What a Florida hardship license does and who can get one
A hardship license in Florida lets you drive during a suspension for specific purposes — usually work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs — when you have no other way to get there. It is not a full license. You can only drive to the places listed on your permit, during the hours approved, and you must carry the hardship license with you every time you drive.
You can request a hardship license if your regular license is suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support. You cannot get one if your license was revoked (a permanent cancellation) rather than suspended, or if you are ineligible under Florida law — for example, if you refused a breath test after a DUI arrest.
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) does not automatically give you a hardship license. You have to request one, show the court or FLHSMV that you have a genuine need, and meet specific conditions. The process and timeline depend on why your license was suspended in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- A hardship license lets you drive only to approved destinations (work, school, medical care, court programs) during set hours while your regular license is suspended.
- You must request a hardship license through the court that suspended your license or through FLHSMV, depending on the reason for suspension.
- You will need to show proof of your need — a job letter, school enrollment, medical appointment documentation, or court order — and sometimes pay a fee.
- A hardship license is not available for all suspension reasons; DUI refusals and revocations typically disqualify you.
- Once approved, you must follow the restrictions exactly; driving outside approved times or locations is a separate criminal offense.
How the suspension reason determines where you request a hardship license
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, you request the hardship license through the circuit court in the county where you were convicted. You will need to file a petition and attend a hearing. The judge decides whether to grant it based on whether you can show genuine hardship and whether you meet the DUI-specific requirements (which vary by whether it was a first or repeat offense).
If your suspension is for unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or accumulating too many points, you typically request a hardship license through FLHSMV directly. You can do this in person at a local FLHSMV office, by mail, or sometimes online through the FLHSMV website. The process is faster than going through court, but you still need to document your need.
If you are unsure which route applies to your suspension, call the FLHSMV at 1-844-353-8477 or visit your local FLHSMV office with your suspension notice. The notice itself usually states the reason and which agency handles hardship requests.
What you need to bring or submit with your request
You will always need your suspension notice (the official letter from FLHSMV or the court stating why your license was suspended) and a valid form of identification. Beyond that, the documents depend on your stated need.
For work-related hardship, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, the hours you work, and that you have no alternative transportation. The letter should be dated within 30 days of your request. For school, bring an enrollment letter or class schedule from the school or college. For medical treatment, bring a letter from your doctor or medical facility stating the type of treatment, the frequency of appointments, and the dates of upcoming visits.
If your suspension is related to a DUI and you are requesting hardship through the court, you may also need to show proof that you are enrolled in a DUI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on the judge's requirements. Some courts require this before they will even consider the petition.
Keep copies of everything you submit. If you are requesting through FLHSMV by mail, send copies, not originals, and keep the originals for your records.
The cost and timeline for a hardship license
FLHSMV charges a fee to issue a hardship license, though the amount varies. As of recent years, the fee has been around $75 to $150, but this can change. When you contact FLHSMV or the court, ask for the current fee and whether you can pay by check, money order, or credit card.
If you are requesting through FLHSMV directly (for non-DUI suspensions), the process typically takes one to three weeks from the time you submit your complete request. If you are requesting through the court (for DUI suspensions), you will need to file a petition, wait for a court date, and attend a hearing. This can take four to eight weeks depending on the court's schedule.
During this waiting period, you are still under suspension and cannot legally drive except in genuine emergencies. Once your hardship license is approved and issued, it is valid for the duration of your suspension or until the court/FLHSMV sets an end date — typically one to three years depending on the suspension reason.
What you can and cannot do with a hardship license
Your hardship license will list specific purposes you are permitted to drive for — for example, "work at ABC Company, 123 Main Street, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." You can only drive to that location during those hours. You cannot make stops for groceries, gas, or personal errands on the way, even if they are brief.
You must carry your hardship license and your regular suspended license with you every time you drive. If you are pulled over and cannot produce both, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license. If you are caught driving outside the approved times, locations, or purposes, you face criminal charges for violating the hardship license terms — this is separate from the original suspension and can result in jail time.
Some hardship licenses include a provision allowing you to drive to and from a DUI education program, substance abuse treatment, or court-ordered community service. The specific permissions are printed on the license itself. Read it carefully before you drive.
DUI suspensions and hardship license restrictions
If your suspension is due to a DUI conviction, the rules for a hardship license are stricter. You must petition the circuit court, not FLHSMV. The judge will consider factors like whether it is your first DUI, whether you refused a breath test, and whether you are enrolled in a DUI program.
For a first DUI conviction, you may be able to get a hardship license after a waiting period — often 30 days to six months depending on the circumstances. For a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, the waiting period is longer and the judge has more discretion to deny the request.
If you refused a breath test after a DUI arrest, Florida law may prohibit you from getting a hardship license at all. This is one of the few situations where hardship is not an option. If this applies to you, ask the court or an attorney whether any exceptions exist in your case.
What happens if your hardship license is suspended or revoked
If you violate the terms of your hardship license — by driving outside approved times, locations, or purposes — FLHSMV or the court can suspend or revoke it when ready. You then return to being fully suspended and cannot drive at all, even for the original approved purposes.
Violations can also result in criminal charges. Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Florida, and driving with a suspended license while your hardship license was revoked for violation can be charged as a felony depending on circumstances.
If your hardship license is revoked, you can petition for a new one, but you will need to show that the violation was a one-time mistake and that you understand the restrictions. Courts and FLHSMV are less likely to grant a second hardship license after a violation, so strict compliance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was revoked instead of suspended?
No. A revocation is permanent, and Florida law does not allow hardship licenses for revoked licenses. If your license was revoked, you must wait out the revocation period (which varies by reason) and then reapply for a new license through FLHSMV. You cannot drive during a revocation under any circumstances.
Do I have to go to court for a hardship license if my suspension is for unpaid tickets?
Not usually. For unpaid tickets, child support, or points accumulation, you request the hardship license directly from FLHSMV, not through court. You can do this in person at an FLHSMV office or by mail. Only DUI suspensions typically require a court petition and hearing.
What if my employer will not write a letter saying I need to drive for work?
If your employer refuses to provide a letter, you may not be able to show hardship for work purposes. Some people in this situation ask a supervisor or HR department instead, or provide other documentation like a pay stub and job description. If work hardship is not possible, you can request hardship for school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs if those explore to you.
Can I drive to the gas station or store while on a hardship license?
No. You can only drive to the specific locations listed on your hardship license during the approved hours. Stops for gas, groceries, or other errands are violations, even if they are on the way to an approved destination. Plan your route so you do not need to stop elsewhere.
How long does a hardship license last?
A hardship license is valid for as long as your suspension lasts, or until a specific end date set by the court or FLHSMV — typically one to three years. Once your suspension ends and your regular license is reinstated, your hardship license expires automatically and you no longer need it.