DUI & Your License

How Long Do I Have to Save My License After a DUI Arrest?

Attorney-Reviewed Answer
Reviewed by Christopher Walsh, Criminal Trial Attorney (Fla. Bar #127459). Last reviewed: September 2026
Short Answer
Ten days. That's the window to act before the administrative suspension takes effect on its own.

Ten calendar days from the notice of suspension, which is ordinarily handed to you as part of the DUI citation at the time of arrest.

This deadline runs independently of your criminal case. It isn't affected by your arraignment date, by whether charges get filed, or by anything a prosecutor does. The administrative suspension is handled by the department, and it proceeds on its own schedule whether or not anyone is paying attention to it.

Inside those ten days you have three options, and doing nothing is one of them. Doing nothing means the suspension takes effect and your choices narrow considerably.

The other two are demanding a formal review hearing, which challenges the suspension and provides a 42-day permit while it's pending, or waiving review and applying immediately for a business-purposes-only license if you're eligible.

Three Options Inside the 10-Day Window
1. Do nothing. The suspension takes effect and your choices narrow considerably.

2. Demand a formal review hearing. Challenges the suspension and provides a 42-day permit while it's pending.

3. Waive review. Apply immediately for a business-purposes-only license if you're eligible.

Which is right depends on your history and your case. What isn't optional is deciding inside the window.

Related Statutes in Our Library
Fla. Stat. § 316.193 — Florida DUI, First Offense & the 10-Day Clock Fla. Stat. § 316.1932 — Refusal to Submit & the Refusal Suspension

Call before the deadline, not after — most of the options here are time-limited.

Ten Days Is Not Much Time

The window to protect your license is short and it runs on its own. Talk to a Treasure Coast DUI attorney today — free and confidential.

Free Consultation (772) 888-8888
Related Questions
What is a formal review hearing with the DMV? Is the DMV hearing the same as my criminal case? What is the 10-day permit on the back of my citation? What is a hardship license and do I qualify?
This page answers a common question for general informational purposes and is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it. Florida law changes; while this answer is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, the right answer depends on the specific facts of your situation — consult an attorney. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.