322.27  Authority of department to suspend or revoke license.--

(1)  Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in chapter 120, the department is hereby authorized to suspend the license of any person without preliminary hearing upon a showing of its records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee:

(a)  Has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction. A law enforcement agency must provide information to the department within 24 hours after any traffic fatality or when the law enforcement agency initiates action pursuant to s. 316.1933;

(b)  Has been convicted of a violation of any traffic law which resulted in a crash that caused the death or personal injury of another or property damage in excess of $500;

(c)  Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle;

(d)  Has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of such license or has knowingly been a party to the obtaining of a license by fraud or misrepresentation or to display, or represent as one's own, any driver's license not issued him or her. Provided, however, no provision of this section shall be construed to include the provisions of s. 322.32(1);

(e)  Has committed an offense in another state which if committed in this state would be grounds for suspension or revocation; or

(f)  Has committed a second or subsequent violation of s. 316.172(1) within a 5-year period of any previous violation.

(2)  The department shall suspend the license of any person without preliminary hearing upon a showing of its records that the licensee has been convicted in any court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under this chapter or any other law of this state regulating the operation of a motor vehicle on the highways, upon direction of the court, when the court feels that the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the conviction warrant the suspension of the licensee's driving privilege.

(3)  There is established a point system for evaluation of convictions of violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances, and violations of applicable provisions of s. 403.413(6)(b) when such violations involve the use of motor vehicles, for the determination of the continuing qualification of any person to operate a motor vehicle. The department is authorized to suspend the license of any person upon showing of its records or other good and sufficient evidence that the licensee has been convicted of violation of motor vehicle laws or ordinances, or applicable provisions of s. 403.413(6)(b), amounting to 12 or more points as determined by the point system. The suspension shall be for a period of not more than 1 year.