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Getting a Florida Driver’s License After a DUI Conviction
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Getting a Florida Driver’s License After a DUI Conviction
Getting your driver’s license back after a DUI conviction in Florida can be a long and frustrating process. Believe me, I’ve been there! I made some bad choices one night that ended up costing me my license for awhile. But with the right information and patience, you can get through this.
The Suspension Period
After you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, your license will be automaticaly suspended. The length of the suspension depends on whether it’s your first offense or if you’ve had previous DUI convictions.
- First conviction – suspended for 180 days
- Second conviction – suspended for 5 years
- Third conviction – suspended for 10 years
During this suspension period, you are not allowed to drive at all. If you need to get somewhere, your options are relying on friends and family, public transportation, taxis, or rideshares. I know it’s a huge inconvenience, but driving with a suspended license will only lead to more trouble.
Reinstating Your License After Suspension
Once your suspension period has ended, you will need to go through a few steps to get your driver’s license reinstated in Florida. This process involves fees, education courses, and an examination.
Pay Reinstatement Fee
You’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee to the Florida DMV. This fee is $75 if it’s your first suspension, or $500 for subsequent suspensions. You’ll pay this fee as part of your application process.
Complete DUI School
Florida requires all DUI offenders to complete DUI school before getting their license back. This involves attending classes and paying tuition fees to a licensed DUI program. The school provides education about the dangers of driving under the influence. You’ll need to successfully complete the program and get a certificate of completion.
Pass Examinations
You will need to pass vision, hearing, and written exams at the Florida DMV before your license is reinstated. The written exam covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You may want to study the driver’s manual before taking the test, since you might be rusty after not driving for awhile.
Get FR44 Insurance
If it’s your first DUI offense, you’ll need to file a FR44 form with your auto insurance company and carry this special high-risk insurance for 3 years. For a second offense, you’ll need it for 5 years. FR44 insurance costs quite a bit more than regular coverage. Make sure you have this taken care of before going to the DMV, as they’ll ask for proof of insurance.
Install Ignition Interlock Device
For a first DUI conviction, you are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for 6 months. This breathalyzer device prevents you from starting the car if you have any alcohol on your breath. You’ll have to blow into it before driving anywhere. The cost to install and maintain it is around $70-150 per month. If it’s your second DUI offense, the interlock requirement is extended to 1 year.
Getting a Hardship License
If your license is suspended but you need to drive for work or medical necessities, you can apply for a hardship license in Florida. This allows restricted driving privileges during your suspension period. To qualify, you’ll need to prove that not having a license causes an undue hardship. Approval is up to the discretion of the DMV.
The application process involves a hearing with the Florida Bureau of Administrative Reviews. You’ll need documentation from your employer, physician, or child care provider to show your need to drive. If approved, you can only drive for purposes outlined in the hardship license – usually work, school, medical appointments, church, and child care drop off/pickup. And you can’t drive with any alcohol in your system whatsoever. Violating the terms of a hardship license leads to cancellation and further suspension.
Regaining Driving Privileges After Multiple DUIs
If you have 2 or more DUIs on your record, regaining your license gets progressively more difficult in Florida. The process takes longer and involves more requirements.
For a second DUI, your license will be revoked for 5 years. To get it back, you’ll need to complete DUI school, extended probation, community service, an evaluation for drug/alcohol dependence, and an interlock device for 1 year. After a 5-year suspension for a third DUI, requirements include DUI school, screening for addiction, and interlock for 2 years.
The most important thing is proving you have changed your relationship with alcohol and committed to sober driving. Completing programs beyond the minimum requirements shows the DMV you’re serious. Many opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment programs or counseling even after finishing DUI school. This can really help your chances of reinstatement.
Waiting Periods After Maximum Suspensions
If you reach the 10-year maximum suspension in Florida, getting back on the road takes time. Even once your revocation period ends, your license isn’t automatically reinstated. You first need to complete a mandatory 3-year waiting period, during which you cannot drive at all. After the waiting period, you must reapply for a new license and start the process over again – written exams, fees, DUI school, etc.
Other Consequences of a DUI
Beyond losing your license, a DUI conviction brings many other penalties in Florida. These include:
- Fines – $500-$1000 for first offense
- Probation – Up to 1 year for first offense
- Community service – 50 hours for first offense
- Imprisonment – Up to 6 months for first offense
- Court costs
- Higher insurance rates
The costs really add up, so a DUI isn’t something you want to take lightly. If you made a mistake, take responsibility and learn from it. Follow all the steps to get back on the road safely and legally. It may take time, but it’s worth it to earn back your driving privileges.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of the Florida DUI license reinstatement process. Wishing you patience and perseverance as you work through it. You’ve got this!