How to Get a DUI Hardship License in Orlando: A Step-by-Step Guide

By: John Guidry II

After a DUI arrest in Florida, one of the first and most immediate consequences is the suspension of your driver’s license—typically for six months for a breath test over 0.08, or a full year if you refused the test. The good news is that you can usually get a hardship license to allow you to drive for work, school, and other necessities.

The process is straightforward, but before I walk you through the steps, I need to give you a crucial piece of advice.

STOP: Your DUI License Suspension Can Be Fought.

Before you spend nearly $600 on a hardship license, you need to know that the administrative suspension itself might be beatable. The breath machine may have been faulty, or the traffic stop may have been unlawful. You only have 10 days from your arrest to demand a formal review hearing to challenge the suspension.

Call my office immediately. We need to decide if we should fight to get your full license back before you settle for a hardship. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

How to Apply for a Hardship License: The Step-by-Step Process

If you and your attorney decide that applying for a hardship is the right path, here is the process you must follow.

Step 1: Enroll in DUI School (Level One) You must first sign up for the DUI “Counterattack” School.

• What to Bring: You will need your arrest paperwork to enroll. They will turn you away without it.
• The Cost: The class typically costs between $265 and $300, so be prepared with a check or credit card.

Step 2: Go to the Correct DMV Office You cannot do this at a standard driver’s license office. You must take your paperwork to a regional Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR) office.

• Orlando Location: The office for all of Central Florida is located at 4101 Clarcona-Ocoee Blvd, Orlando, Florida.
• Other Counties: There are 67 counties in Florida but only a handful of BAR offices (7 offices statewide)

Step 3: Submit Your Proof and Pay the Fee Take the proof of your DUI school enrollment to the BAR office. They will process your application and, if you are eligible, grant you the hardship license.

• The Cost: Expect to pay the DMV around $250 for the reinstatement and hardship license fees.

The Better Option: Fighting for Your Full License

As you can see, getting a hardship license will cost you time and around $600. While it’s a necessary option for many, you are always better off having your full license back.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to an attorney right after your arrest. I have been defending DUI cases in Central Florida since 1993, and I know how to attack the administrative suspension at the DMV hearing. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Osceola, or Volusia County, call my office. Let’s discuss the best strategy for your license and your case.

If you need more information on how to get your hardship license after a DUI arrest, watch “How to Get a Hardship License on a DUI Arrest.”

About the Author, John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.