KEYS 2 Drive Program

With the launch of a new Driver's License Court in Duval County (Administrative Order 2023-07), the Duval County KEYS 2 Drive program has concluded. During its lifetime, the program helped more than 700 participants obtain valid driver's licenses and returned more than $630,000 to the State of Florida. The program continues to operate successfully in Nassau County.

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The KEYS 2 Drive program helps certain traffic offenders in Nassau County, Florida obtain a valid driver’s license.

The program is available to defendants who are currently charged with the misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Section 322.34 Florida Statute) or No Valid Driver’s License (Section 322.03).

The goal of KEYS 2 Drive is to help citizens obtain a valid driver’s license and put them back on the road safely and legally.

A valid driver’s license helps put people on the path to greater personal and economic success. Download a step-by-step graphical representation of the program: KEYS 2 Drive Brochure

PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPANTS IN THE KEYS 2 DRIVE PROGRAM CANNOT MAKE PAYMENTS TO THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE TO COURT OPTIONS.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My criminal case was not in Nassau County. May I participate?

At this time, the program is only available for criminal cases in Nassau County.

Is the KEYS 2 Drive program mandatory for people facing charges?

No. Participation for eligible offenders is strictly voluntary.

What are the benefits of participating?

Program participants who successfully complete the program by obtaining a valid driver’s license will have their criminal charges dropped. The program requires time and fees, but the program fees are less than typical court costs. With the assistance of the Clerk of Courts, program participants also can set up payment plans for accrued debt and receive other financial accommodations.

My license is suspended, but I do not have a pending criminal case. Am I eligible?

The KEYS 2 Drive program is currently only available to offenders with pending criminal cases in Nassau County, Florida.

My criminal case is already closed. Am I eligible?

The KEYS 2 Drive program is only available to offenders with pending criminal cases.

How do I know if I am eligible?

There are a few ways to find out.

Those who report to Traffic Court will have their cases reviewed by a prosecutor to determine eligibility.
If you have a pending criminal case and are represented by an attorney, have your attorney contact the prosecutor to discuss possible eligibility.
If you are representing yourself in a pending criminal case, ask the prosecutor and judge to review your eligibility at your next court date.

What are the eligible primary offenses?

Driving While Licenses Suspended or Revoked (misdemeanor) (Section 322.34, Florida Statute)
No Valid Driver’s License (Section 322.03)
Driver’s License Expired More Than 6 Months (Section 322.03(5))
No or Improper Driver’s License (Driving Outside Classification)

Is there anything that would exclude me from participating?

Yes, there are several factors that will lead to exclusions.

Participants cannot be designated as a Sexual Predator or Sexual Offender. (Section 775.21 and Section 943.0435 Florida Statutes).
Participants cannot have a suspended license as a result of an active DUI suspension. A defendant with a previous DUI history may be considered if the DUI is closed and the attendant suspension has expired.
Participants cannot have any accompanying criminal case or accident that involves property damage or personal injury to a third party. A defendant may be accepted with the victim’s express consent.
Participants’ current license suspensions cannot be based on a drug offense.
Participants cannot have a prior conviction for DUI Serious Bodily Injury, Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Leaving the Scene Involving Injury or Death, Vehicular Homicide, and other crimes.
Participants must be legal Florida residents.
Participants cannot be on probation unless the court that has jurisdiction over the probation case consents.

Who manages this diversion program?

The State Attorney’s Office has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Court Options Inc. to provide case management services to participants. For more information about KEYS 2 Drive, please contact Court Options Inc. at (904) 903-4293.

I am in the program. Are there ways for me to lose this opportunity?

Yes, there are several ways you could be deemed ineligible after being accepted.

Failure to appear as required to Court Options or any court appearances will be grounds for rejection.
Failure to pay, according to the fee agreement with your plan, for more than 30 days without prior approval.
Failure to comply with required conditions for more than 60 days.
A subsequent arrest could result in dismissal.