Just Got a DUI in Florida? Here’s Exactly What Happens Next

A DUI arrest in Florida kicks off a process that can feel like a maze of court dates, DHSMV requirements, and insurance headaches. This guide walks you through every step — from the moment you’re arrested to the day you get your license back — with a clear timeline and checklist.

The 10-Day Window: Act Fast or Lose Your License

You have 10 calendar days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida DHSMV. If you don’t act, your license is automatically suspended.

Days After Arrest	What Happens	What You Must Do
Day 1	Officer confiscates your physical license; issues a DUI citation that serves as a 10-day temporary driving permit	Write down the date of arrest and the 10-day deadline. This is your most critical window.
Days 2-9	You can still drive on the temporary permit	Find a DUI attorney. Request a DHSMV formal review hearing to challenge the administrative suspension.
Day 10	Deadline to request hearing. Miss it = automatic suspension for 6-18 months (first offense) or 5 years (second+).	File the hearing request. If you waive the hearing, you may be eligible for immediate hardship license.

Step 1: Understand Your DUI Charge

Florida DUI penalties escalate based on your history and circumstances:

• First DUI (no aggravating factors): 6-12 month license suspension, 50 hours community service, DUI school Level I, vehicle impoundment 10 days, fines $500-$1,000
• First DUI (BAC .15+ or minor in vehicle): Higher fines ($1,000-$2,000), up to 9 months jail, IID required for 6 months
• Second DUI (within 5 years): 5 year license revocation, mandatory 10 days jail (minimum), IID required for 1-2 years, DUI school Level II
• Third DUI (within 10 years): Felony, 10 year revocation, mandatory 30 days jail, IID 2 years minimum
• DUI Manslaughter / Serious Bodily Injury: Felony, permanent revocation possible, 4-15 years prison

Regardless of charge level: if convicted of DUI in Florida, you WILL need FR44 insurance. There is no exception.

Step 2: Complete DUI School

Florida requires completion of a state-approved DUI program before your license can be reinstated:

• Level I (First Offense): 12 hours of classroom instruction, typically completed over a weekend. Cost: $250-$450.
• Level II (Multiple Offenses): 21 hours, more intensive curriculum. Cost: $400-$650.
• Both include a psychosocial evaluation that may recommend follow-up treatment
• You must enroll within 90 days of conviction
• Find approved providers at DHSMV’s website or through your county court clerk

Timeline: Complete this during your suspension period so you’re ready when eligible for reinstatement.

Step 3: Get FR44 Insurance (This Is Where We Come In)

Florida FR44 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry elevated liability coverage:

• $100,000 bodily injury per person
• $300,000 bodily injury per accident
• $50,000 property damage per accident

These limits are roughly 10x Florida’s standard requirements. That’s why FR44 costs more than regular insurance.

FR44 Timeline

• When you need it: Before license reinstatement — your FR44 must be filed and active with DHSMV
• How long: 3 consecutive years from the date of reinstatement
• Critical rule: ANY lapse — even ONE day — triggers automatic license suspension AND restarts the 3-year clock

Owner vs. Non-Owner FR44

• Owner FR44 Policy: If you own or have regular access to a vehicle. Covers the specific vehicle listed on the policy. Rates: $80-$300/month depending on DUI history and carrier.
• Non-Owner FR44 Policy: If you don’t own a car or have regular access to one. Covers you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles. Rates: $14-$80/month.

At MyFloridaFR44.com, we shop 15+ carriers, including Progressive, Dairyland, and Gainsco — specialists that don’t always show up on generic comparison sites. Same-day DHSMV electronic filing available.

Step 4: Ignition Interlock Device (IID) — If Required

Florida law requires IID installation in the following cases:

• First DUI with BAC .15 or above: 6 months minimum
• First DUI with minor in vehicle: 6 months minimum
• Second DUI: 1-2 years minimum
• Third DUI: 2 years minimum
• DUI Manslaughter: 2 years minimum

Important: The IID installation facility will require proof of FR44 insurance before they’ll complete the installation. Get your FR44 first.

