you plan on taking legal action against an individual, consulting with a car accident lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your claim.

At Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team, we have handled hundreds of car accident claims, often involving a driver without a license. Don’t let a driving infraction get in the way of the compensation you are entitled to. Call one of our qualified car accident attorneys today to receive a free consultation for your claim, and discuss the right legal options for you!