Do I have to take DUI school before I get my license back?

Florida requires a DUI substance abuse education course, and it functions as a gate at both ends of the process.

For the waiver route, enrollment is a condition of eligibility — you have to be enrolled to apply within the ten-day window, not merely intending to enroll.

For reinstatement, completion is required, along with any evaluation and treatment the course recommends. That last part surprises people. The course includes an evaluation, and if it recommends treatment, completing the treatment becomes part of what's required.

There are two levels. A first offense generally takes the shorter Level 1 course. A driver with a prior takes the longer Level 2 course, which runs substantially longer and costs more.

The courses are administered by approved providers rather than by the state directly, and availability on the Treasure Coast varies. Enrolling early matters when a ten-day deadline is involved.