IID costs: $70-$150 installation + $60-$90/month monitoring. You must have regular calibration checks every 30 days.

Step 5: Pay All Fines and Fees

Before DHSMV reinstates your license, these must be paid:

• Court fines (set by judge, varies by charge)
• DHSMV administrative suspension fee
• License reinstatement fee: $45-$75 (varies by suspension type)
• DUI school fees
• Any outstanding tickets or judgments

Step 6: Verify and Reinstate

Once you’ve completed all requirements:

1. Confirm FR44 is on file: Call DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 or check your driver license status online at flhsmv.gov. Don’t assume — verify.
2. Verify IID compliance: If required, confirm your IID provider has reported installation to DHSMV
3. Check for any outstanding holds: Unpaid tickets, child support, or other issues can block reinstatement even if DUI requirements are met
4. Pay reinstatement fee: Visit a Florida DHSMV office or pay online
5. Get your license back: Once cleared, DHSMV reinstates your driving privilege

Complete Florida DUI to FR44 Reinstatement Checklist

Print this checklist. Check each item off as you complete it:

☐ DUI arrest — note the date and 10-day deadline
☐ Hire DUI attorney (within 5 days)
☐ Request DHSMV formal review hearing (by Day 10)
☐ Enroll in state-approved DUI school (Level I or II)
☐ Complete DUI school and psychosocial evaluation
☐ Complete any court-ordered treatment or counseling
☐ Serve suspension/revocation period
☐ Get FR44 insurance quote — call MyFloridaFR44.com at 855-678-6977
☐ Purchase FR44 policy and confirm DHSMV electronic filing
☐ Install ignition interlock device (if required)
☐ Pay all court fines, fees, and reinstatement charges
☐ Call DHSMV (850-617-2000) to confirm all requirements are satisfied
☐ Pay DHSMV license reinstatement fee
☐ Receive reinstated driver license
☐ Mark 3-year FR44 renewal date on calendar — DO NOT let coverage lapse

What Happens If You Let FR44 Lapse?

Do not let this happen. Florida law is unforgiving on FR44 lapses:

• Your insurance carrier is legally required to electronically notify DHSMV the same day coverage drops
• Your license is immediately suspended — no grace period, no warning
• The 3-year FR44 clock restarts from zero — those 2 years you already completed? Gone.
• You must pay another reinstatement fee ($45-$75)
• You must file a new FR44 and wait for DHSMV processing before driving again
• Multiple lapses can result in extended suspension or additional penalties

How to avoid lapse: Set calendar reminders 30 days and 7 days before renewal. Pay on time. If you switch carriers, make sure the new policy starts BEFORE the old one cancels. We handle this seamlessly at MyFloridaFR44.

How Much Does All This Cost? Total DUI-to-Reinstatement Price Tag

Item	Estimated Cost
DUI Attorney	$2,500 – $7,500
Court Fines	$500 – $2,000 (first offense)
DUI School	$250 – $650
DHSMV Fees (suspension + reinstatement)	$130 – $250
FR44 Insurance (per year, non-owner)	$170 – $960
FR44 Insurance (per year, owner)	$960 – $3,600
IID (6 months, if required)	$430 – $690
Total Estimated Range	$3,980 – $14,690+

FR44 insurance is the one cost you can actually control by shopping rates. We compare 15+ carriers to find the lowest price for your situation.

Get Your FR44 Filed Today — Same-Day DHSMV Filing

When you’re ready to check FR44 insurance off your reinstatement checklist, we make it fast:

• Free online quote in under 2 minutes
• Same-day electronic filing with Florida DHSMV
• 15+ carriers shopped simultaneously
• Non-owner policies from $14/month
• Spanish-speaking agents available
• Call 855-678-6977 or start your quote right here

Last updated: June 2026. This guide covers the FR44 insurance process. For legal advice about your specific DUI case, consult a Florida DUI attorney.