Does Florida offer hardship licenses to those convicted of a DUI?

hardship license DUI

Depending on the criminal offense an individual is charged with may result in the loss of their driving privileges. If an individual is charged with driving while under the influence (DUI), the consequences will likely result in the suspension or revocation of their standard driver’s license. The loss of driving privileges can negatively impact a person’s life. Individuals’ lives are disturbed as they are unable to travel to important places such as work or school. However, in Florida, individuals who lose their standard license because of a DUI conviction may apply for a hardship driver’s license. A hardship license allows an individual who has a suspended license to have a reinstated conditional driver’s license that allows limited driving privileges. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact an experienced and determined Pensacola DUI Defense Lawyewho can fight on your behalf today.

Can I acquire a hardship license after a DUI conviction in Florida?

In Florida, an individual driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% is over the legal limit and will likely be charged with a DUI. The penalties an individual may face vary in severity depending on the circumstances, however, they typically result in the suspension or revocation of an individual’s standard driver’s license. Florida allows individuals to apply for a hardship driver’s license which grants them limited driving privileges after a DUI conviction. Typically, individuals apply for this type of conditional license to drive to and from work. The loss of driving privileges can cost an individual their livelihood. However, individuals must meet specific requirements to obtain this type of conditional license. In Florida, the general requirements an individual must meet to acquire a hardship license include the following: 

  • Apply for a hardship reinstatement hearing
  • Attending a DUI school and completing the program 
  • Install a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID)

If an individual qualifies for this type of license they may be granted restricted driving privileges. However, if this is a person’s second DUI offense, applying for a hardship license is significantly more challenging. The likelihood of an individual obtaining a hardship license after a second offense is seriously decreased. If an individual violates the terms of their hardship license, their driving privileges will be immediately revoked. Individuals who obtain this type of license are restricted to driving to a handful of important places. If they violate the terms, they will face severe consequences.

If you have been charged with a DUI, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable and dedicated team members who can help defend your rights. Our firm is committed to helping our clients reach favorable results which may include obtaining a hardship license.