If your Florida driver's license was suspended due to a DUI or DWI conviction, reinstating it requires filing an FR-44 certificate with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). MyFloridaFR44 (License #L091747) files your FR-44 electronically the same day you purchase your policy — often within hours — so you can reinstate your license as quickly as possible.
DUI License Reinstatement: Step-by-Step Process
Reinstating your Florida license after a DUI involves multiple steps across different agencies. Here is exactly what you need to do, in order:
Step 1: Complete DUI School
Florida law requires all DUI offenders to complete a state-approved DUI program before license reinstatement. The Florida Safety Council and other approved providers offer Level I (first offense) and Level II (multiple offenses) courses. DUI school (fees vary by provider and program level — see FLHSMV for approved providers). You must obtain a completion certificate before DHSMV will process your reinstatement.
Step 2: Satisfy All Court Requirements
Before DHSMV will reinstate your license, you must complete all court-ordered obligations from your DUI case. This includes:
- Pay all court fines and costs
- Complete community service hours (if ordered)
- Complete probation requirements
- Attend victim impact panel (if required)
- Provide proof of completion to DHSMV
Step 3: Pay DHSMV Reinstatement Fee
The DHSMV reinstatement fee varies based on offense number and whether you have prior DUI convictions on your record. The amount varies based on your number of prior convictions — see flhsmv.gov for the current fee schedule. You can pay online through the DHSMV driver license check portal, in person at a local tax collector office, or by mail. Keep your receipt — you will need proof of payment.
Step 4: Get FR-44 Insurance Filed Electronically
This is where we come in. Florida requires an FR-44 financial responsibility certificate proving you carry $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident bodily injury liability and $50,000 property damage liability. We compare 15+ carriers, find you the lowest rate, and file your FR-44 electronically with DHSMV the same day. Most filings are processed within hours. Get a quote now →
Step 5: Install Ignition Interlock (If Required)
Florida courts may require an ignition interlock device (IID) for certain DUI convictions, particularly for high BAC levels (.15 or above) or repeat offenses. If required, you must have the IID installed by a state-approved provider before reinstatement. Installation and monitoring costs vary by provider — see the FLHSMV ignition interlock program page for approved providers. The IID requirement typically lasts 6 months to 2 years depending on the offense.
Step 6: Visit DHSMV to Reinstate
Once all requirements are met — DUI school complete, fines paid, reinstatement fee paid, FR-44 on file, and IID installed (if required) — visit your local DHSMV office or tax collector office to complete the reinstatement. Bring all documentation. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 business days after all items are verified.
DHSMV Reinstatement Fee Schedule
| Offense | Reinstatement Fee | FR-44 Required | Interlock Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | Varies by offense | Yes (3 years) | Possible (if BAC .15+) |
| Second DUI | Varies by offense | Yes (3 years) | Yes (minimum 1 year) |
| Third+ DUI | Varies by offense | Yes (3 years minimum) | Yes (minimum 2 years) |
FR-44 Insurance Cost After DUI
The cost of FR-44 insurance depends on whether you own a vehicle, your driving history, and which carrier you choose. Here is what to expect:
| Policy Type | Monthly Cost | Down Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Owner FR-44 | Varies by driver | Varies by driver | No vehicle, need license reinstated |
| Owner FR-44 (Standard) | Varies by driver | Varies by driver | Own a vehicle, need state-minimum+ coverage |
| Owner FR-44 (Full Coverage) | Varies by driver | Varies by driver | Vehicle with loan/lease requiring comp/coll |
Common Reinstatement Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting Too Long to File FR-44
Every day your license is suspended is a day you cannot legally drive. The faster your FR-44 is filed, the sooner you can reinstate. We file electronically the same day — do not wait weeks for a paper filing through another provider.
2. Not Completing DUI School First
DHSMV will not reinstate your license even if your FR-44 is on file if you have not completed DUI school. Complete the course before or simultaneously with getting your FR-44 insurance to minimize downtime.
