Florida DUI School: Everything You Need to Know Before Enrolling
Getting a DUI in Florida triggers several mandatory requirements. One of the most important is completing state-approved DUI school. This isn’t optional or something you can handle later. Your license reinstatement, hardship license eligibility, and court compliance all depend on finishing this program.
Understanding the process upfront saves time, money, and prevents costly delays that could extend your license suspension.
What You’ll Learn:
- 90-Day Enrollment Deadline Cannot Be Extended
- Level Requirements Depend on Your Offense History
- Proper Documentation Prevents Enrollment Delays
What Is Florida DUI School?
Florida DUI school is a state-mandated education and evaluation program. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires completion to reduce repeat offenses and promote safer driving habits.
All programs must be completed in person through state-approved providers. Online courses are not accepted under Florida law. The program combines classroom education with personal evaluation to assess your risk level and determine if additional treatment is needed.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 DUI School
Florida operates two distinct program levels based on your offense history.
Level I (First-Time Offenders)
- 12 hours of classroom instruction
- 1-hour personal evaluation
- Possible referral to treatment
Level II (Repeat Offenders)
- 21 hours of classroom instruction
- More comprehensive personal evaluation
- Higher likelihood of treatment referral
Your breath, blood, or urine test results from the arrest determine which level you need. The state uses these results, not just your conviction status, to make the placement decision.
Critical Deadline: You must enroll within 90 days of receiving a hardship license or beginning the license reinstatement process. Missing this deadline can result in immediate license suspension.
DUI School Costs in Florida
Program costs vary by county and provider, but expect these ranges:
Level I Programs:
- $275 to $350 for the full program
- Additional reinstatement fee: $12 to $25
Level II Programs:
- $400 to $550 for the full program
- Additional reinstatement fee: $12 to $25
Extra Fees:
- Missed session replacement: $40 to $50 per session
- Rescheduling fee: $40 to $50
Many schools offer payment plans during registration. Ask about payment options when you enroll to avoid financial stress during an already difficult time.
What You’ll Need to Enroll
Even with a suspended license, DUI schools require proper identification and documentation for enrollment.
Acceptable IDs:
- Florida State ID (valid even if license is suspended)
- Valid U.S. or foreign passport
- Birth certificate plus secondary ID (Social Security card, utility bill, or lease agreement)
Required Documents (varies by county):
- DUI citation or arrest report
- Court referral (if issued by judge)
- Breath, blood, or urine test results
- Driving record (especially important with out-of-state licenses)
Gather these documents before calling to enroll. Missing paperwork delays your start date and can push you closer to the 90-day deadline.
The DUI School Evaluation
Every participant completes a personal evaluation as part of the program. This evaluation serves multiple purposes beyond just program completion.
The evaluation helps determine your risk level for repeat offenses. Evaluators may refer you to substance abuse treatment based on your responses and assessment results.
Treatment referrals are mandatory when given. You cannot complete license reinstatement until all referred treatment is finished. This can add weeks or months to your timeline, so take the evaluation seriously and answer honestly.
What to Expect in Class
DUI school involves active participation, not passive listening. Classes typically run during evenings or weekends to accommodate work schedules.
Expect group discussions, educational videos, and interactive activities throughout the program. Course topics include Florida DUI laws, blood alcohol concentration education, consequences of impaired driving, and decision-making strategies for safer choices.
Attendance is mandatory for every session. Missing classes requires makeup sessions at additional cost and delays your completion certificate. Some schools have strict policies about tardiness that can also result in additional fees.
After Completion
Successfully finishing DUI school provides you with a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is required for multiple legal processes.
Submit your certificate to the FLHSMV for license reinstatement or hardship license eligibility. If the court ordered your enrollment, you must also provide the certificate to your probation officer or the court clerk.
Keep multiple copies of your completion certificate. Government offices sometimes lose paperwork, and having backup copies prevents delays in your case.
Key Takeaway
DUI school represents more than just a legal requirement. It’s a mandatory step that directly controls when you can legally drive again. Understanding the program levels, costs, documentation requirements, and evaluation process helps you complete everything correctly the first time.
Preparation and early enrollment give you the best chance of meeting all deadlines and getting back on the road as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is DUI school mandatory in Florida?
Yes. Completing DUI school is required for license reinstatement, hardship license applications, and court compliance after a DUI conviction.
Q2: What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 DUI school?
Level I is for first-time offenders and includes 12 hours of class plus a 1-hour evaluation. Level II is for repeat offenders and includes 21 hours of class plus a more detailed evaluation.
Q3: Can I take DUI school online in Florida?
No. Florida law requires all DUI school courses to be completed in person with a state-approved provider.
Q4: How much does DUI school cost?
Costs vary by county. Level I typically costs $275 to $350. Level II typically costs $400 to $550. Additional fees apply for reinstatement, missed classes, or rescheduling.
Q5: What documents do I need to enroll?
You need valid ID (Florida ID, passport, or birth certificate plus secondary ID), DUI citation or arrest report, court referral if issued, breath/blood/urine test results, and your driving record if licensed out-of-state.
Q6: What happens during the DUI school evaluation?
Every participant completes a personal evaluation to assess repeat offense risk. You may be referred to treatment, which becomes mandatory and must be completed before license reinstatement.
Q7: What is class like in DUI school?
Classes include group discussions, videos, and interactive activities. Topics cover Florida DUI laws, blood alcohol effects, and safe driving decisions. Mandatory attendance means missed classes cost extra and delay completion.
Q8: How long do I have to enroll in DUI school?
You must enroll within 90 days of receiving a hardship license or beginning reinstatement. Missing this deadline can cause immediate license suspension.
Q9: What happens after I complete DUI school?
You receive a Certificate of Completion that must be submitted to FLHSMV for license matters and to the court or probation officer if court-ordered.
Q10: Can DUI school help reduce my charges?
DUI school is a post-conviction requirement, not a charge reduction tool. However, early enrollment may demonstrate good faith to courts and prosecutors in some counties.