Fourth DUI in Florida

If you are convicted of a fourth DUI and four or more of those DUI convictions appear on your Florida driving record, then the Chief of the Bureau of Records with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will send you an “Order of Revocation.” The order also notifies you that your driving privilege will be permanently revoked as a result of four or more DUI convictions appearing on your Florida driving record.

In the section that is supposed to list the offense date, conviction date, court, description, and ticket number, the order will often say: “DRIVING RECORD ENCLOSED.” The notice contains the following warning:

You are not authorized to operate a motor vehicle for the remainder of your life unless you obtain a hardship driver license. A hardship driver license is granted only in specific circumstances and restricts the driving privilege.

You may apply for a hardship license five years AFTER your most recent DUI conviction or five years AFTER the date you were released from incarceration (if applicable), whichever is later. To be eligible, you must not use drugs or alcohol, not be arrested for any drug-related offense, or drive a motor vehicle in this five year period.

If you were interested in applying for a hardship license and believe you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact your local Bureau of Administrative Review Office (see enclosed list) to schedule an appointment. They will provide you with additional instructions once they have determined you meet initial eligibility criteria.

This order is filed in the official records of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You may appeal this order within 30 days of the date of this order by filing a petition for writ of certiorari described in Section 322.31, Florida Statute.

Obtaining a Hardship after a Fourth DUI in Florida

The driver’s license revocation period for a fourth DUI conviction is a mandatory permanent revocation. You may be eligible for hardship reinstatement after five years if you have gone at least five years without driving or consuming alcohol. If you were incarcerated, the revocation period begins on the date of your release from incarceration.

If eligible, you submit a hardship license to the Bureau of Administrative Review. If approved, you must complete an evaluation with Special Supervision Services (SSS). Then, you will be monitored by SSS continuously to maintain the hardship license. SSS can impose additional requirements, such as maintaining an ignition interlock device.

Read. more about how to obtain a hardship with four DUIs in Florida.

This article was last updated on Friday, February 16, 2024.