Most people focus on the FR44. But before you can file it, you have to get through the DUI school requirement — and the two are more connected than most people realize. Here’s the complete Florida DUI school guide, including what it costs, how long it takes, and exactly where it fits in your reinstatement timeline.

The Full Reinstatement Timeline (Where DUI School Fits)

Step	What Happens	Timeline
1. DUI Arrest	License administratively suspended (usually 10 days to challenge)	Day 0
2. DUI Conviction	Court orders DUI school as condition of reinstatement	Weeks to months after arrest
3. Enroll in DUI School	Must enroll within 90 days of conviction	Within 90 days
4. Complete DUI School	School sends completion certificate to DHSMV	21–50 hours of classes
5. Get FR44 Insurance	This can happen BEFORE school completes — don’t wait	Can start immediately
6. DHSMV Reinstatement	License reinstated once both school and FR44 are confirmed	Hours to days after all requirements met

Key insight: You don’t have to finish DUI school before getting your FR44. Get your FR44 filed immediately — every day you wait is a day longer before reinstatement.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: Which One Do You Need?

	Level 1 (First Offense)	Level 2 (Repeat or Aggravated)
BAC at time of arrest	Under .15%	.15% or higher, OR any second offense
Program hours	21 hours minimum	29+ hours + substance abuse evaluation
Substance abuse treatment	Not required	Required evaluation; treatment if recommended
Minor in the vehicle	N/A	Automatic Level 2 regardless of BAC
Typical cost	$250–$350	$400–$700+
Typical duration	3–4 weeks (weekend classes)	6–8 weeks minimum

Your conviction paperwork will specify which level is required. If you’re not sure, call the DUI school directly — they’ll pull your record and confirm within minutes.

What It Actually Costs to Get Back on the Road

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
DUI School (Level 1)	$250–$350	Paid directly to school
DUI School (Level 2)	$400–$700+	Includes substance abuse evaluation
FR44 Non-Owner Policy	$14–$45/month	Cheapest option if you don’t own a car
FR44 Owner Policy	$90–$300+/month	Varies by vehicle, driving history
DHSMV Reinstatement Fee	$150–$500	Paid directly to DHSMV (varies by offense)
Ignition Interlock (if ordered)	$75–$150/month	Only if court-ordered

The total out-of-pocket to get reinstated is typically $600–$1,500+ depending on your specific situation. The FR44 is the ongoing monthly cost — we help keep that as low as possible.

Find a DHSMV-Approved DUI School Near You

Florida requires you to attend a state-approved DUI Countermeasures Program. Not all programs are equal — and online programs require verification. Use the official DHSMV locator to find approved providers in your area.

• Official DHSMV DUI Program Locator: flhsmv.gov/dui-programs-florida
• Search by county to find providers near you
• Call ahead — class availability varies by location
• Verify the program is DHSMV-approved before enrolling (especially for online programs)
• The school submits your completion certificate directly to DHSMV — you don’t have to do anything

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to finish DUI school before I can get FR44 insurance?

No — and you shouldn’t wait. Get your FR44 filed the day you decide to get reinstated. The school and the FR44 are separate requirements, but DHSMV needs both before reinstating your license. Getting FR44 first means zero delay when your school completion is reported.

What happens if I miss the 90-day enrollment deadline?

Missing the 90-day enrollment window can extend your suspension and create additional compliance requirements. If you’ve missed it, contact your DUI school immediately — many have procedures for late enrollment, but you may face additional fines or a hearing.

Can I take DUI school online in Florida?

Some providers offer hybrid or online components, but Florida law requires in-person participation for most of the program hours. Any online program must be explicitly DHSMV-approved — verify before you enroll. Unapproved online programs will not count and will delay your reinstatement.

What if I move to another state — do I still need to complete Florida’s DUI school?

Yes, in most cases. Florida’s FR44 requirement follows your conviction regardless of where you move. You’ll need to complete a Florida-approved program (or get approval for an out-of-state equivalent) and maintain your FR44 for the full 3 years. Contact DHSMV directly if you’ve relocated.

What happens if my FR44 lapses while I’m still in DUI school?

Your license gets re-suspended and your 3-year clock may restart. Don’t let coverage lapse for even a single day. We send proactive renewal reminders so this never happens to our clients.

Ready to get your FR44 filed while you work through DUI school? We can have you covered in under 30 minutes.