The cost of a Florida hardship license after a DUI

A Florida hardship license (also called a Business Purpose Only license) costs $75 to request from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This is the filing fee you pay when you submit your petition to the court. The total cost to you will be higher because you will also need to pay for a substance abuse evaluation, an ignition interlock device if the court orders one, and likely an attorney — though you can represent yourself in the hardship petition process.

The $75 fee is non-refundable even if the court denies your petition. If you are approved, you will also pay for a new license itself, which costs the standard Florida driver's license fee at the time of issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • The court filing fee for a hardship license petition is $75, and this money is not returned if you are denied.
  • A substance abuse evaluation is required before you can petition and typically costs $100 to $300 depending on the evaluator and your county.
  • If the court orders an ignition interlock device, installation costs $50 to $150 and monthly monitoring runs $60 to $100.
  • An attorney to help with the hardship petition typically charges $500 to $1,500, though you can file the petition yourself without legal help.
  • You must show the court that you have a legitimate need to drive for work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs before approval.

Substance abuse evaluation costs and timing

Before you can file a hardship petition in Florida, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation. This evaluation is ordered by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as part of the suspension process, not by the court. The evaluation itself is not free — you pay the evaluator directly, and costs range from $100 to $300 depending on which provider you use and which county you are in.

The evaluation takes one to two hours and results in a written report that you submit with your hardship petition. The evaluator will ask about your drinking or drug use history, any prior DUI arrests, and your current situation. You cannot move forward with the hardship petition until this evaluation is complete and you have the report in hand.

Ignition interlock device expenses

If your DUI involved a breath or blood alcohol reading of 0.15 or higher, or if you refused the breath test, Florida law requires an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you drive. The court will order this as a condition of the hardship license. Installation typically costs $50 to $150 depending on the device manufacturer and the shop doing the work.

Monthly monitoring fees range from $60 to $100. You pay this fee every month the device is installed, which can be six months to three years depending on your sentence. Some providers charge a removal fee of $50 to $100 when the court orders the device removed. The total cost of an IID over a typical two-year period can reach $1,500 to $2,500 when you add installation, monthly fees, and removal.

Attorney fees for hardship petitions

You can file a hardship petition yourself without an attorney, but many people hire one because the petition must meet specific legal requirements and the court will deny it if paperwork is incomplete or arguments are weak. An attorney who handles hardship petitions typically charges $500 to $1,500 for the full process, including reviewing your case, preparing the petition, gathering evidence of your need to drive, and representing you at the hearing.

Some attorneys charge a flat fee for the hardship petition alone, while others charge hourly rates of $150 to $300 per hour. If you choose to represent yourself, you pay only the $75 filing fee, but you must research Florida's hardship petition rules and prepare all documents yourself. The court will not help you, and mistakes in the petition can result in denial.

Timeline and when costs are due

The substance abuse evaluation must be completed before you file the hardship petition, so you pay that cost first — typically within the first two weeks after your arrest or suspension. The $75 court filing fee is due when you submit the petition, which you can do as soon as you have the evaluation report.

If the court approves your hardship license, you then pay for the new license itself at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If an ignition interlock device is required, installation happens after approval, and monthly monitoring fees begin when ready. The entire process from arrest to approved hardship license typically takes four to eight weeks.

Comparing hardship license costs to full license suspension

A Florida DUI suspension lasts six months for a first offense with a breath or blood alcohol reading under 0.15, and one year if the reading was 0.15 or higher or if you refused the test. During a full suspension, you cannot legally drive at all, even for work or medical appointments. A hardship license costs money upfront but allows you to drive for specific purposes during the suspension period.

If you cannot afford the hardship license costs, you have the option to wait out the suspension without driving. However, if you need to drive for work or school, the hardship license is usually the only legal option. Some people choose to pay for a ride-sharing service or ask for rides rather than pay for the evaluation and petition, but this is a personal decision based on your circumstances and income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the $75 filing fee waived if I cannot afford it?

You can request a fee waiver from the court by filing a motion stating you cannot afford the $75 fee. The court will review your income and expenses and may waive the fee if you meet the financial hardship standard. You must file this motion before or at the same time as your hardship petition.

Do I have to pay for the substance abuse evaluation even if I am denied the hardship license?

Yes. The evaluation is a separate requirement from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, not part of the hardship petition itself. You must complete and pay for it before you can petition, and the cost is yours whether the court approves or denies your petition.

What happens if I cannot afford the ignition interlock device?

If the court orders an IID and you cannot afford installation or monthly fees, you can request a hardship waiver from the court. You must show that the cost creates genuine financial hardship. Some courts may reduce the monitoring period or allow payment plans, but this varies by judge and county.

Can I use the same hardship license for multiple vehicles?

No. A hardship license is tied to one vehicle. If you need to drive a different vehicle, you must petition the court to modify the license to include that vehicle, and you may have to install an ignition interlock device on the new vehicle as well.

Do I have to renew the hardship license before my full suspension ends?

No. The hardship license is valid only during your suspension period. When the suspension ends, your regular driving privileges are automatically restored, and you do not need to renew or file anything with the court.