COVID-19 Emergency Order from DHSMV Regarding Driver's License and DUI Suspensions

On March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-52 which provides:

“[e]ach state agency may suspend the provision of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the provision of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.”

As a result, the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) authorized the following COVID-19 Emergency Order 043020 which:

• Extended the effective period of driver licenses and identification cards with expiration dates on or after May 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020, for thirty (30) days.
• Waived the delinquent renewal fees during the extension periods for these driver licenses/permits.
• Waived the “in-person” Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program client interviews, evaluations, case monitoring, supervision, meetings, and educational courses pursuant to section 322.292(4), Florida Statutes, and rule 15A-10.027, Florida Administrative Code, until May 31, 2020. In lieu of “in-person” interactions, DUI programs may use distance learning methodologies. 

The COVID-19 emergency order was authorized pursuant to Executive Order 20-52. The order expires, except to the extent specific dates are provided herein, on the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52. 

The order was executed on the 30th day of April of 2020, by TERRY L. RHODES, the Executive Director

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Additionally, due to COVID-19, FLHSMV is providing modified in-office services by appointment only.