Fines and fees — an unreliable funding source that is hurting working families
Imposing and collecting court fines and fees is bad economic policy. They waste taxpayer money, law enforcement’s time, and can force many hard-working parents into an impossible choice: feed your family or fund the courts?
Instead of bringing in revenue, these fines and fees are stunting Florida’s economy and taking away basic freedoms people need to thrive.
Current fines and fees laws stop people from working, driving and paying debt
If you can’t afford to make a fine or fee payment, Florida takes your license and, with it, your ability to drive and work. Losing your license makes everyday tasks like caring for your children or buying groceries almost impossible. These needless license suspensions also cause businesses to lose employees just because it’s illegal for them to drive to work.
Did you know the vast majority of suspensions in Florida *are not* for dangerous driving? Learn more.
Juvenile fees trap young people and their families in lifelong debt
In the juvenile justice system, children and their families are billed for their involvement with the courts. Young people who owe debts end up with higher recidivism rates, stay on probation longer, are unable to expunge their records, obtain driver’s licenses, participate in job corps programs, or enroll in the military because they are assessed fines and fees they cannot afford. The majority of those affected are young boys, many of whom come from poor families.
Join our Campaigns
End debt-based license suspensions in Florida
It’s time for Florida to join the dozens of other states in ending license suspensions for unpaid court fines and fees. Are you or your organization ready to be part of the movement to end this counterproductive practice? Our current supporter network includes 50+ organizations.
Use this form to submit your interest in joining the Driving Success Campaign >
Eliminate juvenile fees in Florida.
The movement to end juvenile fees is gaining momentum across the nation. In 2021 alone, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana and California all passed reforms to stop punishing young people and families with juvenile fees.
Do you or your organization want to be part of Florida’s efforts to reform juvenile fees? Get in touch.
See the list of campaign supporters.
Resources for Advocates
Dreams Deferred: The Impact of Juvenile Fees On Florida’s Youth, Families, and Future
Driving on Empty: Florida’s Counterproductive and Costly Driver’s License Suspension Practices
Contact us
For all other inquiries or to get in touch with our Florida team, please use the contact form here.
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