Matthew Mincone | November 11, 2025 | Car Accident
Are you waiting for Florida driving record points to come off your driver’s license? Tampa traffic violations can result in points being assessed against your license. Points remain on a Florida driver’s license for five years from the date of conviction.
If you accumulate too many points, the state may suspend your driver’s license.
Understanding the Florida Driver’s License Point System
The Florida point system is managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). A driver earns points against their driver’s license when they commit certain traffic infractions.
Common traffic violation points include:
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Failing to obey a traffic control signal at a railroad crossing: 6 points
- Driving too fast for conditions: 3 points
- Failing to yield the right of way: 3 points
- Speeding: 3 points
- Failing to obey a traffic control signal: 4 points
- Careless driving: 3 points
The DMV point chart outlines these penalties. Florida also records points for out-of-state traffic violations. The citation is sent to Florida from the other state to be added to your Florida driving record.
Accumulating points has numerous consequences for drivers. Many of the consequences can be costly and frustrating.
Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points
According to the FLHSMV, there were 79,095 violations in Pinellas County during 2024. Speeding accounted for the highest number of tickets issued that year.
Too many Tampa traffic violations can result in losing your driving privileges. When you are convicted of or plead guilty to a driving violation, the state assesses the scheduled points to your driving record.
A driver’s license suspension is one of the consequences. Accumulating 12 points within 12 months results in a 30-day suspension. Eighteen (18) points within 18 months results in a three-month suspension. A one-year driving suspension is imposed for accumulating 24 points within 36 months.
Increased insurance premiums are another consequence of points against your driving record. You could pay higher premiums for three or more years, depending on your insurance company, the number of points, and the traffic violation.
How To Check Your Florida Driving Record
Checking your Florida driving record is simple. Visit the Online Driver License Check and enter your driver’s license number to check the status of your driver’s license free of charge. You can purchase your driver record from a county driver license service center, a private vendor, or county court clerks who provide this service.
Your driving record provides the details of citations issued and the point values. It is essential to review your driving record periodically for accuracy. Dispute mistakes immediately to have incorrect points removed from your driving record.
Can You Remove Points From Your Record Early?
You may be eligible to clean your driving record in Florida to remove points from your record. However, state law imposes eligibility requirements and restrictions for DMV point removal.
A driver may attend an approved basic driver improvement school once every 12 months for a total of five times during their lifetime. If a driver attends and completes driving school, they may avoid points being assessed against their license. However, driving school is not available for all traffic violations or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Drivers convicted of specific traffic violations must attend a basic driver improvement course. Offenses include:
- Failure to obey a traffic control signal
- Reckless driving
- Failure to obey a steady red light
- Racing on the highway
- Failure to stop for a school bus
- Racing on the highway – spectator
Drivers must complete an advanced driver improvement course if their driving privileges are suspended for being a habitual offender (non-DUI related), for the accumulation of points, or by court order.
Tips To Maintain a Clean Driving Record in Florida
Maintaining a clean driving record benefits drivers in numerous ways, including lower insurance premiums. Tips for keeping a clean driving record include:
- Participating in voluntary driving improvement courses
- Know, understand, and obey all traffic laws
- Practice defensive driving to anticipate potential hazards and take steps to avoid a car accident
- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Avoid distracted driving, including using a cell phone while driving
- Use turn signals whenever changing lanes, merging, or turning
- Maintain a safe driving speed and follow all speed limits to avoid speeding accidents
- Do not try to “beat” a yellow or red light
If you receive a traffic ticket, you may want to contest the ticket. Seek advice from an attorney. Beating a traffic ticket prevents points from being assessed against your license. You may also be eligible to take the driving course to avoid points.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Have questions or facing a traffic violation in Tampa, Florida? Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a clean driving record.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled car accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Tampa
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
