Driver's License Assistance Court (DLAC)
Purpose: The Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a
compliance court within the
Eleventh
Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be a diversionary program to assist
self-represented residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license within the
state but for their inability to pay. DLAC will address citations issued for Driving with License
Suspended (DWLS) Unknowingly, along with any other accompanying or open infractions.
History: The Driver’s License Assistance Court was established in August
2024, following the
recommendation of the Miami-Dade County Driver’s License Suspension Task Force, which was created in
2020 following the approval of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. The task force was
created to identify policies and procedures for reducing driver license suspensions in the County
due to unpaid fines, fees, or failure to appear in court. The Task Force consisted of a broad range
of current and former public officials, including, but not limited to, current and former
representatives or members of or from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade
County, Florida (the “Court”), the Florida State Senate, the Miami-Dade Board of County
Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, the Clerk of Courts for
Miami-Dade County, Florida (the “County Clerk”), the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, and the
Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office (“SAO”). On May 16, 2022, the Task Force, going to great lengths
to ensure that the recommendations enhance public safety, voted to unanimously approve a Driver
License Suspension Task Force Final Report (“Final Report”) which included seven recommendations
resulting from the Task Force’s work. One of the seven recommendations from the Task Force’s Final
Report was the creation of a Driver License Compliance Court to assist persons with satisfying
obligations or making modifications thereto, where legally permitted, to make such persons eligible
for reinstatement of their driver’s licenses.
Contact Us
Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM at
Thursdays from 9 AM – 4 PM
FAQs about DLAC
- QWhat is DLAC?
- AThe Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a
compliance court within the
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be a diversionary program
to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a driver’s license
within the state but for their inability to pay. DLAC will address citations issued
for Driving with License Suspended (DWLS) Unknowingly , along with any other
accompanying or open infractions.
-
- QAm I
eligible?
- AYou may be eligible for
DLAC if:
- You received a civil DWLS citation from a police officer OR you were
referred to the court by a State Attorney
-
You are NOT eligible if your license is suspended for:
- DUI/BUI or refusal to submit to testing
- Traffic offense causing death or serious injury
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)
- Points
- Reckless driving or other criminal offenses
- Fleeing or eluding
- Unpaid child support
-
- QWhat
are the benefits?
- AThere are many benefits in
participating in DLAC:
- All Defendants will have their cases removed from collections.
- Any suspensions pertaining to any of the cases set in DLAC will be set
aside to allow the defendant an opportunity to comply with the court ordered
requirements to ultimately achieve driver’s license reinstatement.
- All defendants will be offered a seamless enrollment into a payment plan
with the Clerk of Court if the defendant is unable to pay their outstanding
balance in full.
- Assistance and guidance are provided to all defendants who are eligible for
a driver’s license reinstatement to the Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles (“FLHSMV”).
-
- QHow is it different than regular court?
- AThe Driver’s License Assistance Court (“DLAC”) is as a
compliance court within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. DLAC is designed to be
a diversionary program to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a
driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay
-
- QIs there a charge?
- AThere is no charge to participate in DLAC.
-
- QHow long does it take?
- AIt depends. Participation in DLAC ranges from 90 to 180
days. However, it could take as little as one-day to reinstate your license.
-
- QCan I drive?
- ANo. Do not drive without a valid license. You may be
arrested. Wait until you complete DLAC and reinstate your license.
-
- QWhat if I cannot afford the reinstatement fees?
- AThe Clerk of Court and Comptroller can help you set up
payment plans for court fines and fees. However, DMV reinstatement fees must be paid to
get your license back. The court will work with you to find solutions.
-
- QWhat if I missed my court date?
- ACall the Drive Legal Program immediately at (305) 548-5363.
They may be able to help you reschedule.
-
- Q. What if I do not complete the program?
- A. If you don't complete the program requirements or obtain
your license, the hearing officer may impose a sentence. If you fail to appear in court,
your license may be suspended again.
-
- QDo I need a lawyer?
- ANo, but you have a right to retain one should you choose.
DLAC is
diversionary program to assist residents who would otherwise be eligible to obtain a
driver’s license within the state but for their inability to pay
- The court will guide you through the process.
-
- QWhere is DLAC located?
- AThe Driver’s License Assistance Courtroom is located in the
Richard
E. Gerstein Justice Building, located at 1351 NW 12th Street, Courtroom 3-3,
Miami, Fl, 33125.
-
- QCan I bring someone with me?
- AYes. You can bring a family member or friend for support.
-
- QCan I participate in DLAC more than once?
- AAn individual may participate in DLAC one (1) time in a
three-year period and two (2) times in a five-year period.
-
- QWhat if I did not pay my ticket and failed to request
court?
- AIf you choose not to elect court, you will have thirty days
(30) days from the date of the ticket issuance to pay the infraction amount. Failure to
pay the ticket within the 30 days of the ticket issuance will result in a license
suspension for failure to pay.
-
Participating in DLAC
If you received a Uniform Traffic Citation for Driving
with License
Suspended – Unknowingly (violation of Fla. Stat. 322.34(1)) and want to
participate in
DLAC you
must REQUEST A COURT HEARING.
To Request a Court Hearing:
- Online: www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/trafficapp/
- Search for your citation by your case number,
by your
name, or by your driver’s license number.
- By phone: : Call the Clerk's
Office at (305)
275-1111
- In person: Go to any Office of
the Clerk of the Courts
If you choose not to participate and pay the
ticket
or if you
request a court hearing but do not appear, your license will remain suspended.
You will receive a notice in the mail (typically
within 4
weeks) at
the address on your citation. This notice will include:
- Your DLAC hearing date and time, and
- A Zoom link if you prefer to appear virtually
If you do not receive a court notice within four weeks
from the date
you requested court, please call (305)
275-1111.
You can also sign up for text alerts at enotify.flcourts.org.
You may attend in person OR remotely on Zoom.
The court will review all cases affecting your driver's license status.
Including
removing any cases from collections if needed, setting aside any other driver’s
license
suspensions, enrolling you in a payment plan, assisting you with DMV services.
If you complete the reinstatement requirements, and obtain a valid driver's license, your
citation will be dismissed.
If you attend court in person, you may be able to get your driver’s license the same day.
The Driver's License Assistance Court operates in partnership with the Clerk of Courts and the
Office of the Tax Collector so you can reinstate your license after you clear your suspension.
If you attend court in person, please bring all required documents.
The DMV reinstatement fees start at $60.
What to Bring with You:
- Your photo ID
- Birth certificate, passport, or Green Card
- Social Security card OR pay stub
- Two pieces of mail showing your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- Money for DMV fees ($60 but possibly more depending on why your license was suspended)
If you miss your court date, call the Drive Legal Program
immediately at (305) 548-5363. They may be able to help you reschedule.
Contact Us
Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM at
Thursdays from 9 AM – 4 PM