Reinstating Your License after a Florida DUI

When you license is revoked due to a Florida DUI charge you are eligible for reinstatement at various times depending on the number of DUI charges you had in the past. If your Florida DUI resulted in a fatality, your license will be permanently revoked with a 5-year waiting period before becoming eligible for a hardship license.

Reinstating Your License after Non-Fatal Florida DUI

In most Florida DUI convictions where your license is revoked you have the option of applying for a hardship license before your revocation period is over. However, if you are denied a hardship license or choose to wait out your revocation period, you will have to go through regular license reinstatement.

In all license cases from a Florida DUI you must complete a state-approved DUI school and provide proof of completion. In some Florida DUI convictions, especially 2^nd and consecutive offenses, you may be required to also complete a substance abuse treatment program. When applying for license reinstatement you must pass the examination, pay a $130 administrative fee, a $75 revocation reinstatement fee, and must provide adequate proof of insurance.

If your Florida DUI took place prior to October 1, 2007 you must prove you carried bodily injury liability in the amount of $10,000/$20,000 and $10,000 property damage liability on the arrest date. If your Florida DUI took place after October 1, 2007 you must prove you carried bodily injury liability in the amount of $100,000/$300,000 and $50,000 property damage liability on the arrest date. If you do not have this proof on the arrest date, you must provide proof of liability coverage and a reinstatement fee ($15 prior to 2007, $150 after) before reinstatement.

Obtaining a Hardship License Prior to Regular License Reinstatement

A hardship license is granted to Florida DUI offenders who can prove their need to drive to get to/from work or other necessary places like doctors' offices. To apply for a hardship license you must complete a state-approved DUI school and file the application with the Administrative Reviews Office. If treatment for substance abuse is required, this also must be completed before a hardship license is awarded.

Depending on your number of previous Florida DUI convictions, the eligibility requirements for each conviction level are as follows:

• 1^st conviction - You may apply for a hardship license any time before the revocation period expires.
• 2^nd conviction within 5 years of 1^st - If your 2^nd offense occurred within 5 years of your 1^st, you are not eligible for a hardship license.
• 2^nd conviction 5 or more years after 1^st - If 5 years have passed since your 1^st conviction you must wait 1 year after revocation before applying for a hardship license and have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program and remain in the program for the duration of your revocation.
• 3^rd conviction within 10 years of 2^nd - If your 3^rd offense occurred within 10 years of your 2^nd, you are not eligible for a hardship license.
• 3^rd conviction 10 or more years after 2^nd - If 10 years have passed since your 2^nd conviction you must wait 2 years after revocation before applying for a hardship license and have a favorable recommendation from the Special Supervision Services Program and remain in the program for the duration of your revocation.
• 4^th or subsequent DUI convictions - You are not eligible for a hardship license.

Hiring a Jacksonville DUI Defense Attorney

An experienced Jacksonville DUI defense attorney from the Law Offices of Sullivan & Hepler can help you with the process of reinstating your license following a Florida DUI charge. To learn more about your options request a FREE copy of our DUI defense guide, The State of Florida vs. You: The Accused's Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge, or contact us for a FREE consultation - 800-295-4193