Your License Problem May Have More Than One Deadline.

DUI administrative suspensions, refusals, revocations, points, and other actions follow different rules. Start with the notice and the date it was issued.

Call (941) 313-2559

DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION & RESTORATION

A DUI Arrest Can Create a Separate License Case

A DUI arrest can create two separate proceedings: the criminal case and an FLHSMV administrative suspension. Different rules apply, and the effect of one proceeding on the other can depend on the suspension basis and the criminal-case outcome. The notice of suspension, temporary permit, alleged blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level, refusal paperwork, and date of issuance should be examined first.

For a typical DUI administrative suspension, the driver may request formal or informal review within 10 days after the notice is issued or may seek review of eligibility for a restricted privilege under the statutory waiver path. The best choice is individual; waiver can affect the right to challenge the suspension.

Formal Review, Informal Review, and Restricted Driving

A formal review permits testimony and subpoenas within the statute's procedures. An informal review is based on submitted materials. A review request does not itself stay the suspension. Temporary and restricted driving authority depends on eligibility, timing, the suspension basis, prior history, program requirements, and the path selected.

License Matters We Handle

  • DUI administrative suspension based on an alleged blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher

  • Breath, blood, or urine test refusal

  • Formal and informal administrative review

  • Restricted-license and hardship eligibility

  • DUI revocations and reinstatement issues

  • Habitual traffic offender review

  • Point suspensions and other FLHSMV actions

  • Driving while license suspended or revoked

  • Record, clearance, and compliance problems

“Business purposes only” and “employment purposes only” are different statutory restrictions. Restoration advice should match the actual order and permitted use.

Documents to Have Ready

  • Citation, notice of suspension, and temporary permit

  • Arrest report, refusal affidavit, breath-test affidavit, or blood-result notice

  • Driver record and prior suspension, refusal, or DUI information

  • Court disposition, completion certificates, insurance proof, and reinstatement letters

  • FLHSMV correspondence, hearing notices, and dates

Experience Relevant to Administrative License Hearings

Attorney Dan Hassinger has practiced law for 15 years and has substantial experience in DUI-related administrative driver's-license hearings. Before practicing law, he served 15 years in law enforcement, managed a DUI enforcement program, and completed formal standardized field sobriety testing and evidentiary breath-testing/Intoxilyzer training.

That experience informs review of probable cause, testing or refusal evidence, paperwork, video, officer observations, and the administrative record.

What Happens After You Call

  1. We identify the notice, action, issue date, county, driving status, and prior history and complete a conflicts check.

  2. Dan reviews the deadline, available record, review or restoration path, and immediate driving restrictions.

  3. You receive a clear explanation of options, documents, risks, and next steps.

  4. If representation begins, the scope and fee are confirmed in writing.

Driver's License FAQs

How long do I have to challenge a DUI administrative suspension?

Florida law provides a 10-day period after issuance of the notice to request formal or informal review. Do not wait until the temporary permit expires to seek advice.

Is the license hearing the same as the DUI court case?

No. The administrative suspension and criminal prosecution are separate tracks with different decision-makers, standards, records, and consequences.

Should I waive review to seek a restricted license?

That decision depends on eligibility, prior history, the suspension basis, driving needs, program requirements, and the evidence. Waiver can surrender the opportunity to challenge the suspension, so obtain advice before selecting a path.

What does “business purposes only” mean?

The statute generally includes driving necessary to maintain livelihood and specified educational, church, and medical purposes. The actual restriction and current law control; it is not unrestricted driving.

Request a Confidential License Review

Call (941) 313-2559 with the notice in front of you, or send a brief message using the form below. Please do not include confidential information before a conflicts check.