A DUI for college students in Florida can instantly change everything from campus life to future career plans. When a UF student is arrested for driving under the influence, their driver’s license may be suspended right away, even before stepping into a courtroom. This sudden loss of freedom often leaves young drivers anxious and unsure of what to do next.
Students must act fast because they have only ten (10) days to request a formal or informal review hearing to challenge the suspension under Florida Statute § 322.2615(1)(b)3. Missing this deadline can lead to months without driving privileges and added challenges with school or work. Taking immediate action is the first step toward protecting their record and long-term goals.
In this guide, a Gainesville DUI lawyer breaks down the entire suspension process and explains what steps to take after an arrest. You will also learn how Gainesville DUI lawyers help students navigate the legal system, appeal suspensions, and safeguard their future.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Florida
A DUI for college students in Florida triggers both administrative and criminal consequences that begin almost immediately. Each process affects driving privileges, academic standing, and future opportunities. Acting quickly after an arrest is critical to protect your rights and reduce the long-term impact.
Immediate Administrative Suspension
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles immediately suspends a student’s license after a UF student is arrested for DUI. A BAC of 0.08 or higher triggers a six-month suspension, while refusing the test leads to a one-year penalty. The officer issues a 10-day temporary permit, giving students a brief window to request a hearing and contest the suspension before it becomes permanent..
Criminal Case Suspension
Separate from the administrative action, the criminal court can impose additional penalties once a Florida student is arrested and charged. A first DUI conviction carries a court-imposed license suspension of at least six months under Florida DUI laws. Because these penalties stack, contacting a DUI lawyer in Gainesville early can help reduce long-term consequences and protect a student’s future.
The 10-Day Rule Explained
Two Choices Within Ten Days
After a DUI arrest in Florida, you have only 10 days to act before your license is automatically suspended. During this time, you must choose one of two options:
- Request a formal review hearing – challenge the suspension before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
- Request a hardship license review – accept the suspension but apply for restricted driving privileges for work or school.
Failing to act within this window results in a full suspension without appeal rights.
What Each Option Means
- Formal hearing: Offers a chance to keep your full driving privileges if you win. You receive a 42-day temporary permit while the review is pending.
- Hardship review: Provides immediate, limited driving rights but leaves a permanent suspension entry on your driving record.
Under-21 DUI and Zero-Tolerance Rules
Florida enforces strict zero-tolerance laws to prevent underage drinking and driving. A DUI for college students in Florida under 21 leads to immediate administrative action, even if the student shows no signs of impairment. Understanding these laws is vital for any UF student arrested for a minor alcohol-related offense.
Lower BAC Standard
Drivers under 21 face a much lower blood alcohol limit than adults, with penalties beginning at just 0.02% BAC. A reading at or above this level triggers a six-month suspension, while refusing the test results in a one-year penalty. Because officers can act immediately, contacting a DUI lawyer early helps students protect their driving privileges and academic future.
How It Differs from Adult DUI
The under-21 DUI process is primarily administrative rather than criminal, but it still carries lasting consequences. A Florida student arrested under zero-tolerance laws may also face disciplinary measures from their university, such as suspension or scholarship loss. Early representation from law firms in Gainesville, FL can help limit these penalties and safeguard future opportunities.
Getting a Hardship (Restricted) License
After a DUI for college students in Florida, losing the ability to drive can disrupt classes, work, and daily responsibilities. A hardship license provides limited driving privileges for essential purposes during a suspension. Understanding who qualifies and how to apply helps students restore mobility and maintain their academic and personal commitments.
Eligibility Requirements
A UF student arrested for DUI may be eligible for a hardship license if it is their first offense or test refusal (Florida Statute § 322.271(2)(a)). They must promptly enroll in DUI School and have no prior alcohol-related suspensions or disqualifications. Meeting these requirements demonstrates accountability and strengthens their case before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Application Steps
To begin the process, students must file Form HSMV 72034 at a Bureau of Administrative Reviews office. They must pay the filing fee, provide proof of DUI School enrollment, and sign a waiver acknowledging the suspension terms. Working with your criminal defense attorney helps ensure all paperwork is accurate and deadlines are met.
Driving Restrictions
A hardship license allows limited travel for school, work, or other essential needs approved by the state. Any misuse or violation results in immediate revocation of those privileges. With guidance from experienced DUI lawyers in Gainesville, students can comply with restrictions and keep their license throughout the suspension period.
Long-Term Consequences and Reinstatement
Record Impact
A DUI conviction leaves lasting marks that extend far beyond the initial suspension (refer to Florida Statute § 322.201 on record retention).
- DUI-related suspensions remain on your Florida driving record for 75 years, making them effectively permanent.
- Employers, insurance companies, and professional licensing boards can access these records during background checks.
- Even after penalties end, the record can still affect employment, housing, and future insurance rates.
Reinstatement Steps
Restoring driving privileges requires full compliance with Florida reinstatement laws.
- Complete DUI School and any court-ordered counseling or treatment programs.
- Pay all reinstatement fees and submit compliance certificates to the FLHSMV.
- Maintain required SR-22 or FR-44 insurance filings, as premiums can rise sharply for several years.
Consistent compliance and timely documentation are essential to regain legal driving status and avoid additional penalties.
Conclusion
Florida’s DUI license suspension process moves fast, leaving students with little time to act. When a UF student is arrested, the first few days are critical in determining their driving privileges, academic standing, and future prospects. Taking immediate action is the most effective way to protect their record and minimize long-term consequences.
Partnering with a skilled DUI lawyer ensures students understand their rights and options at every stage. Experienced law firms in Gainesville, FL, assist with hearings, hardship license requests, and defense strategies to secure the best possible outcome. Acting early with professional guidance helps safeguard both a student’s future and peace of mind.
At TOK Legal, we understand how stressful it can be for a college student to face a DUI license suspension in Florida. Our firm has years of experience helping students protect their driving privileges, education, and future. Contact us today at (352) 290-4115 to speak directly with a Gainesville DUI lawyer. Take action now and let us guide you through every step of the process with skill and dedication.