FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
Getting Your Florida Hardship License in Tampa & Hillsborough County
As part of your representation I can help you navigate the obstacles when applying for a DMV hearing associated with your drivers license reinstatement. My office can provide you with the application forms and information packets to simplify the process. I can explain to you the types of questions frequently asked by the hearing officer as part of the decision to grant you a hardship license. Additionally, we can discuss specific examples of prior comparable cases to arm you with the knowledge to increase your likelihood of receiving a license.
Generally, you will only have one chance to convince the hearing officer that you are a good candidate. A person “educated” in the administrative process, and the nature of questions asked by the hearing officer, stands a much better chance to obtain a hardship license. A consultation at my office is free and we can discuss your case to determine the facts that support your reinstatement request.
Frequently Asked Questions
1st DUI – 180 day to 1 year revocation effective on conviction date. Before expiration of the revocation period, you may apply for a hardship license in the county where you live. DUI School completion and treatment, if referred, is required. You then can apply for a hardship license in any Administrative Review Office.
If you wait to reinstate your license until your revocation period ends, you must present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School and treatment, if referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within 90 days after reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver license by the department until the course is completed and failure to complete treatment may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105 administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required. Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
2nd DUI conviction in more than 5 years will result in a 180 day to 1 year revocation. You cannot reinstate early for hardship. The full revocation period must be served before requesting driver license reinstatement.
The second DUI conviction within a five-year period will result in a five-year revocation. You may apply for a hardship license at the Administrative Review Office after serving one year from effective date of revocation. DUI School, and treatment, if referred, must be completed and you must have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to reinstate early for hardship, you must present this approval to the drivers license office you must remain in the Special Supervision Services Program for the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship license.
If you wait to reinstate until after your revocation period ends, you must present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School, and treatment, if referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within 90 days after reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver license by the department until the course is completed and failure to complete treatment may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105 administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required. Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
3rd DUI conviction in more than 10 years will result in a 180-day to 1-year revocation unless 2 of the convictions fall within 5 years in which case a five-year revocation will apply. You are not eligible for a hardship license, but must wait out the revocation period.
A 3rd DUI within a 10-year period will result in a 10-year revocation. You must serve 2 years of this revocation period before being eligible to apply for a hardship license in the Administrative Review Office. You must complete DUI School, and treatment, if referred, and have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to reinstate early for hardship, you must present this approval to the driver license office. You must remain in the Special Supervision Services Program for the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship license.
If you wait to reinstate until after your revocation period ends, you must present proof of enrollment or completion of DUI School, and treatment, if referred, is required. Failure to complete the course within 90 days after reinstatement will result in cancellation of your driver license by the department until the course is completed and failure to complete treatment may result in cancellation of your driver license.
At the time of reinstatement, whether for a hardship license or a full license, you must take the required examination, and pay $105 administrative fee and $50 reinstatement fee and any license fee required. Proof of liability insurance on the arrest date will be required or proof of liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required.
A 4th DUI conviction results in the permanent revocation of your driver's license.
There is no provision for a hardship license.
*Update: The State of Florida has recently changed the law to allow for a hardship license after a 5 year waiting period.
DUI Manslaughter (single conviction) will result in a permanent revocation. You must wait 5 years before being eligible to apply for a hardship license in the Administrative Review Office. You must complete DUI School, and treatment, if referred, and have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program to be eligible for a hardship license. If given approval to reinstate early for a hardship license, you must present this approval to the driver license office, pay a $105 administrative fee, a $50 reinstatement fee and any applicable license fee. Proof of liability insurance on the date of arrest or proof of current liability coverage and a $15 reinstatement fee will be required. You must remain in the Special Supervision Services Program for the duration of the revocation period to retain your hardship license.
A permanent revocation of your license makes you ineligible for a hardship license.
Note: The Florida legislature has been quite active in toughening the laws regarding DUI enforcement and licensing restrictions. It is recommended you consult with a lawyer experienced in these matters instead of relying solely on the information provided in the website.