By the Ticket Dismissal HQ editorial teamReviewed Oct 20, 2026Sources cited at the endNot legal advice
Florida assesses points on your license for every moving-violation conviction, and enough points in a short window means a suspension: 12 points in 12 months, 18 in 18 months, or 24 in 36 months. A single speeding ticket is 3 or 4 points, so two or three tickets in a year puts a suspension in reach. The good news is that electing traffic school on a ticket keeps its points off entirely. Here’s the full schedule and what it means for you.
Quick answer
- Speeding: 3 points (15 mph or less over), 4 points (more than 15 over).
- Suspension: 12 points / 12 months = 30 days; 18 / 18 months = 3 months; 24 / 36 months = 1 year (§322.27).
- Points last: they count for the suspension windows above; the violation itself stays on your record for years and insurers typically rate it for 3.
- Already suspended? A hardship license needs the 12-hour ADI course.
- Avoid points: elect the BDI course within 30 days of the ticket.
Points by violation
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding, 15 mph or less over | 3 |
| Speeding, more than 15 mph over | 4 |
| Speeding resulting in a crash | 6 |
| Careless driving | 3 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 4 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 4 |
| Improper lane change / other moving violations | 3 |
| Any moving violation resulting in a crash | 4 |
| Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage | 6 |
| Child restraint violation | 3 |
| Texting while driving (second offense) | 3 |
| Littering, open container, other non-moving | 0 |
Suspension thresholds
| Points | Within | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12 months | 30 days |
| 18 | 18 months | 3 months |
| 24 | 36 months | 1 year |
Points are counted from the violation date, and FLHSMV assesses them when the conviction is reported, so a suspension can arrive months after the last ticket. Drivers under 18 face a separate rule: 6 points in 12 months restricts the license to business purposes.
How to keep points off
- Elect the BDI course within 30 days of any eligible ticket. Adjudication is withheld and no points are assessed. Once per 12 months, eight times per lifetime. How to elect.
- Don’t just pay. Paying is an admission; points post automatically.
- Contest it if the officer’s case is weak; a dismissal at hearing means no points, but a conviction at hearing carries the full penalty.
- Near a threshold? If you’re at 9–11 points, talk to a traffic attorney before doing anything with a new ticket; a withheld adjudication may be worth more than the fine.
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Frequently asked questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Florida?
3 points for 15 mph or less over the limit; 4 points for more than 15 over; 6 if the speeding caused a crash.
How long do points stay on your license in Florida?
They count toward suspension for 12, 18 or 36 months depending on the threshold; the underlying conviction stays on your driving record for at least 3 years (5 for some violations, 10 for alcohol offenses).
Can I check my points online?
Yes. Order your driving record from FLHSMV (MyDMV Portal) or the clerk; a 3-year record shows current points.
Does a traffic school course remove existing points?
No. Florida has no point-reduction course; BDI only prevents points on the ticket you elect it for.
Sources: Florida Statutes §322.27 (point system and suspensions); §318.14(9); FLHSMV points information.