Getting Your Florida Hardship License
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
-
How do I reinstate my license after a first time conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
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.
-
How do I reinstate my license after a second conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
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.
-
How do I reinstate my license after a third conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
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.
-
Am I eligible for reinstatement after a fourth time driving under the influence (DUI) conviction?
A 4th DUI
conviction results in
the permanent revocation of your driver's license.
There is no provision for a
hardship license.
-
Am I eligible for reinstatement after a DUI Manslaughter conviction?
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.
-
Am I eligible for reinstatement after a DUI Manslaughter conviction (in conjunction with prior DUI conviction)?
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.
