Losing your license in Florida doesn’t just mean you can’t drive; it means you can’t work, take your kids to school, or buy groceries.
If your license has been suspended due to points, a DUI, or being a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), you may be eligible for a Hardship License.
Officially known as a “Business Purposes Only” (BPO) or “Employment Purposes Only” license, this restricted permit allows you to legally drive for specific needs while you wait out your suspension.
However, you cannot just “apply online” and get one. You must face a Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR) officer in a hearing. This guide will walk you through the ADI school requirement, the hearing application, and the difference between the “C” and “D” restrictions.
The Two Types of Restrictions: “C” (Business) vs. “D” (Employment)
Before you apply, you need to know which restriction you are fighting for. Florida law (Statute 322.271) offers two types:
1. “C” Restriction: Business Purposes Only (Best Option)
- What it allows: You can drive to maintain your “livelihood.” This includes driving to work, school, church, medical appointments, and grocery stores.
- Who gets it: Most points suspensions and first-time DUI offenders.
2. “D” Restriction: Employment Purposes Only (Strict)
- What it allows: You can ONLY drive to and from work and for on-the-job duties. You cannot drive to the grocery store, church, or school.
- Who gets it: Often assigned to multiple DUI offenders or stricter cases.
Warning: If you are caught driving for a “non-approved” reason (like going to the beach or a restaurant), your hardship license will be revoked, and you will go to jail for Driving While License Suspended.
Who is Eligible for a Hardship License? Points, DUIs, and HTO Rules
Not everyone qualifies immediately. Your wait time depends on why you were suspended.
- Points Suspension: If you hit 12 points in 12 months, you are eligible immediately. (See our guide on how to check points on license in Florida).
- First DUI: Eligible immediately if you waive your formal review hearing within 10 days of arrest. Otherwise, you may have a 30-to-90-day “hard suspension” (no driving at all) before you can apply.
- Second DUI: If your second DUI was within 5 years of the first, you must wait out a 1-year hard suspensionbefore you can apply.
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO): You must wait 1 year from the date of revocation before applying.
- CDL Drivers: You cannot have a “Hardship CDL.” You must downgrade your CDL to a regular Class E license first, then apply for hardship.
Step-by-Step: How to Win Your Hardship Hearing
This is not a simple online transaction. It is a legal process.
Step 1: Complete the “ADI” School You must enroll in a state-approved 12-Hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course.
- Note: You do not need to finish the course to apply, but you must show proof of enrollment. You must finish it before your license is fully reinstated.
- For DUIs: You typically need DUI Level 1 School instead of ADI.
Step 2: Get Your Driving Record The hearing officer will review your history. You should obtain a certified copy of your Florida driving record beforehand so you know what they are looking at.
Step 3: Apply for the Hearing You must submit a request for an administrative hearing to the Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR).
- Form: Application for Administrative Hearing (HSMV 78306).
- Where: You can submit this at a local BAR office. Some offices allow email submissions.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing You will meet with a hearing officer (in person or over the phone).
- They will ask why you need the license (e.g., “I need to get to work”).
- They will review your record to ensure you are not a danger to the public.
- Outcome: If approved, they will give you an approval form.
Step 5: Visit the Tax Collector Once approved by the BAR, take your approval paperwork to a driver license service center.
- You will need to pay the reinstatement fees and print your new restricted license.
- We recommend scheduling a Florida DMV appointment to skip the line.
How Much Does a Hardship License Cost?
Be prepared to pay several fees during this process.
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost |
| Administrative Hearing Filing Fee | ~$12.00 |
| Revocation Reinstatement Fee | $75.00 |
| Suspension Reinstatement Fee | $45.00 |
| Driver License Print Fee | $48.00 |
| ADI Course (Third-Party) | ~$60.00 – $100.00 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $200.00+ |
Note: If your license was suspended for a DUI, you may also have to pay strictly higher administrative fees and possibly for an ignition interlock device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided it is for work purposes and you have a “C” or “D” restriction. However, you cannot drive a Commercial Vehicle (Semi-truck) that requires a CDL.
There is a specific “Minor Restricted License” for 15-year-olds who need to drive due to a family member’s medical hardship. This is different from the suspension hardship license described above. You must prove strict medical necessity for a family member.
Your hardship privilege will be revoked immediately, and you will not be eligible for another one. You will have to serve the remainder of your suspension without driving.
If you are reinstating a suspended license in Florida due to a DUI, you will likely need FR-44 Insurance (which involves higher liability limits). For standard points suspensions, standard insurance is usually sufficient.
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