3: Choosing the Wrong Policy Type
If you do not own a vehicle, do not buy an owner policy. Non-owner FR-44 is less than half the cost and satisfies the DHSMV requirement. Conversely, if you own a car, a non-owner policy will not cover you. Learn about non-owner FR-44 →
4. Letting Coverage Lapse During the 3-Year Period
If your FR-44 lapses, your insurer notifies DHSMV and your license is suspended again. The 3-year clock can reset. We send renewal reminders to every client. Consider monthly payment plans to spread the cost.
5: Not Keeping Documentation
Keep copies of your DUI school completion certificate, FR-44 filing confirmation, reinstatement fee receipt, and any interlock installation records. DHSMV sometimes loses paperwork, and having your own records speeds up resolution.
What Is the FR-44 Requirement?
You cannot reinstate your Florida license without an FR-44 certificate on file with DHSMV. The certificate must come from a licensed Florida insurance carrier — it proves you carry increased liability coverage above Florida's normal minimums:
| Coverage Type | Standard FL Minimum | FR-44 Required |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $20,000 | $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection | $10,000 | $10,000 (standard) |
The FR-44 coverage limits are 10x higher than Florida's standard requirements for bodily injury. This is why FR-44 insurance costs more than a standard policy — the carrier is taking on significantly more liability.
How Long Will You Need FR-44?
Florida requires FR-44 for 3 years from your license reinstatement date — not your conviction date. This is a critical distinction. If you wait 6 months after your conviction to reinstate, the 3-year clock starts from the reinstatement date, not the conviction date. If your coverage lapses at any point during the 3-year period, the clock can reset and your license will be suspended again. We send automatic renewal reminders to all clients to prevent lapses. For more details, see our FR-44 FAQ page.
Can I Get a Hardship License Instead?
Florida offers a hardship license (also called a Business Purposes Only or BPO license) that allows limited driving for work, medical, school, and religious purposes. However, a hardship license does not replace the FR-44 requirement — you still need FR-44 insurance on file. To apply for a hardship license, you must complete DUI school first, then petition the DHSMV Administrative Reviews Office in your county. Learn more on our hardship license guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to: (1) Complete DUI school and all court-ordered requirements, (2) Pay DHSMV reinstatement fees (amount varies by offense), (3) Get FR-44 insurance filed electronically with DHSMV, and (4) Install an ignition interlock device if required. We handle the FR-44 filing same-day so you can move through the process as fast as possible.
Once all requirements are met and FR-44 is filed electronically, DHSMV processing typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Our same-day electronic filing removes the insurance delay from the equation. The total timeline depends mostly on how quickly you complete DUI school and pay outstanding fines.
DHSMV reinstatement fees vary by offense number — see flhsmv.gov for the current schedule. FR-44 insurance starts competitively priced when you shop 15+ carriers for both non-owner and owner policies — rates vary by driver and carrier. You will also need to pay for DUI school (fees vary by provider and program level — see FLHSMV for approved providers) and possibly an ignition interlock device (installation and monitoring costs vary by provider).
FR-44 is a financial responsibility certificate required by Florida law after a DUI conviction. It proves you carry $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $50,000 in property damage liability — 10x the standard Florida minimums. Your insurance carrier must file it electronically with DHSMV.
Florida offers a hardship license (Business Purposes Only) for some DUI offenders who meet eligibility requirements. You must complete DUI school first and apply through the DHSMV Administrative Reviews Office. However, a hardship license does NOT replace FR-44 insurance — you still need the certificate on file. See our hardship license guide for details.
If your FR-44 lapses, your insurance carrier is legally required to notify DHSMV. Your license will be suspended immediately, the 3-year clock can reset from the new filing date, and you will face additional reinstatement fees. We send automatic renewal reminders to all clients to prevent this from happening.
Yes. Florida requires FR-44 coverage regardless of vehicle ownership. Non-owner FR-44 insurance provides liability coverage when driving borrowed or rented vehicles and is significantly cheaper than an owner policy. See our non-owner FR-44 guide for more information.
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