Florida Driving Records

Florida driving records, under the state's Sunshine Law, are public documents that provide a detailed overview of an individual's driving background. These are highly valuable for both personal and professional purposes.

On a personal level, a clean driving history can lead to lower insurance premiums and enhanced job opportunities that involve driving responsibilities. Conversely, a history of multiple infractions can result in increased insurance costs and potential consequences for one's license.

Meanwhile, businesses, especially those in transportation and logistics, consider driving records crucial when hiring employees. By examining these records, companies can guarantee that their drivers prioritize safe and responsible driving practices.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is responsible for maintaining all driving records in the state. This regulatory body plays a crucial role in confirming the accuracy and accessibility of this critical information, which is vital for monitoring and regulating driver behavior across Florida.

Types of Driving Records Available in Florida

Florida driving records, or motor vehicle reports (MVRs), provide detailed insights into an individual's driving history. The FLHSMV offers three distinct types: a 3-year driving record, a 7-year driving record, and a complete driving record. Each record serves different purposes and contains varying information regarding a driver's past.

Below is a detailed overview of Florida’s driving records:

3-Year Driving Record

3-Year Driving Record in Florida details various aspects of a driver's history over the past three years. This comprehensive record provides a clear view of a driver's recent history and legal standing on the road.

This type of driving record includes details on driver's licenses or card issuances, completed exams, and driver education courses. Additionally, it records guilty dispositions of driving offenses, crash entries where a citation was issued, and any current revocations, suspensions, disqualifications, or cancellations of driving privileges.

7-Year Driving Record

This type of driving record in Florida provides an extensive overview of a driver's history, specifically for the past seven years.

It includes all the details found in a 3-year driving record, such as ID card or driver's license issuances, passed exams, driver education courses, guilty dispositions of driving violations, and crash entries where citations were issued. Additionally, it lists any ongoing revocations, suspensions, disqualifications, or cancellations of driving privileges.

This longer-term record offers a more comprehensive look at a driver’s behavior and legal compliance on the road over a significant period.

Complete Driving Record

A complete driving record in Florida encompasses detailed information beyond the 3-year and 7-year records. It serves as an exhaustive resource for understanding an individual's driving behavior and compliance with traffic laws over their entire driving tenure.

This type of driving record includes all traffic violations, whether guilty or adjudicated withheld, crash entries, and any suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or disqualifications unless removed after the retention period. This record also features correspondence entries and department-approved communications, providing a complete overview of a driver's history.

How To Request a Florida Driving History Report?

Individuals have various options for obtaining a copy of their driving history report in Florida. They can order online, purchase in person, or submit a request by mail. Information about each of these options is detailed below:

Online

Individuals must first have a Florida MyDMV account to order a Florida driving record online. If they do not have an account, they must create one, which necessitates providing personal information like name, birth date, and driver's license number.

Once logged in, navigate the menu and find the order a driving record option. Then, choose the desired type of driving record.

After that, provide any additional details required and pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card. The fees are $8 for a 3-year record and $10 for a 7-year and complete driving record.

When the payment is processed, decide whether to receive the driving record by mail or instantly by email.

In Person

Individuals can also order a Florida driving record in person.

To initiate this process, interested parties must visit an FLHSMV location, such as a driver's license service center, a clerk of court office that offers this service, or other authorized private vendors.

Upon arrival, individuals should present a valid form of identification, such as a Florida driver's license or state-issued ID card. They will then need to furnish essential details, including full name, birth date, license number, and Social Security Number (SSN), to request their driving record.

Subsequently, the requester must make the applicable payment for the specific type of driving record needed. Following payment, the personnel in charge will process the request and issue a copy of the driving record to the individual. The driving record will be provided immediately or sent via mail, depending on the facility.

By Mail

Individuals must follow a few simple steps to obtain a Florida driving record by mail.

They should start by filling out the Driver License Record Request Form. This form mandates the inclusion of the individual's full name, birth date, age, SSN, FL driver's license number, and the address to which the record should be sent.

Once the form is completed, it should be mailed along with the required payment via money order or check to the following address:

Bureau of Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 52

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575.

Typically, it takes about ten business days for mail requests to be processed.

Uses of Florida Driving Records

Florida driving records serve multiple important purposes.

Insurance companies rely on these records to assess driving history and determine appropriate car insurance rates for their clients. Typically, the past driving behavior of an individual influences insurance premiums, with clean driving records often associated with low insurance costs.

