Florida DMV Class Action Lawsuit

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Yes, under Florida law, government agencies can be sued for negligence or unlawful practices after proper notice. The plaintiff alleges that the DMV knew people were forced to sleep outside overnight and failed to provide safety measures, violating its duty of care. 

All individuals who have been denied timely access to DMV services in Florida as a result of appointment scalping, scheduling mismanagement, or forced overnight waiting at state-run DMV branches.

The lawsuit seeks over $10 million in damages on behalf of a proposed class of residents who were denied timely DMV services or forced to camp overnight at driver license centers due to appointment scalping, scheduling mismanagement, and lack of access. Any payout will depend on the number of class members and whether the court grants certification or approves a settlement.

Once the class is certified, notice will be provided to eligible individuals. At that stage, people affected may be automatically included (opt-out class) or may have to sign up (opt-in class), depending on the judge’s certification order. 

• Negligence: Failure to maintain a safe and fair appointment system.
• Failure to Protect: Lack of security, lighting, or oversight for overnight customers. 
• System Exploitation: Allowing bots and scalpers to profit from state services. 

• Monetary damages 
• Injunctive relief to reform DMV appointment systems 
• Attorney fees and costs 
• Declaratory judgment against illegal appointment resales 

Class actions against government agencies such as the DHSMV are uncommon because of sovereign immunity laws and strict procedural barriers. In Florida, plaintiffs must give advance notice to the Department of Financial Services and prove the agency’s conduct was not a discretionary policy decision protected by law. 

Despite these challenges, this case was filed because the DMV allegedly knew for months that automated bots and third parties were scalping appointment slots for $25–$250 and failed to take effective corrective action — even as the problem forced residents, including minors, to sleep outside DMV branches. 

The lawsuit shines a spotlight on a statewide public service breakdown — one that left families and minors exposed to unsafe conditions and financial exploitation. If successful, it could establish new standards for digital security, public access, and agency accountability. 

If the class is not certified or individuals prefer separate action, there are other legal or administrative options: 

1. Individual Lawsuits or Tort Claims
   You may file a negligence or constitutional claim against DHSMV if harmed by its operations, but must comply with Florida’s notice requirements (§768.28). 
2. Administrative Remedies
   Individuals can contact the Florida Department of Financial Services or Inspector General to file formal complaints about DMV conduct. 
3. County-Level Claims
   Since Miami-Dade and Broward County Tax Collectors are defendants, residents can also pursue county-level complaints or ombudsman reviews.
4. Legislative Oversight or Policy Reform
   Local governments (like Broward County) have already taken steps by outlawing appointment resale — a result of public pressure and media attention.