Driving Without a Valid Driver License (NVDL) in Florida
Under Florida Statute 322.03, it is a crime to drive a motor vehicle in Florida without having a valid driver license issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Residents of Florida are required to obtain a vaid driver license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in order to drive a motor vehicle in the state of Florida.
Subject to a few exceptions, non-residents who possess a driver license from another state must still obtain a valid Florida driver license within 30 days of moving to Florida in order to lawfully drive in Florida. Otherwise they can be charged with Driving Without a Valid Driver License (also referred to as No Valid Driver License).
If a person was previously issued a valid driver license, but the driver license is suspended, cancelled, or revoked, then the more appropriate charge is Driving While License Suspended, Cancelled, or Revoked.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Driver License
The Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Driver License are determined by the number of times a person has previously been convicted of Driving Without a Valid Driver License.
First Offense Driving Without a Valid Driver License
A first offense of Driving Without a Valid Driver License is a Second Degree Misdemeanor in Florida and punishable by up to sixty (60) days in jail, six (6) months of probation, and a $500 fine.
Second or Subsequent Offense Driving Without a Valid Driver License
A second or subsequent offense of Driving Without a Valid Driver License is a First Degree Misdemeanor in Florida and punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, one (1) year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Third Offense Driving Without a Valid Driver License
A third offense of Driving Without a Valid Driver License is a First Degree Misdemeanor in Florida, carries a mandatory-minimum ten (10) day jail sentence, and is punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, one (1) year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Defenses to Driving Without a Valid Driver License
Active Duty Military
Active duty military stationed in Florida and who possess a valid driver license or learner’s permit issued by another state, or a valid military driving permit, along with valid military identification are not required to obtain a Florida driver license. [1]
Commuters
Non-residents who live in another state and commute into Florida are not required to obtain a Florida driver license provided they return to their home state after work. [2]
Students
Full-time students from other states or countries are not required to obtain a Florida driver license provided they have a valid license from the country or state of their origin. [2]
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Hornsby
If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of Driving Without a Valid Driver License in Central Florida or the Greater Orlando area, contact Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.
The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.