Compliance Snapshot
- Course length
- 4 hours, self-paced online
- Approval
- DHSMV-approved
- Result
- Ticket dismissed, no points on license
- Eligibility
- Up to 5 times in a lifetime; limit of once per 12 months
How BDI ticket dismissal works in Florida
When a Florida driver gets a traffic citation for a non-criminal moving violation, the driver may be eligible to elect the Basic Driver Improvement course. Electing BDI means the driver agrees to complete a 4-hour course and pay the citation fine in exchange for having the ticket dismissed and no points added to their driving record.
The election must be made with the clerk of court in the county where the citation was issued. This must happen before the court date or within the deadline printed on the citation.
- BDI is available for non-criminal moving violations.
- A driver can elect BDI up to 5 times in a lifetime.
- Only one BDI election is allowed per 12-month period.
- The driver must still pay the citation fine even if the ticket is dismissed.
Who is eligible for BDI?
Eligibility depends on the type of violation and the driver's history. BDI is generally available for standard moving violations like speeding, running a red light, or improper lane change. It is not available for criminal traffic offenses, CDL holders operating commercial vehicles, or violations that caused a crash with serious injuries.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, contact the clerk of court in the county where you received the citation. They can tell you whether BDI is an option for your specific ticket.
Steps to complete the process
The process involves three steps: electing BDI with the clerk, completing the course, and submitting your certificate.
- Elect BDI with the clerk of court before your court date or deadline.
- Complete a DHSMV-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course.
- Submit your completion certificate to the clerk of court.
- Pay the citation fine as directed by the clerk.
Where National Course Portal fits
The Florida BDI course on National Course Portal is a DHSMV-approved 4-hour online course. It is self-paced, available in English and Spanish, and the certificate is included upon completion.
After completing the course, your certificate can be submitted to the clerk of court as proof of completion.
Employer Checklist
- 1Confirm your eligibility by contacting the clerk of court.
- 2Elect BDI before your court date or citation deadline.
- 3Complete a DHSMV-approved 4-hour BDI course.
- 4Download your completion certificate.
- 5Submit the certificate to the clerk of court.
- 6Pay the citation fine as required.
FAQ
How many times can I take BDI in Florida?
You can elect BDI up to 5 times in your lifetime, but only once in any 12-month period.
Does BDI remove points from my license?
BDI prevents points from being added for the specific citation. It does not remove existing points from prior violations.
Do I still have to pay the ticket if I take BDI?
Yes. Electing BDI dismisses the violation from your record and prevents points, but you still pay the citation fine.
Can I take BDI online?
Yes. Florida allows completion of the BDI course through DHSMV-approved online providers.
Official Sources
This guide is general information for employer planning. It is not legal advice, and employers should confirm requirements with counsel, the regulator, or the requesting agency before relying on any course for a specific obligation.