Operation Green Light starts Monday
Operation Green Light, the annual program that allows those with suspended driver licenses the chance to pay overdue court obligations, including unpaid traffic tickets, save collection surcharges and potentially get their licenses reinstated, begins Monday and will run for two weeks this year in honor of its 10th anniversary.
Locally in Osceola County the program will run from March 31 through April 11. It’s available to apply online at www.osceolaclerk.com/operationgreenlight, or in person at the Osceola County Courthouse’s second floor Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Keep in mind that the Clerk’s office must confirm there are no out-of-county or state suspensions or revocations, child support suspensions, or judicial department ordered revocations of a license; individuals with these restrictions may not be eligible to reinstate a license same day during Operation Green Light. Those who seek being reinstated are encouraged to check the status of their driver’s license online at https://services.flhsmv. gov/DLCheck/.
Osceola’s Clerk & Comptroller Office first offered Operation Green Light in 2015. Issues on hundreds of licenses were cleared each year, and has enabled participants state-wide to pay in full 88,000 cases since 2019, eliminating the chance those cases would end up on the court’s judicial docket.
Clerk of Courts Kelvin Soto saw it firsthand in his many years as an attorney and assisting individuals with driver’s license issues.
“Maintaining a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is essential for all the safety and thriving of our community,” he said.
Of the 200 residents assisted by the program last year, the Clerk’s office shared a couple testimonials. On woman had her license suspended since 2009 due to accumulating fines. Through Operation Green Light, she successfully reinstated her license. “I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m never going to mess that up again.”
Another participant faced a suspended license due to unpaid fines. He benefited from the program by establishing a manageable payment plan. “They are going to give you back your license—all you have to do is keep up with the payments.”
“Many have shared that the program has been instrumental in getting their lives back on track by allowing them to address overdue court obligations and reinstate their driver’s licenses,” Soto said. “Operation Green Light played a pivotal role in helping everyday people like them regain their driving privileges and enhance their quality of life.”
