Do I Need to Take DUI School to Get My Florida Driver's License Back?

April 28, 2025

How Florida's DUI School Requirements Affect Your License Reinstatement — And Why You Need a Private Attorney to Navigate the Process

If your license was suspended in Florida due to a DUI conviction or arrest, you probably already know that getting it back is no easy task. One of the most common questions I hear from clients is whether they need to take DUI school in order to get their license reinstated. The answer is often yes, but it depends on your specific case.

I’ve helped many clients navigate the often-complex process of DUI license reinstatement. In this article, I’m going to break down what Florida law says about DUI school, who is required to take it, how you can get your license back, and why you need a skilled private attorney to guide you through every step.

Florida DUI License Suspension and DUI School Requirements

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florida, there are two primary situations that can result in a license suspension:

Administrative suspension for failing or refusing a breathalyzer test.
Criminal conviction for DUI.

Each comes with its own set of rules regarding when you will need to complete DUI school in order to have your driver’s license reinstated.

Administrative Suspension (Refusal or BAC over 0.08%)

Under Florida Statutes § 322.2615, if you fail or refuse a breath or blood test at the time of your arrest, your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of 6 months to 1 year.

However, you may be able to get a temporary hardship license if you meet certain conditions, like proving that you need the license for work or business purposes. But once the suspension period ends, you may be required to attend DUI school before your license can be fully reinstated.

Criminal Conviction (DUI)

If you are convicted of DUI under Florida Statutes § 316.193, the law requires that you complete DUI school, regardless of whether it was your first or second offense. This is a mandatory part of your sentence, and failure to complete it can result in your license being not reinstated.

The exact requirements for attending DUI school vary based on your history and the nature of your offense. Here’s the breakdown:

First Offense: Completion of 12 hours of DUI education.
Second Offense: Completion of 21 hours of DUI education.
Third or Subsequent Offense: Completion of 21 hours of DUI education and possible participation in an additional treatment program.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will not reinstate your license unless you provide proof of DUI school completion.

The DUI School Process in Florida

DUI school is designed to educate offenders about the dangers of drinking and driving. It’s an essential part of the Florida DUI sentencing process. The program includes education about alcohol and drug use, the consequences of impaired driving, and a self-assessment of your habits and behavior.

Where and How to Complete DUI School

The Florida Safety Council and other state-approved providers offer the required DUI education programs. These programs are typically offered in person or, in some cases, may be available online for those who qualify.

Once you complete the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is needed to apply for license reinstatement. You must submit this certificate to the DHSMV along with your other documentation.

When Can I Get My License Back After DUI School?

If you’ve successfully completed DUI school and satisfied all other requirements (like paying fines and serving your suspension period), you can apply for a hardship license (if eligible) or full reinstatement of your driving privileges.

However, you may still face additional challenges in the process. For example:

Failure to complete DUI school or complete it late can result in a delay in your license reinstatement.
Additional penalties for second or third offenses (including longer suspensions, longer DUI school requirements, or treatment programs).
Other conditions may be added, such as probation or community service, that you need to meet before getting your license back.

Real-Life Example of a Case I Won: DUI License Reinstatement

Let me share a real example of a client I helped navigate the DUI school process and get their license reinstated:

Case Facts:
My client, "John," had been arrested for DUI after being pulled over in a routine traffic stop. His BAC was over the legal limit, but he had a clean driving record and no prior criminal history. John was facing a 6-month administrative suspension of his driver’s license due to a failed breath test.

The first step in his case was to request a formal review hearing for the administrative suspension. During that hearing, we were able to argue that the stop was not based on reasonable suspicion, which led to the suspension being reduced by several months.

Once we resolved the suspension, the next step was getting his DUI conviction cleared through DUI school. John successfully completed the required 12-hour DUI education program. We provided proof of completion to the DHSMV, and with our help, John was able to get his license reinstated within the required time frame.

This was a huge win for John because it minimized his suspension time and got him back on the road quicker. It also highlights why it’s so important to have a lawyer by your side to handle every aspect of your case, from fighting the suspension to ensuring all requirements are met for reinstatement.

Why You Need an Attorney for DUI License Reinstatement

There are several critical reasons why you need a private criminal defense lawyer to help you with DUI school and license reinstatement:

Navigating the process – The paperwork, deadlines, and requirements for DUI school and license reinstatement can be complicated. A lawyer can ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Fighting the suspension – If you believe your arrest or license suspension was wrongful, a lawyer can fight to reduce or eliminate the suspension through a formal review or legal challenge.
Ensuring compliance – A private attorney can monitor your progress in DUI school, ensure all conditions are met, and help you avoid delays in the reinstatement process.
Appealing delays – If your license is denied or reinstatement is delayed, a lawyer can intervene and work to resolve the issue with the DHSMV.

I’ve helped countless clients reduce the impact of DUI convictions and get their licenses reinstated. In many cases, my clients had their suspensions shortened or eliminated entirely. If you’re facing a DUI suspension and need to get your license back, the guidance of an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.

Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation

Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation. We have 30 office locations in Florida and serve all counties in Florida.

Florida DUI FAQs

Do I need to take DUI school for my first offense in Florida?
Yes, if you’re convicted of DUI, you are required to take DUI school as part of your sentence. For a first offense, this typically involves a 12-hour DUI education program. Even if it’s your first offense, failure to complete DUI school will prevent your license from being reinstated.

What happens if I don’t complete DUI school on time?
If you fail to complete DUI school or fail to submit proof of completion, your license reinstatement will be delayed. You could also face additional penalties or fines. It’s crucial to complete the program promptly and ensure all documentation is submitted to the DHSMV.

How long does DUI school take to complete?
The length of DUI school varies. A first-time offender must complete 12 hours of DUI education. For repeat offenders or those convicted of DUI with more severe penalties, the program can extend to 21 hours or more.

Can I get my license back before completing DUI school?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a hardship license if you qualify and meet certain requirements, such as proving that you need the license for work. However, you will still be required to complete DUI school before your license can be fully reinstated.

Can I take DUI school online in Florida?
Yes, Florida allows certain DUI offenders to complete the program online. However, not all providers offer online options, and you must ensure that you choose a state-approved provider to fulfill the requirements.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a hardship license?
To qualify for a hardship license, you must demonstrate that you have a legitimate need to drive for work or other essential activities. A lawyer can help you apply for a hardship license and ensure you meet all the requirements.

What should I do if my license was denied after completing DUI school?
If your license is denied after completing DUI school, you should consult with a lawyer immediately. An attorney can investigate whether there were issues with your paperwork, verify compliance, and help you appeal the decision if necessary.

Can I challenge the DUI school requirement in court?
Challenging the requirement to attend DUI school is generally not an option for most people. However, if you believe that your license was unfairly suspended or that the evidence used against you was flawed, an attorney may be able to challenge other aspects of your DUI conviction or suspension.