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Launched in 2020 by Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins as chair of the Community Disparities Committee, the Miami-Dade County Driver’s License Suspension Task Force (Task Force), has delivered measurable results that are transforming lives and strengthening communities across the county.
In 2020, more than 600,000 Miami-Dade residents had suspended licenses — most for non-safety-related reasons such as unpaid fines or missed court appearances. By 2022, that number had surged to over 915,000, trapping residents in cycles of debt and unemployment while straining court and law enforcement systems. Today, thanks to the Task Force’s reforms, the number of suspended licenses has dropped by 73 percent, from 915,424 in 2022 to 246,676 in 2025.
“This initiative proves that when government focuses on data, coordination, and compassion, we can solve even the most complex challenges,” said Commissioner Higgins, creator of the Task Force. “Restoring driver’s licenses for residents who pose no public safety threat gives people back their ability to work, care for their families, and fully participate in our community.
“I want to thank all members of the Task Force for their efforts. I look forward to transitioning this important work to Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County (Clerk) Juan Fernandez-Barquin who will lead these efforts moving forward,” Higgins added.
“Our office is honored to continue the important work of transforming how government serves the public,” said Fernandez-Barquin said. “Through technology, innovation, and collaboration, we are making it easier for residents to resolve outstanding matters, regain their driving privileges, and move forward with dignity. This initiative not only restores opportunity — it reinforces trust in our justice system and demonstrates what is possible when agencies work together for the people we serve.”
The Task Force brought together leaders from the Clerk, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and law enforcement agencies to modernize outdated systems and create fair, efficient pathways to license reinstatement. Supported by $3.75 million in American Rescue Plan funding, reforms across five key areas have been implemented:
Clearing the backlog: The State Attorney’s Office signed a comprehensive order dismissing non-dangerous, non-accident-related cases older than seven years. This decisive action cleared tens of thousands of suspensions and aligned county records with state databases.
Making it easier to pay: The Clerk launched extensive customer-centered improvements such as online payment plans with autopay functionality, streamlined collections removal without court motions, reduced wait times for in-person payments, extended evening and weekend service hours, and added a full-time Tax Collector’s Office at the courthouse for license reinstatement. Making it easier for people to comply and pay has helped ensure the Clerk receives the revenue it needs to fund its operations.
Enhanced customer service: Improvements included a 364 percent increase in call center success rates and redesigned Traffic Ticket Instructions distributed to over 400,000 residents annually. The clearer, more accessible instructions help ensure residents understand their options and obligations, preventing non-compliance and missed payments that can result from confusing or unclear instructions.
Specialized court creation: On Apr. 28, 2025, the Chief Judge opened Miami-Dade’s first Driver’s License Assistance Court (DLAC), a “one-stop-shop” model consolidating all necessary services to help residents resolve suspensions efficiently.
Law Enforcement Partnership: A new program provides officers discretion to refer drivers with non-dangerous suspensions to DLAC rather than making arrests. A pilot with the City of Miami Police Department launches in Q4 2025.
The reforms have produced quantifiable outcomes across key areas:
• 73 percent reduction in suspended licenses (915,424 in 2022 to 246,676 in 2025).
• 97 percent of county zip codes experienced significant reductions.
• $4 million in avoided collections fees for residents
• 85 percent of active DLAC participants successfully reinstated their license.
• 37 percent reduction in outstanding cases since 2021, reducing backlog by over 524,871 cases.
Despite these major changes, public safety has remained stable. From 2019 to 2024, Driving While License Suspended citations did not increase — confirming that reforms reduced economic hardship without compromising safety.
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