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Will You Lose Your License After a Florida DUI?
10-day DHSMV deadline, hardship licenses, FR-44 insurance — how to protect your ability to drive in Florida.
Last updated: March 3, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Yes — your license is immediately suspended at the time of your Florida DUI arrest. The officer gives you a Notice of Suspension that acts as a 10-day temporary permit. You must request a DHSMV formal review hearing within those 10 days to challenge the suspension. First-time offenders who waive their right to a formal hearing can get an immediate hardship license. Florida uses FR-44 (not SR-22) with higher coverage requirements.
DHSMV Administrative Suspension
Florida's administrative suspension takes effect immediately at arrest — separate from any criminal conviction.
The Notice of Suspension you received at arrest serves as your temporary driving permit for 10 days. After that, the suspension is in effect unless you've requested a hearing.
Two hearing options:
- Formal Review Hearing — Challenge the suspension. You can subpoena the arresting officer and cross-examine witnesses. The better option if you want to fight the suspension. Your attorney can appear.
- Informal Review Hearing — Review only, no officer subpoena. Lower chance of winning but still worth requesting over doing nothing.
Request at any DHSMV Driver License Office, by mail, or online at flhsmv.gov
Suspension Periods
Hardship License
A Hardship License (officially "Business Purpose Only" or "Employment Purposes Only") lets you drive for work and essential needs during a suspension.
First Offenders — Two Paths:
- Waiver Review: Waive your right to a formal hearing, accept the suspension, and get an immediate hardship license. Fastest path to driving privileges.
- After Formal Hearing: If you request a formal hearing and lose, you must serve a 30-day hard suspension before applying for hardship.
Requirements:
- Enroll in DUI school (Level I or II)
- Maintain FR-44 insurance
- Install IID if BAC was 0.15%+
- Pay DHSMV fees (~$12)
Apply at any DHSMV driver license office.
Step-by-step guide to getting your Florida Hardship License
Waiver vs. formal hearing path, costs, and how to apply
Ignition Interlock Requirements
Florida requires IID for DUI convictions involving BAC 0.15%+ or with a minor in the vehicle (first offense), and for all repeat offenders.
Cost: ~$70–$150/month rental + installation (~$75–$100)
State-approved providers: Intoxalock, Smart Start, Draeger, LifeSafer
FR-44 Insurance (Florida-Specific)
Florida requires FR-44 — not SR-22 — after a DUI conviction. FR-44 has significantly higher minimum liability coverage requirements than SR-22:
Duration: 3 years after reinstatement
Cost impact: Significant — higher limits + DUI surcharge means premiums can double or triple
Your insurer files the FR-44 certificate with DHSMV. Letting it lapse causes automatic re-suspension.
Reinstatement After Suspension
To reinstate your Florida license after a DUI:
- Complete the suspension period
- Enroll in DUI school (Level I or II depending on offense)
- Complete substance abuse evaluation and any required treatment
- File FR-44 insurance through your insurer
- Install IID if required by conviction
- Pay DHSMV reinstatement fees ($75–$150)
Apply for reinstatement at any DHSMV office or at flhsmv.gov
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Florida DUI Court Process
What happens at the DHSMV hearing, arraignment, and County Court