Personal Narrative: Charlene
Not having a driver's license because of unpaid fines and fees was yet another burden that Charlene Cintron carried as a Floridian who is disabled, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Narrative: Eric
Eric Snyder has had his license suspended since 2011 because of unpaid fines and fees. Without a license, he can't get a job to pay off this debt nor can he get on a payment plan.
Florida SB 1328/HB 903: Fines and Fees [Driver’s license suspension]
This bill would end driver's license suspensions for unpaid fines and fees in Florida and allow people who owe fines and fees to make reasonable installment payments.
Annual Assessments and Collections Report [Florida, 2013-2019]
Each year, the Florida Clerks & Comptrollers release a consolidated summary with data about the fines and fees that were assessed and collected statewide.
Personal Narrative: Valencia
After three years of having her driver's license suspended, Valencia, a Florida resident, was only able to restore her driving privileges by paying more than a $1000 in reinstatement costs and to get on a payment plan.
Driving on Empty: Florida’s Counterproductive and Costly Driver’s License Suspension Practices
Driving on Empty shows how driver’s license suspension for nonpayment in Florida detracts from public safety, and outlines the racial and economic disparities perpetuated by this practice.
The Steep Costs of Criminal Justice Fees and Fines, A Fiscal Analysis of Three States and Ten Counties
This Brennan Center research report analyzes the numerous disadvantages of the current criminal justice fine and fee systems of ten counties in Texas, Florida, and New Mexico.
Personal Narrative: Jean
Jean didn't know her license was suspended until an officer told her during a routine traffic stop. Her license was suspended for nonpayment of traffic tickets she received years prior. Just when she thought she had taken care of all of her court debt, her license was revoked and she faced additional issues after she relocated.
Personal Narrative: Tracey
Despite Tracey's perfect driving record, her license was suspended for an unpaid ticket and toll violations incurred by her soon-to-be ex-husband.
Personal Narrative: Michael
Michael has been without a driver’s license since 2008. He was on a payment plan making payments on misdemeanor court fees he owed in Citrus County, Florida when an auto-draft of his checking account came one week early and Michael defaulted on his payment.