What the Florida drug and alcohol course is and who needs it
Florida's Drug and Alcohol Course (also called the DUI School or Level 1 course) is a state-mandated educational program you must complete if you are convicted of driving under the influence, refuse a breath test, or receive certain other alcohol-related driving violations. The course teaches the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability, the legal consequences of impaired driving, and resources for substance abuse treatment.
You do not choose whether to take this course — the court orders it as part of your sentence. Completion is required before you can reinstate your driver's license after a suspension, and you cannot get a hardship or business purpose license without proof of enrollment.
The course is separate from any jail time, fines, or probation you may receive. It is also separate from a separate, longer program called Level 2 (DUI Education), which some people are ordered to complete instead of or in addition to Level 1.
Key Takeaways
- The court will order you to complete the course and tell you the important date in your sentencing paperwork or judgment and sentence form.
- You must find a provider approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) — taking the course from an unapproved provider will not satisfy the requirement.
- The course typically costs between $250 and $500 and takes 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on whether you take it in person or online.
- You must bring proof of completion to the Florida DMV or your local driver's license office to reinstate your license.
Finding an approved course provider in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains a list of approved Drug and Alcohol Course providers on its website. You can search by county or provider name. Only providers on this official list will issue a certificate that the DMV will recognize.
Providers offer courses in different formats: in-person classroom sessions (usually 4 hours), online courses (usually 4 to 8 hours depending on how quickly you work through the material), and hybrid options that combine both. Some providers offer evening or weekend classes if you work during the day.
Call the provider before registering to confirm they are still approved, ask about their current schedule, and check whether they accept the payment method you plan to use. Some providers require payment in full before the course starts; others accept payment on the day of class.
What happens during the course
The Level 1 course covers the physical and mental effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, how impairment affects reaction time and judgment, Florida's DUI laws and penalties, and how to recognize substance abuse problems in yourself or others. You will also learn about treatment resources available in Florida.
If you take the course in person, you will sit in a classroom with an instructor for the full duration. You cannot leave early, and attendance is tracked. If you take it online, you will watch videos and complete quizzes or assignments, but you still cannot skip sections or fast-forward through content — the platform monitors how long you spend on each module.
At the end, you will take a final test. You must pass it to receive your certificate of completion. If you fail, most providers will let you retake it at no additional cost, though you may need to wait a day or two before your next attempt.
Cost and how to pay
The course fee ranges from roughly $250 to $500 depending on the provider and format. Online courses are often on the lower end of that range; in-person courses and providers in high-cost areas may charge more. Some providers offer discounts if you register early or pay in full upfront.
Most providers accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Some accept cash only if you pay in person on the day of class. A few accept payment plans, though this is less common. Ask about the provider's refund policy before you register — most will refund your fee if you cancel at least 48 hours before your course date, but some will not.
The course fee is separate from any court fines, restitution, or other costs ordered by the judge. You are responsible for paying the course provider directly.
important date and what happens if you miss them
The court will set a important date for you to complete the course. This important date is usually written in your judgment and sentence form or in a separate order the judge gives you at sentencing. Read this document carefully — the important date is legally binding.
If you do not complete the course by the important date, your driver's license will remain suspended and you cannot reinstate it. You may also face additional penalties, such as an extension of your suspension or a contempt of court charge. If you cannot meet the important date for a legitimate reason (illness, work travel, financial hardship), contact the court or your attorney to ask about getting the important date extended.
Once you complete the course, the provider will issue your certificate of completion. You do not need to send it to the court — you bring it to the DMV when you explore to reinstate your license.
Reinstating your license after course completion
After you complete the course, you must take your certificate of completion to a Florida driver's license office to reinstate your license. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person.
Bring your certificate, your driver's license (or ID if your license was suspended), and proof of payment of any court-ordered fines. Some offices may also ask for proof of insurance. Call your local driver's license office ahead of time to confirm what documents they need and whether you should make an appointment.
There is a reinstatement fee, which varies by the reason for your suspension. For a DUI-related suspension, the fee is typically $150 to $250. You will pay this fee at the driver's license office when you reinstate. Once you pay and submit your certificate, your license will be reinstated when ready in most cases.
Level 1 versus Level 2: which course you need
Florida has two drug and alcohol courses: Level 1 (4 hours) and Level 2 (8 hours, also called DUI Education). The court decides which one you must take based on your specific violation and criminal history.
You will typically be ordered to take Level 1 if this is your first DUI offense and you did not cause an accident or injury. If you have prior DUI convictions, caused property damage or injury, or refused a breath test, the court may order Level 2 instead. Some people are ordered to take both courses.
The court will tell you which level you need in your sentencing paperwork. If you are unsure, ask your attorney or call the court clerk's office. Taking the wrong level will not satisfy the requirement, and you will have to take the correct course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the course online, or do I have to go in person?
Most approved providers offer both online and in-person options. Online courses are convenient if you have a busy schedule, but you still cannot skip sections or rush through the material — the platform monitors your progress. Check with your provider about which formats they offer and whether your court has any restrictions on online completion.
What if I fail the final test?
You can retake the test, usually at no additional cost. Most providers will let you try again after a waiting period of one to three days. You do not need to repeat the entire course, just the test. If you fail multiple times, contact the provider about tutoring or additional study materials.
Do I need to tell the court when I complete the course?
No. You bring your certificate of completion to the DMV when you reinstate your license. The DMV will notify the court that you have completed the requirement. You do not need to file anything with the court yourself.
Can I take the course before my court date?
No. You cannot start the course until after you have been convicted or ordered by the court to take it. Starting early will not count toward your requirement. Wait for your sentencing paperwork or court order before registering.
What if I move out of Florida before I complete the course?
Contact the court that ordered the course and explain your situation. Some courts will allow you to transfer the requirement to another state's program or extend your important date. Do not straightforward move without addressing this — your Florida license suspension will remain active, and you may face additional legal consequences.