Employers also utilize driving records as a screening tool for job candidates, particularly for roles that involve driving as a core job responsibility. Companies with employees who operate company vehicles regularly check driving records to ensure their drivers possess valid licenses and maintain safe driving practices.

Furthermore, Florida driving records are instrumental in revealing significant driving-related offenses. These can reveal offenses such as reckless driving, license suspensions, and other traffic incidents that may not be evident in standard criminal background checks.

Lastly, individuals can access their driving records for personal review, regardless of the record type, which allows them to stay informed about their driving history and make necessary improvements.

Understanding Florida Driving Laws

All motorists must understand Florida's driving laws for safety and lawful travel. These regulations, outlined in Florida Statutes Title XXIII, cover a range of rules and requirements that drivers must follow to avoid substantial penalties.

Among the critical aspects outlined in these laws are the following:

Florida Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Laws

Under Florida Statutes Section 322.03, a person may not drive any motor vehicle on a state highway unless they possess a valid driver's license.

Individuals in the state are also required to register their vehicles to be able to drive them legally. This requirement is stipulated in Florida Statutes Section 320.02, which states that every motor vehicle owner operated or driven on the state's roads shall register the vehicle.

Residents must adhere to these regulations. Failure to comply with these laws can result in consequences, such as fines and potential jail time.

Florida Auto Insurance Law

Florida drivers are also required to adhere to the state's auto insurance laws.

Florida Statutes Section 324.021 mandates that drivers carry proof of financial responsibility while operating a motor vehicle to cover liability damages resulting from accidents.

According to this code, the minimum auto insurance requirements in the state are $10,000 for bodily injury per person, $20,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.

Non-compliance with this insurance regulation can lead to various consequences for drivers. They may face fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and the need to file an SR-22, which typically results in increased insurance premiums.

Florida Rules of the Road

Florida drivers must observe the road rules outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 316.

According to the statutes, drivers must respect and follow all traffic signals, signs, and road markings. Additionally, they are expected to stay on the right side of the road, except in situations such as passing other vehicles, making left turns, or when obstructed on the right side.

Furthermore, drivers must adhere to the designated speed limits set by state or local authorities and yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances displaying sirens and flashing lights.

Moreover, drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices while driving unless in hands-free mode. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is also strictly forbidden under Florida law.

The Points System in Florida

Florida employs a point system to monitor and regulate driver behavior. This system assigns points to drivers whenever they commit traffic violations. The amount of points added to a driver depends on the severity of their offense.

Typically, minor offenses accrue three points, such as driving under or over 15 miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit or running a stop sign. More serious violations, including exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more, running a red light, or reckless driving, result in four points.

On the other hand, the most severe violations, like leaving the scene of an accident or reckless driving causing bodily harm, carry a penalty of six points.

Accumulating points can trigger penalties for drivers in Florida.

If a driver amasses 12 points within 12 months, their license may be suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 18 points within 18 months extends the suspension period to three months, while 24 points within 36 months results in a 12-month license suspension. Additionally, repeated violations or major offenses can lead to license revocation.

Beyond regulatory measures, accruing points can impact insurance premiums, as insurers often consider drivers with more points as higher risks.

Points typically remain on a driving record for 36 months, but drivers can mitigate their points by completing a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course. This course allows drivers to manage their driving records and potentially lower insurance costs.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Florida

Driving offenses in Florida are divided into two main categories: criminal and civil.

Criminal offenses, which include misdemeanors and felonies, are more severe and can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines. On the contrary, civil offenses, known as infractions, are minor violations that usually result in fines and other minor penalties.

Outlined below are the detailed distinctions about each of these driving offenses:

Criminal Driving Offenses

In Florida, criminal driving offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors.

Felony traffic offenses are the most severe violations. They can result in varying imprisonment lengths based on the offense's nature, the individual's prior convictions, accumulated points in the driving system, and other related circumstances.

Under Florida law, felonies are categorized into five classes:

Capital Felonies: Punishable by death penalty or life imprisonment without parole
Life Felonies: Punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000
First-degree Felonies: Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Second-degree Felonies: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Third-degree Felonies: Punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

Examples of felony traffic violations in Florida include:

DUI or reckless driving with a previous felony conviction
Third-time driving with a suspended license
Leaving the scene of an accident involving significant damage or injuries
Vehicular manslaughter
Evading law enforcement during a traffic stop

On the other hand, traffic misdemeanors are generally less severe than felonies. However, depending on the seriousness of the violation, these offenses can escalate into felonies.

