St. Petersburg License Restoration Lawyer

Get Your Driver’s License Back and Restore Your Driving Privileges

Losing your driver’s license can create serious challenges in your daily life, affecting your ability to work, support your family, and meet basic responsibilities. Whether your license is suspended due to a DUI offense, traffic violations, or being classified as a habitual traffic offender, you may have options to regain your driving privileges. An experienced St. Petersburg license restoration lawyer can guide you through the complex Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) process to help you get your license reinstated.

At our law firm, we help clients navigate Florida law to fight a suspended license and explore available options, such as a hardship license or a temporary permit. If you’ve received notice of a license suspension, it’s important to act quickly to protect your ability to drive legally.

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Florida

Under Florida law, a driver’s license suspension can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• DUI offenses or multiple DUI convictions
• Accumulating too many traffic violations on your driving record
• Being classified as a habitual traffic offender within a five-year period
• Failure to pay fines or court costs
• Refusal to submit to chemical testing
• Driving with a suspended license
• Failing to carry proper insurance coverage

If your license is suspended, understanding your options for reinstatement is crucial. In most cases, you may be eligible to obtain a restricted license or hardship license to regain limited driving privileges.

Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Revocation and License Reinstatement

In Florida, a driver can be designated as a habitual traffic offender if they accumulate multiple serious traffic violations within a five-year period. This designation results in an automatic five-year license revocation, making it difficult to legally drive. However, in certain circumstances, you may be able to challenge the revocation or apply for a hardship license after serving at least one year of suspension.

An attorney experienced in HTO revocation cases can determine if you qualify for early reinstatement or if there are legal arguments to challenge the habitual traffic offender classification.

Steps to Restore Your Driver’s License

The process of restoring a suspended license varies based on the reason for the suspension. However, common steps include:

1. Filing for an administrative hearing – If your license was suspended due to a DUI or traffic violation, you may have the right to challenge the suspension through administrative hearings.
2. Completing required programs – Some suspensions require completing DUI school, traffic courses, or substance abuse programs.
3. Paying outstanding fines – Unpaid tickets and court fees must be resolved before reinstatement.
4. Submitting proper documentation – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may require proof of insurance, completion of programs, or other paperwork.
5. Applying for a hardship license – If eligible, you may be able to obtain limited driving privileges for work or necessary travel.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate these steps efficiently and ensure you meet all legal requirements to get back on the road.

Free Initial Consultation With a St. Petersburg License Restoration Lawyer

If your driver’s license is suspended, don’t wait to take action. Whether you need help fighting a DUI-related suspension, challenging an HTO revocation, or applying for a hardship license, we can help.

Learn more about restoring your driver’s license. Call Hersem Law at 813-251-7291 (Tampa) or 727-384-4357 (Clearwater) to schedule your free initial consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you regain your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my license be suspended for a DUI in Florida?

A first-time DUI offense can result in a license suspension of six months to one year. Multiple DUI convictions or refusals to submit to chemical testing can lead to longer suspensions or revocations.

Can I get a hardship license after a DUI suspension?

Yes, in many cases, you can apply for a hardship license that allows you to drive for work, school, or necessary travel. However, you may need to complete DUI school and meet other requirements before qualifying.

What is the difference between a suspended and a revoked license?

A suspended license means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away but can be restored. A revoked license means your driving privileges are permanently terminated, though you may be able to apply for reinstatement under certain conditions.

How can an attorney help with my license restoration?

An attorney can assist with filing appeals, representing you in administrative hearings, and ensuring you meet all requirements for reinstatement. They can also challenge an improper suspension or habitual traffic offender designation.

What should I do if I received a notice that my license is suspended?

You should contact a lawyer immediately to review your case. Depending on the reason for suspension, you may have options to fight it, reduce the suspension period, or apply for a hardship license.