Florida · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Florida: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Florida: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Florida.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 days
- How it is counted
- The date of issuance of the notice of suspension
- Failed test
- 6 months for a first suspension; 1 year if previously suspended under this section
- Refused test
- 1 year for a first refusal; 18 months if previously suspended for refusal
- Hardship license
- Restricted license for business or employment purposes (hardship license)
How to Request a Hearing in Florida
request a formal or informal review from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Bureau of Administrative Reviews), or instead request a review of eligibility for a business-purposes-only restricted license under s. 322.271(7), which waives the formal and informal review; the 10-day temporary permit expires at midnight of the 10th day after the notice is issued
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Florida
6 months for a first suspension; 1 year if previously suspended under this sectionFla. Stat. § 322.2615(1)(b); § 322.271(7)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Florida
1 year for a first refusal; 18 months if previously suspended for refusalFla. Stat. § 322.2615(1)(b); § 322.271(7)
Getting a Restricted License for Business or Employment Purposes (Hardship License) in Florida
After an administrative suspension, a first-time driver (no prior 322.2615 suspension or DUI conviction) may get a business-purposes-only license for the suspension period, which waives the formal and informal review. After a DUI conviction, a restricted license requires completing the DUI program course and evaluation; it is not available to a person convicted of DUI two or more times or suspended two or more times for refusal, except that a person revoked for 5 years or less may petition after 12 months (24 months if revoked more than 5 years) for a business-or-employment-only license with DUI program supervision and at least 12 months of not driving and being drug free.
More on DUI Law in Florida
See the full overview of DUI laws in Florida and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Florida law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Florida can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Florida?
10 days. How it is counted: the date of issuance of the notice of suspension.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
6 months for a first suspension; 1 year if previously suspended under this section
Can You Get a Hardship License in Florida?
After an administrative suspension, a first-time driver (no prior 322.2615 suspension or DUI conviction) may get a business-purposes-only license for the suspension period, which waives the formal and informal review. After a DUI conviction, a restricted license requires completing the DUI program course and evaluation; it is not available to a person convicted of DUI two or more times or suspended two or more times for refusal, except that a person revoked for 5 years or less may petition after 12 months (24 months if revoked more than 5 years) for a business-or-employment-only license with DUI program supervision and at least 12 months of not driving and being drug free.