Tampa DUI License Suspension Lawyer
If your license was suspended after a DUI arrest in Tampa, you are likely already feeling the impact. You cannot get to work, take your kids to school, or handle basic responsibilities. Whether this is your first DUI or a second conviction, a suspended license creates real barriers. The clock is already ticking. Florida law gives you only a few days to protect your driving privileges before the suspension becomes official.
What a DUI license suspension means under Florida law
In Florida, your driver’s license can be suspended immediately after a DUI arrest. This happens through an administrative suspension, triggered by either failing a breath test or refusing one altogether. You only have 10 days from the arrest date to request a formal review hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license remains suspended — even if you are later found not guilty in court.
A DUI conviction comes with an additional suspension through the criminal court. That means you could face both administrative and court-ordered suspensions. The length depends on your prior conviction history, your blood alcohol level, and whether you are facing enhanced penalties like DUI manslaughter or serious injury.
Examples of DUI arrests leading to license suspension in Tampa
We have seen drivers in Hillsborough County lose their licenses after a breath test failure at a roadside stop. Others were pulled over in Pinellas County and refused the chemical test, only to find their license suspended within days. Some clients were not even driving — just sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys nearby — yet Florida law still treated them as being in actual physical control of the motor vehicle.
In many cases, drivers were not informed of their right to apply for a hardship license. Others were unsure how to schedule a formal review hearing with the hearing officer. These early missteps can cost you your ability to drive for months or even years.
What you can do to protect your license
The most important step is acting quickly. You have the right to apply for a hardship license, but the request must be filed within 10 days of your DUI arrest. A hardship license allows limited driving for work, school, or essential tasks. To qualify, you must complete DUI school and meet all other requirements under Florida statute.
An experienced DUI lawyer can help you request a formal review hearing, gather evidence, and present your case to the hearing officer. They may also challenge the legality of the stop, the reliability of the breath test, or the procedures followed by the arresting officer. Every detail matters when your driving privileges are at stake.
You still have options, Hersem Law can help
If your license has been suspended after a DUI in Tampa, FL, Hersem Law is here to help. Our experienced Tampa DUI License Suspension Lawyer will guide you through the administrative review process, protect your rights in court, and fight for your ability to drive. Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward restoring your driving privileges.
FAQ: License Suspension After a DUI in Tampa
How long is a license suspended after a DUI arrest?
For a first offense, administrative suspension can last up to six months for a failed test or one year for refusal. If convicted, additional court-ordered suspensions apply and can last much longer depending on your record.
Can I drive to work with a suspended license?
Not unless you apply for and receive a hardship license. This requires proof of need, completion of DUI school, and compliance with Florida Department of Highway Safety guidelines.
What is a formal review hearing?
A formal review hearing is your chance to challenge the administrative license suspension. It is separate from the criminal case and must be requested within 10 days of your DUI arrest.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a hardship license?
While not required, having a defense attorney improves your chances. They can help determine eligibility, file paperwork, and represent you at the review hearing.
What happens if I miss the 10-day deadline?
If you do not request a formal or informal review within 10 days, your license remains suspended and you may lose the chance to apply for a hardship license.
Does a DUI conviction automatically suspend my license?
Yes. A DUI conviction in Florida triggers a separate license suspension from the one issued after your arrest. The length depends on whether it is your first, second, or subsequent offense.
