What a Florida hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Florida lets you drive during a suspension when you meet specific conditions — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. You cannot drive for any other reason. The state issues it only if your regular license is suspended and you can show the suspension creates genuine hardship.
Florida calls this a "Business Purposes Only" license when your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, or a "Hardship License" when it stems from a DUI conviction or accumulating too many points. The rules differ slightly between them, but both require you to petition the court or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in writing.
You cannot get a hardship license if your suspension is permanent, if you are a habitual traffic offender, or if you refused a breath test during a DUI stop. You also cannot get one if your license was suspended for a serious violation like driving with a suspended license or fleeing police.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — not for any other purpose.
- You must file a petition with the circuit court in the county where you were cited, or with DHSMV if your suspension is points-based.
- You need proof of hardship (a job offer letter, school enrollment, or medical records), your driver's license number, and the case or citation number.
- The court or DHSMV usually decides within two to four weeks, and you cannot drive until you receive written approval.
- Driving outside the permitted purposes or without the hardship license in your vehicle can result in criminal charges and a longer suspension.
Determine which type of suspension you have
Before you file, you need to know why your license was suspended. Log into your DHSMV account at flhsmv.gov, click "Check Driver License Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The site will show the suspension reason and the date it began.
If you do not have online access, call the DHSMV Customer Service Center at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative will tell you the suspension type and whether you are may be able to access for a hardship license.
Write down the exact suspension reason and the date it took effect. You will need both when you file your petition. If the reason is unclear, ask the representative to explain it — suspensions for refusing a breath test or driving with a suspended license disqualify you, and you need to know that before spending time on paperwork.
Gather required documents before filing
The documents you need depend on your suspension reason. For any hardship petition, bring your driver's license number, the case or citation number, and proof of the hardship itself.
If your hardship is employment, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, start date, work schedule, and that your employment depends on driving. The letter must be dated within 30 days of when you file. If you are self-employed, bring a business license, tax returns from the past two years, and a written statement explaining why you need to drive for work.
If your hardship is school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or college showing your name, program, and class times. If your hardship is medical, bring a letter from your doctor or medical provider stating the condition, treatment schedule, and that you need to drive to receive care. If you are attending a court-ordered DUI program or counseling, bring proof of enrollment and the program schedule.
Make two copies of everything — one for the court or DHSMV and one for your records. Bring the originals to your appointment or hearing.
File your petition with the correct agency
Where you file depends on your suspension reason. If your suspension is for a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or accumulating 12 points in 12 months, file with the circuit court in the county where you were cited. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you can file with either the circuit court or DHSMV — the circuit court is usually faster.
To file with the circuit court, go to the courthouse in the county where the citation was issued. Ask for the traffic division or criminal division clerk. Tell them you want to file a petition for a hardship license. They will give you a form (usually called a "Petition for Hardship License" or "Motion for Hardship License") and tell you the filing fee, which varies by county but is typically $50 to $150.
Fill out the form completely. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the citation or case number, the suspension reason, and a detailed explanation of the hardship. Attach copies of your supporting documents. Sign the form in front of the clerk or a notary public — most courthouses have a notary available for a small fee.
File the original and one copy with the clerk. Keep one copy for yourself. The clerk will give you a receipt and tell you when your hearing will be scheduled, usually within two to four weeks.
What to expect at your hearing or decision
If you filed with the circuit court, you will receive a notice by mail with your hearing date and time. Bring all your original documents, your driver's license, and the receipt from filing. Arrive 15 minutes early.
At the hearing, the judge will ask you about your hardship and why you need to drive. Answer honestly and directly. Explain your job, school, or medical situation and why losing your license creates genuine hardship. If you have your employer, school, or doctor present, that strengthens your case, but it is not required.
The judge will decide when ready or within a few days. If approved, you will receive a written order. Take this order to any DHSMV office to get your hardship license printed. Bring your driver's license, the court order, and proof of insurance. The hardship license is free and is usually ready the same day.
If you filed with DHSMV directly, you will receive a written decision by mail within two to four weeks. If approved, the letter will include instructions for picking up your hardship license at an DHSMV office.
Restrictions and penalties for misuse
Your hardship license will list the specific purposes you can drive for — usually "work," "school," "medical," or "court-ordered program." You can drive only for those purposes and only during the hours necessary to accomplish them. You cannot drive for shopping, socializing, errands, or any other reason.
Keep your hardship license in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by police, show both your hardship license and your regular suspended license. If you are driving outside the permitted purposes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Florida. A conviction can result in jail time, fines up to $500, and an additional suspension.
If you are caught driving for an unpermitted purpose, the court can revoke your hardship license when ready and extend your original suspension. Keep a copy of your hardship license at home as well, in case you need to prove you had it if there is a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license lasts for the duration of your suspension. When your suspension ends, your hardship license ends automatically. The court order or DHSMV letter will state the end date. You do not need to return the hardship license — it straightforward becomes invalid.
Can I drive to the courthouse or DHSMV office without a hardship license?
No. You cannot drive anywhere without a valid hardship license, even to file your petition or pick up your hardship license. You must arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or ask the court to allow you to file by mail. Some courts accept petitions by mail if you include a notarized signature.
What if the court denies my petition?
If denied, the judge will explain why. Common reasons are insufficient proof of hardship, a disqualifying suspension reason, or failure to meet other requirements. You can file again after 90 days with stronger documentation, or you can wait out the suspension. Ask the judge at the hearing what additional proof would help if you plan to file again.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe back child support?
Yes, but only for work. If your suspension is for unpaid child support, you can get a "Business Purposes Only" license to drive to and from work. You cannot use it for any other reason. The court will verify that you are employed before approving it.
Do I need a lawyer to file for a hardship license?
No. The petition process is straightforward and does not require a lawyer. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you have been denied before, a lawyer can strengthen your case. Many legal aid organizations in Florida offer free or low-cost help with hardship license petitions.