A class-action lawsuit was filed against the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) after it was revealed that a network of resellers has been operating for years selling appointments for driver's licenses right under the noses of office staff.
According to a report by NBC Miami, attorney Mike Pizzi, who is leading the legal action, reported that the practices of reselling appointment slots occur “in plain sight of DMV staff,” which he asserted has allowed this activity to continue for years.
Pizzi stated that he has videos as evidence and warned about the risks to the safety of individuals who have to wait during the early morning for a legitimate spot.
The lawsuit, which began with an individual plaintiff, seeks to be certified as a class action to encompass up to 10 years of potential victims.
It also names the tax collection offices of Miami-Dade and Broward counties as defendants, responsible for managing many of the DMV offices.
The case seeks at least 10 million dollars in compensation, the cited television network emphasized.
Jennifer Sassone, mother of one of the affected, recounted that when trying to obtain her teenage daughter's license, an employee at the DMV simply told them to come back "at midnight," without offering any solutions or safety assurances.
Reports about this network of resellers are not new. In March, authorities confirmed that individuals were blocking free appointments only to sell them for between 25 and 250 dollars.
As a result of the scandal, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed legislation to put a stop to these practices.
In May, the state legislature unanimously approved law HB 0961, which explicitly prohibits the sale of shifts.
In June, the Broward County Tax Collector's Office strengthened the measure with Ordinance 2015-20, which prohibits not only selling but also advertising or promoting appointments.
This month, the state of Florida
The new legislation includes fines of up to one thousand dollars and prison sentences for those who sell appointments, in response to networks that were monopolizing free slots and reselling them.
Despite these measures, tensions increased at the DMV offices in Miami, where disorganization and high demand led to confrontations among users.
In one of these incidents, recorded and shared on social media, several Cubans confronted each other verbally over disagreements regarding the order of assistance, amidst a situation characterized by long waits, improvised lists, and a lack of control.
Recently, a fraud network was uncovered in Bay County, in the northern part of the state, where DMV employees issued licenses without meeting legal requirements.
The scheme included alterations in theoretical and practical exams and benefited hundreds of individuals who paid bribes, some of whom didn't even show up for the tests. The operation culminated in several arrests and uncovered an organized network with serious implications for road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appointment Reselling for Driver's Licenses in Florida
Why has a class action lawsuit been filed against the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles?
The class action lawsuit was filed after it was discovered that a network of resellers has been selling appointments for driver's licenses for years, right under the noses of the office staff, with no actions taken to stop this illegal activity. The lawsuit seeks to be certified as a class action to cover up to 10 years of potential affected individuals and is requesting at least 10 million dollars in compensation.
What measures are Florida authorities taking to stop the resale of appointments?
The authorities in Florida have begun to implement concrete measures to prohibit the sale of appointments at DMV offices. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Bill 961, which makes it a crime to sell appointments for services at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes criminal penalties, including possible jail time for those who resell or commercialize these slots.
What is the Ordinance 2025-20 of Broward County?
The Ordinance 2025-20, approved by the Broward County Commission, prohibits advertising, selling, or marketing appointments for public services related to driver's licenses. Those who violate this rule face a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for repeat offenses. This measure is part of local efforts to combat the resale of appointments while state legislation comes into effect.
How does the resale of appointments affect Florida residents?
The resale of appointments affects residents by causing long lines, delays, and frustration, as resellers block free appointments and sell them for prices ranging from 25 to 250 dollars. This harms citizens who need to access services legitimately, creating an unfair and unequal system. Authorities are seeking to dismantle these networks to ensure equitable access to public services.
What legal consequences do those who resell appointments in Florida face?
Starting in July 2026, those who sell appointments for licenses in Florida could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries criminal records and the possibility of facing jail time or probation. The new state legislation includes fines of up to $1,000 and jail sentences of up to one year, aiming to deter these illegal practices and protect citizens.
Filed under:
