After a DUI arrest in Florida, your driver’s license will be suspended almost immediately. But for many people, driving is essential for work, school, or caring for family. The good news: you may be eligible for a hardship license, which allows limited driving privileges during your suspension period.
At Roussos Law Group, we help clients navigate the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) process to secure hardship licenses after DUI arrests or refusals. Our team understands how to protect your right to drive — and your future.
A hardship license is a restricted driver’s license that allows limited driving — typically for employment, school, medical appointments, or family obligations — while your regular license is suspended for DUI-related reasons.
Under Florida Statutes §322.2615 and §322.271, you have just 10 days from your arrest to request a formal review hearing to preserve your eligibility. Missing this deadline means your suspension will automatically take effect.
There are two main types of hardship licenses:
Eligibility depends on your prior record, whether you refused testing, and if you’ve completed required steps like enrolling in DUI School.
When arrested for DUI, two separate actions occur:
Typical suspension periods:
Eligibility for a hardship license is affected by the type of suspension and your prior record. For example, drivers suspended for refusing a breath test may not qualify immediately and must complete certain steps first.
This summary is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect the latest statutory updates. Always consult an attorney for advice about your specific case.
At Roussos Law Group, we guide clients through every step of the hardship license process — from filing the proper paperwork to representing you in your DHSMV hearing.
Our team can assist with:
With our experience on both sides of the courtroom, we understand how hearing officers evaluate evidence and how to present a strong, compliant case for driving privilege restoration.
To improve your chances of approval, act quickly after your DUI arrest:
A BPO license allows essential driving (work, school, church, household needs). An EPO license restricts driving to employment-related purposes only.
You have 10 days from your arrest to request a DHSMV hearing. If you miss this deadline, your suspension automatically begins.
Yes. Proof of enrollment in DUI School is required before a hardship license can be granted.
You may qualify, but typically only after a 90-day “hard suspension” period for a first refusal. Second refusals are not eligible.
No. It only allows limited driving privileges during your suspension. Your DUI criminal case proceeds separately in court.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step with confidence.
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A BPO license allows essential driving (work, school, church, household needs). An EPO license restricts driving to employment-related purposes only.
You have 10 days from your arrest to request a DHSMV hearing. If you miss this deadline, your suspension automatically begins.
Yes. Proof of enrollment in DUI School is required before a hardship license can be granted.
You may qualify, but typically only after a 90-day “hard suspension” period for a first refusal. Second refusals are not eligible.
No. It only allows limited driving privileges during your suspension. Your DUI criminal case proceeds separately in court.
