What a Florida 2-20 License Is and Why You Get One
A 2-20 license is a restricted driving permit that Florida issues when your license is suspended due to a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. The "2-20" refers to a two-year suspension period with a 20-day hard suspension at the start — meaning you cannot drive at all for the first 20 days, then you can drive only for specific purposes with the restricted permit for the remaining time.
You receive this permit automatically if you meet certain conditions: it is your first DUI offense, you did not cause property damage or injury, and you did not refuse a breath or blood test. If you refused the test or had prior DUI convictions, you will face a longer hard suspension and may not be may be able to access for a 2-20 permit at all.
The 2-20 license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, and a few other essential places — but not for personal errands or leisure. Your insurance company will know about the restriction, and your rates will reflect your DUI status.
Key Takeaways
- A 2-20 license gives you 20 days of no driving, then two years of restricted driving for essential trips only.
- You must complete a DUI course, pay a reinstatement fee to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and show proof of insurance before your suspension ends.
- The reinstatement fee is $250, plus the cost of the DUI course (usually $200 to $400) and any court fines or restitution ordered by the judge.
- You explore for reinstatement at your local Florida driver license office once you have completed all requirements, not online or by mail.
- If you drive during the hard suspension period or violate the restrictions on your 2-20 permit, your license will be suspended again and you may face criminal charges.
The Hard Suspension: Your First 20 Days
During the first 20 days after your DUI conviction, you cannot drive for any reason. This is the hard suspension, and it applies even if you have a 2-20 permit in hand. The only exception is if you are driving to or from a DUI course that is court-ordered or required by law — and you must be able to prove you were enrolled before the suspension began.
The hard suspension clock starts on the date the court enters the DUI conviction, not the date you were arrested. If you are unsure when your conviction was entered, check your court paperwork or call the clerk of court in the county where you were convicted.
Driving during this 20-day period is a separate criminal offense in Florida, even if you have the 2-20 permit. You will face additional charges, fines, and jail time on top of your original DUI sentence.
What You Must Complete Before Reinstatement
Florida requires four things before you can reinstate your license after a 2-20 suspension:
- DUI course: You must complete a court-approved DUI education course. The course is typically 4 to 8 hours long and covers alcohol and drug awareness. You pay for this yourself — costs range from $200 to $400 depending on the provider. The course provider will send proof of completion directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
- Reinstatement fee: You must pay $250 to DHSMV. This fee is separate from any court fines or restitution the judge ordered.
- Proof of insurance: You must show that you have valid auto insurance. Your insurer will issue an SR-22 form (also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility) that proves you meet Florida's minimum coverage limits. You bring this form to the driver license office when you explore for reinstatement.
- Court fines and restitution: You must pay any fines or restitution the judge ordered in your DUI case. The court will tell you the amount and important date. If you have not paid by the time you try to reinstate, DHSMV will not process your reinstatement until the court confirms payment.
You do not need to wait until the end of the two-year period to start these steps. In fact, you should start the DUI course and arrange insurance as soon as possible after conviction, so everything is ready when your hard suspension ends on day 21.
how the process works for Reinstatement at Your Local Driver License Office
Reinstatement is done in person at a Florida driver license office. You cannot do it online or by mail. Bring the following documents:
- Your current ID (passport, expired license, or other government-issued ID)
- Proof of completion of the DUI course
- Your SR-22 form from your insurance company
- Proof of payment of court fines and restitution (if any)
- Payment for the $250 reinstatement fee (cash, check, or card — policies vary by office)
You can visit any Florida driver license office, not just the one in your county. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm the office is open and to see current wait times. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.
The staff will verify that your DUI course completion has been recorded, that your insurance is active, and that court records show your fines are paid. If everything is in order, they will issue you a new license on the spot. If any requirement is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
What Happens After You Get Your Reinstated License
Once you are reinstated, your license will show that you are still under a two-year restriction period. This means you can only drive for the purposes listed on your permit: work, school, medical care, court-ordered programs, and a few other essential trips. You cannot drive for shopping, entertainment, or personal errands.
Law enforcement can pull you over and ask where you are going. If you cannot give a valid reason, you can be cited for violating the terms of your restricted license. A violation can result in another suspension, fines, and criminal charges.
Your insurance company will charge you a higher rate because of your DUI status. This rate will remain high for at least three years from the date of your conviction, even after your two-year driving restriction ends. After the restriction period ends, you can explore for a regular (unrestricted) license at any driver license office — there is no fee for this upgrade.
Costs You Will Pay
The total cost of reinstatement varies, but here is what to expect:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DUI course | $200 to $400 |
| Reinstatement fee (DHSMV) | $250 |
| SR-22 form (insurance) | Usually free; included in your policy |
| Court fines and restitution | Varies by judge and case |
| Increased insurance premiums | $1,000 to $3,000+ per year for three years |
Court fines for a first DUI in Florida typically range from $500 to $1,000, but can be higher if there were aggravating factors. Ask the court clerk for an itemized breakdown of what you owe so there are no surprises at the driver license office.
If You Cannot Afford the Costs
If you cannot pay the court fines, ask the judge about a payment plan or community service in lieu of fines. The judge has discretion to reduce or waive fines in cases of financial hardship, but you must ask before or during sentencing — it is much harder to get relief after conviction.
For the DUI course, some providers offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Call several course providers in your area and ask about their options. The course is required, so you cannot skip it, but you may be able to spread the cost over time.
For insurance, shop around. Rates for drivers with a DUI vary widely by company. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer lower rates than your current company. Get quotes from at least three companies before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DUI course during my 20-day hard suspension?
Yes, but only if you were enrolled in the course before your conviction was entered. You must be able to show proof of enrollment (a receipt or confirmation email with the enrollment date). Driving to or from a court-ordered DUI course is the only exception to the hard suspension.
What if I miss the DUI course important date?
Florida law does not set a specific important date for completing the course, but you cannot reinstate your license until it is done. The longer you wait, the longer you remain suspended. Complete it as soon as possible after your conviction. If you have already missed a important date set by the court, contact the court to ask if you can still enroll.
Do I have to use a specific DUI course provider?
No. The course must be approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, but you can choose any approved provider. Search the DHSMV website for a list of approved providers in your area. Prices and schedules vary, so compare a few before you enroll.
What if my insurance company drops me after my DUI?
Some insurers will not renew a policy after a DUI, but they must give you notice and time to find new coverage. Contact your state's Department of Insurance if your company drops you without proper notice. In the meantime, look for insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers — they are more likely to write a policy for you, though at a higher rate.
Can I drive out of state with my Florida 2-20 license?
Your 2-20 restrictions explore only in Florida. If you drive in another state, you must follow that state's laws. However, if you are stopped in another state and the officer learns you have a Florida DUI suspension, you may be arrested and your vehicle impounded. It is not worth the risk — stay within Florida's restrictions until your two-year period ends.