Florida’s 10-Day DUI Rule & harsh DUI Arrest consequences

What is the 10-day rule for DUI arrests in Florida?

Florida law is unique in how it addresses Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and driving privileges. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Florida, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to save your driver’s license.

Your driver’s license is immediately suspended upon your Florida DUI arrest. For the next 10 days, you may drive only to work or for business using your ticket as a permit. At the end of those 10 days, your license will either be fully suspended, suspended with work privileges, or reinstated—depending, in part, upon your actions.

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Take Action During the 10-Day Window to Retain Driving Privileges in Florida

First-time offenders have two options during the 10-day window. These options are:

Request an administrative hearing (formal or informal)

This hearing determines whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI. You will immediately receive a 42-day business-purpose-only driver’s license—also called a “hardship” license. If the hearing is lost, it could trigger a 30—or 90–day waiting period to get another Hardship license. If the hearing is won, your driver’s license could be reinstated.

Forfeit your right to a review hearing in exchange for an immediate business-purpose-only license.

This license lasts for a six—or 12-month suspension for a first-time DUI. You must also enroll in DUI school before you can get the immediate hardship license.

Previously convicted of a DUI in Florida?

DUI defense attorney

Florida drivers previously convicted of a DUI are not eligible for a hardship license. They may only pursue the first option – requesting an administrative formal review hearing. Additionally, a driver who takes no action during the 10-day window will have his driver’s license suspended for at least six months or more, depending on the arrest circumstances and the driver’s criminal history.

How to fight your DUI charge and protect your license

An experienced Florida DUI attorney will examine your DUI arrest, the breathalyzer test results, and your rights to find the most effective way forward. Contact Adam Rossen or Manny Serra-Jovenich at Rossen Law Firm today. We’ve helped countless Broward County and South Florida individuals retain driving privileges. We’re ready to help and want to hear from you.

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RELATED: 7 Rules You Need to Know to Survive a Florida DUI – (FREE instant-download booklet)
RELATED: 8 common Florida DUI Myths debunked by DUI lawyers

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kevin tabron

00:07 08 Sep 22

In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!

Jason Higley

15:24 26 Aug 22

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Felix I H

13:27 28 Jul 22

Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.

Terry Christopher

12:32 09 May 22

I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.

Ketiana Province

20:27 23 Mar 22

My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.

What is the 10-day rule for DUI arrests in Florida? Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney explains