Florida DUI School Requirements — What Level Do You Need and How Does It Affect FR44?

Before you can reinstate your Florida driver license after a DUI, you must complete DUI School. This is separate from FR44 insurance — both are required, and one does not substitute for the other. Here is exactly which level applies to you, what it costs, and how it fits into your reinstatement timeline.

DUI School Levels in Florida

Level	Hours	Who It Applies To	Cost Range
Level I	12 hours	First DUI conviction (BAC under 0.15, no minor in vehicle)	$250–$450
Level II	21 hours	Second DUI within 5 years OR first DUI with BAC ≥ 0.15 OR first DUI with minor in vehicle	$400–$700

The level is determined by your specific conviction, not your choice. If you were convicted of a first DUI with BAC 0.09%, you take Level I. If your BAC was 0.16%, you take Level II — regardless of it being a first offense.

Who Assigns DUI School — The Court or the DHSMV?

Both. The criminal court may order DUI School as part of your sentence. Additionally, the DHSMV independently requires DUI School before license reinstatement — even if the court order has been satisfied. You must complete the DHSMV-required level regardless of what the court ordered.

DUI School vs DUI Program — Different Things

• DUI School (Level I or II): An education course. Covers the effects of alcohol/drugs on driving, legal consequences, and risk reduction. Required for ALL DUI convictions.
• DUI Substance Abuse Course (SAC): A clinical evaluation component of Level II. After the classroom portion, you must complete an individual substance abuse evaluation. If treatment is recommended, you must complete it before reinstatement.
• DUI Supervision Program: An ongoing monitoring period required after Level II. You check in regularly with a counselor. This adds months to your reinstatement timeline.

Where to Take DUI School in Florida

DUI School must be completed at a DHSMV-approved DUI program provider. As of 2026, Florida has approximately 40+ state-approved providers. Options include:

• In-person: Available in all major Florida cities. Typically 2-3 days of classroom instruction.
• Online: Level I is available online from approved providers. Level II typically requires in-person components for the substance abuse evaluation.
• Cost assistance: Some counties have reduced-fee programs for low-income applicants.

Find providers: Florida DHSMV website → Driver License → DUI Programs → Find a Provider

DUI School and FR44 Timeline

The reinstatement process has a specific order — DUI school and FR44 must both be completed, but the timing matters:

1. Serve minimum suspension period (180 days for first DUI, up to 5 years for second within 5 years)
2. Enroll in and complete DUI School (Level I or II)
3. Obtain FR44 insurance (we file same-day at 1-800-229-7131)
4. Pay $250 reinstatement fee to DHSMV
5. Visit DHSMV with completion certificate, FR44 proof, fee receipt, and ID

Critical: you can obtain FR44 insurance BEFORE completing DUI school — and filing FR44 starts your 3-year clock even before you are reinstated. Some drivers file FR44 as soon as possible to start the clock ticking, even while still completing DUI school.

Can You Start FR44 Before Finishing DUI School?

Yes. The DHSMV will accept an FR44 filing at any time — including before DUI school is complete, before the suspension period ends, or before reinstatement. Filing early starts your 3-year clock immediately. You will still need to complete DUI school before the DHSMV will actually reinstate your license — but every day your FR44 is active counts toward the 3 years.

Get FR44 Insurance — Start Your 3-Year Clock Today

Same-day DHSMV filing — file today, start your 3-year clock today. Compare 15+ carriers. Non-owner from $14/month. No credit check. 50,000+ Florida drivers served.

Call 1-800-229-7131 or start your 2-minute quote now.

Last updated: May 28, 2026. DUI School requirements per DHSMV Rule 15A-10. Provider lists and costs subject to change.