Florida classifies misdemeanor traffic offenses into two degrees:

First-degree Misdemeanors: Punishable by up to one year of probation or jail time and a fine of up to $1,000
Second-degree Misdemeanors: Punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

Common examples of traffic misdemeanor offenses in Florida include:

DUI or reckless driving without a prior conviction
Driving with a suspended license
Hit-and-run incidents

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Florida, or infractions, are minor offenses from violating specific traffic statutes and regulations. Often termed as noncriminal traffic offenses, these infractions generally do not result in jail time but can incur fines as specified in Florida Statutes Section 318.18.

Florida categorizes traffic infractions into two types: moving violations and non-moving violations.

Moving violations occur when a driver breaks traffic laws while the vehicle is in motion. These infractions typically involve actions that could pose immediate risks to the safety of other road users and often result in higher fines and points on the driver's license.

Examples of moving violations in the state include:

Failing to yield the right-of-way while turning
Disobeying high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane requirements
Failing to yield to emergency vehicles
Disregarding traffic control devices or signs
Tailgating
Driving carelessly

Non-moving violations, on the other hand, occur when a vehicle is not in motion. While these violations are generally less severe than moving violations, they still attract penalties and can affect a driver’s record.

Some non-moving violations in Florida are the following:

Double parking
Improper stopping or parking
Obstructing entry to a parking space
Leaving a running vehicle unattended
Littering on the roads
Driving a vehicle with faulty equipment

Florida Driving Statistics and Goals

According to recent statistics, Florida consistently ranks among the top states for annual car accidents. Contributing factors include dense population centers, congested highways, heavy traffic volume, and diverse driving habits.

In the 2024 preliminary crash report of the FLHSMV, 214,959 crashes have been recorded from January 1, 2024, to August 1, 2024. These incidents resulted in 1,730 fatalities and 139,532 injuries.

Other notable figures found in the preliminary report include:

55,684 hit-and-run cases resulting in 142 fatalities and 11,515 injuries
5,267 bicycle accidents leading to 113 fatalities
5,433 motorcycle accidents resulting in 338 fatalities
5,828 pedestrian crashes leading to 365 deaths

While these numbers are lower than those recorded in 2023, they remain concerning given that several months remain in 2024, during which the number of crashes could still rise.

To address the number of traffic accidents, the state has implemented the Target Zero initiative. This program aims to reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries to zero.

The FLHSMV participates in this effort by analyzing and disseminating crash data to implement effective safety measures, policies, and public education programs to reduce traffic incidents and enhance overall road safety in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Driving Records

Interested individuals can explore comprehensive details about Florida driving records by referring to the following frequently asked questions:

Who Can Request a Driving Record in Florida?

Florida drivers can obtain their own driving records or a copy of another person's driving record (although personal information is protected) by filling out the Driver License Record Request Form.

Additionally, law enforcement, judges, and public officials can request records for legal purposes. Businesses conducting driving record checks for employees or candidates are also authorized to obtain these records.

How Many Times Can Florida Drivers Complete a Driver Improvement Course To Avoid Receiving Points in Driving Records?

According to Florida Statutes Section 318.14, Florida drivers are limited to a maximum of eight traffic school elections over their lifetime, with only one election allowed within 12 months as of July 1, 2024. This option is exclusive to Florida violations and must be selected through the county court where the citation was issued.

It is essential to highlight that the abovementioned rule applies to non-commercial driver's license holders in the state.

Why Does Personal Information Not Appear on Florida Driving Record?

The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) safeguards personal information on Florida driving records. This law restricts access to SSNs, driver's license numbers, names, and addresses. However, to confirm that specific data remains accessible, the DPPA does not cover birth dates, driving violations, and driver status.

What To Do If There Is Incorrect Information in Florida Driving Records?

Since the FLHSMV compiles the information on driving records, they are the only ones authorized to correct any inaccuracies. Therefore, to rectify any information issues in Florida driving records, individuals must contact the department directly by calling (850) 617-2000.

Helpful Links and Resources

Florida drivers can explore the following resources for more information regarding the state's driving records:

To view a Florida driver’s license status, including driving record online, for free, refer to this link: https://mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov/home/en/publicweb/dlcheck/.
For a comprehensive list of violations and their associated points on Florida driving record, explore this site: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/courts/utc/appendix_c.pdf.
Check this page for the latest crash statistics in Florida: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/.
To learn more about Florida driving records, navigate this page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/general-information/questions-about-driving-records/.

Counties in Florida

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Florida
How To Request a Florida Driving History Report?
Uses of Florida Driving Records
Understanding Florida Driving Laws
The Points System in Florida
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Florida
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Florida Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources