Driving Without a License Versus Driving Without a License on Person in Fort Walton Beach

Paul Brannon | August 3, 2022 | Florida Law

Driving Without a License Versus Driving Without a License on Person in Fort Walton Beach

Many people believe that driving without a license in the state of Florida is no big deal. This couldn’t be further from the truth, however. If you are charged with driving without a valid license in Florida, you face potential short- and long-term repercussions and penalties—including hefty fines and jail time. 

However, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and simply forgetting to bring your license with you when driving are two separate things. This article examines the difference between driving without a valid license and driving without a license on you in Florida. 

Driving Without a Valid License in Florida 

Under Florida law, it is illegal for a person to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in Florida unless they possess a valid driver’s license issued by an appropriate governmental authority. 

Section 322.01(17), Florida Statutes, defines a valid license as a certificate that authorizes an individual to drive a motor vehicle and denotes an operator’s license as defined in 49 U.S.C. 30301. Under that law, an operator’s license is a credential issued by a state that authorizes an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public highways, streets, or roads. 

Why Would Someone Drive Without a Valid License in Florida? 

People may drive without a valid license for many reasons, including: 

  • They were never issued a license in Florida 
  • Their license expired, and they failed to renew it 
  • Their license was revoked or suspended for a separate traffic violation 
  • They don’t meet the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Florida 

Whatever the reason, the penalties if you’re caught driving without a valid license can be severe, especially if you’ve faced these charges in the past. 

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Florida?

Anyone convicted of driving without a valid license in Florida faces serious penalties. 

Specifically, a conviction for driving without a valid license in Florida is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, a driver with no criminal record is unlikely to face jail time for driving without a valid license in Florida. Further, a driver without a criminal record may be eligible to participate in a pre-trial diversion program that could result in dismissal of the driving without a license charge and possible expungement.

Driving Without a License on Your Person in Florida

As noted above, driving without a valid license is different from driving without a physical license on your person. In the first instance, the offending driver operates a motor vehicle despite not possessing a valid license. In the second instance, however, a driver simply forgets their valid license before driving. 

In Florida, the penalties for driving without a license on your person are less severe than those for driving without a valid license. 

Specifically, the failure to display one’s license upon the request of a law enforcement officer normally results in a citation for driving without a license. However, this doesn’t necessarily have to result in a conviction. 

If the offending driver can later produce a license that was valid at the time of the citation, the court clerk may dismiss the ticket and collect a dismissal fee of up to $10 from the offending driver. If the ticket isn’t dismissed, however, the fine is $30. 

Contact an Attorney For Help If You Were Charged With Driving Without a Valid License in Fort Walton Beach, FL 

Whether you were charged with driving without a valid license or without a license on your person in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, an attorney can help you mitigate the penalties you may face. 

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone without a valid license, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your collision and the compensation you can receive. 

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin car accident lawyer at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297