What Happens After a DUI in Florida: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
A DUI conviction in Florida sets off a chain of legal, administrative, and financial consequences that can last for years. Understanding the full sequence — and acting in the right order — is critical for minimizing total impact and getting your license reinstated as quickly as possible.
The DUI Timeline in Florida
| Stage | When It Happens | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest + Administrative Suspension | Night of arrest | Request formal review hearing within 10 days OR apply for hardship license with DUI school enrollment |
| First Appearance / Bond | 24-72 hours post-arrest | Appear or post bond |
| Criminal Case / Plea / Trial | Weeks to months | Hire attorney, evaluate plea options |
| Sentencing (if convicted) | At plea or after trial | Complete DUI school enrollment (required before sentencing in some circuits) |
| License Suspension Begins | At conviction | Get FR44 insurance, enroll in DUI school, apply for hardship license |
| DUI School Completion | Within conviction requirements | Complete Level I or Level II program |
| IID Installation (if required) | Before hardship/reinstatement | Use FLHSMV-approved vendor |
| FR44 Active Period | 3 years from reinstatement | Maintain continuous coverage — any lapse resets clock |
| Full License Reinstatement | After suspension + FR44 + DUI school + IID complete | Pay FLHSMV reinstatement fee ($75-150) |
The 10-Day Rule — Critical First Step
When you’re arrested for DUI in Florida, FLHSMV issues an administrative suspension that takes effect 10 days after arrest. You have 10 calendar days to either:
- Request a formal review hearing (challenges the administrative suspension on procedural grounds), OR
- Waive the hearing and apply for a hardship license immediately (requires DUI school enrollment)
Missing the 10-day window means the administrative suspension begins automatically, and you cannot drive at all for the mandatory hard suspension period before a hardship license becomes available.
DUI School Requirements
Florida requires DUI school enrollment as a condition of the hardship license and completion as a condition of full reinstatement:
- Level I (first DUI, BAC under 0.15%): 12 hours over 1-2 weekends, $230-260
- Level II (second DUI, first DUI with BAC 0.15%+ or minor in vehicle): 21 hours, $300-450+
FR44 Insurance: What You Need and When
FR44 is Florida’s DUI-specific financial responsibility certificate. It requires 100/300/50 liability coverage — four times the standard minimum. FR44 must be active before FLHSMV will issue a hardship license. The 3-year FR44 period runs from full license reinstatement, not from the date of conviction.
Get FR44 filed as early as possible — it’s one of the conditions you can satisfy while everything else is in process. We file same-day electronically with FLHSMV. Call (407) 506-4611.
First DUI Penalties in Florida
- Fine: $500-$1,000 ($1,000-$2,000 if BAC 0.15%+ or minor in vehicle)
- Community service: 50 hours minimum
- Probation: up to 1 year
- Jail: up to 6 months (9 months for enhanced)
- Vehicle impoundment: 10 days
- License suspension: 180 days to 1 year
- FR44: 3 years from reinstatement
- IID: Mandatory for hardship license with BAC 0.15%+
Getting Back on the Road: Priority Order
- Act within 10 days (hearing or waiver + DUI school enrollment)
- Get FR44 filed immediately (we do it same-day)
- Install IID if required
- Visit DHSMV with all documentation + reinstatement fee
- Complete DUI school (Level I or II)
- Maintain FR44 for full 3-year period without lapse
- Pay final reinstatement fee for full license restoration
Start FR44 today. Call (407) 506-4611 or complete our form — same-day electronic filing with FLHSMV.