Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) in Florida

Again, in some cases, repeated traffic offenses can lead to being designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) in Florida.

An HTO designation results in a 5-year driver’s license revocation, which can significantly impact your ability to work and maintain daily responsibilities.

How You Become a Habitual Traffic Offender

You may be designated as an HTO if, within a 5-year period, you have:

• Three or more convictions for:

  • Driving while license suspended (DWLS)

  • DUI

  • Driving with a revoked license

OR

• A combination of multiple serious traffic offenses

Penalties for Driving as a Habitual Traffic Offender

If you are caught driving after being designated an HTO, the charge is much more serious.

You may face:

• A third-degree felony

• Up to 5 years in prison

• Significant fines

• Long-term impact on your criminal record

Defending Against an HTO Charge

HTO cases are complex and often depend on your prior record.

Possible issues may include:

• Incorrect prior convictions; or the ability to try and “undo” prior convictions or withhold of adjudications that qualify toward being HTO.

• Improper designation

• Lack of notice

• Opportunities to challenge underlying cases

Because of the potential consequences, these cases require careful review and strategy.

Hardship License After HTO Designation

In some cases, individuals may be eligible to apply for a hardship license after a certain period.

This can allow limited driving for:

• Work

• Business purposes

• Essential needs

You can view the below links for additional information related to your individual case:

If your license suspension was caused by a DUI arrest, these links likely are helpful: