What a drug and alcohol course is and when Florida DMV requires it
Florida's drug and alcohol course is a state-approved educational program you may be required to complete after certain driving violations. The Florida DMV does not run the course itself — instead, the court that handles your case orders you to take it, and you choose from approved providers in your county. The course teaches how alcohol and drugs affect driving ability, judgment, and reaction time.
You will be ordered to take this course if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), refuse a breath or blood test, or receive certain other alcohol-related violations. Some drivers also take it voluntarily to reduce insurance costs or to show the court you are taking the offense seriously. The course typically lasts four to eight hours, depending on whether it is your first offense or a repeat violation.
Completion of the course does not erase your conviction or automatically restore your driving privileges — it is one step among several that may be required before you can get your license back or have restrictions lifted.
Key Takeaways
- The court orders you to take the course after a DUI or related conviction; you do not request it from the DMV.
- You must complete the course at a Florida-approved provider in your county, and the provider reports completion directly to the DMV.
- The course costs between $150 and $400 depending on the provider and whether it is your first offense or a repeat violation.
- You must finish the course within a specific timeframe set by the court, usually 30 to 90 days, or face additional penalties.
- Completing the course is required before you can reinstate your license, but it does not may provide reinstatement on its own.
Who orders the course and how the court notifies you
The criminal court — not the DMV — decides whether you must take the course. When you are convicted of DUI or a related offense, the judge includes course completion as part of your sentence. The court sends you written notice of this requirement, usually at the same time as your sentencing paperwork.
The notice will specify the important date by which you must finish the course, the type of course you need (first-time offender or repeat offender), and sometimes a list of approved providers near you. If you do not receive this notice, contact the clerk of the court that handled your case — they can tell you whether the course is required and what the important date is.
Do not wait for the DMV to contact you. The responsibility to enroll and complete the course falls on you. If you miss the important date, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest or add additional charges.
Finding and choosing an approved provider
Florida maintains a list of approved drug and alcohol course providers on the DMV website. You can search by county to find providers near you. Each provider must meet state standards for curriculum and instructor qualifications, but they operate independently — the DMV does not run them.
Providers offer courses in different formats: in-person classroom, online, or hybrid (some combination of online and in-person). In-person courses typically run four to eight hours in a single day or across two evenings. Online courses let you work at your own pace but still have a completion important date set by the court.
Call or visit the provider's website to confirm they are still approved, check their schedule, and ask about cost. Prices vary — expect $150 to $400 depending on whether it is a first offense or repeat violation, and whether you choose in-person or online. Some providers offer payment plans if cost is a barrier.
Scam alert: Do not use a provider that is not on the official DMV list. Fraudulent providers will take your money and the course will not count toward your court order. Always verify the provider's name against the current DMV-approved list before paying.
What happens during and after the course
The course covers the effects of alcohol and drugs on the brain, body, and driving performance. You will learn about impairment levels, how to recognize impaired driving in others, and strategies to avoid driving under the influence. Most courses include videos, group discussion, and written materials. Some providers also cover the legal consequences of DUI and insurance impacts.
You must attend the entire course and participate as required by the provider. Most providers take attendance and require you to sign in and out. If you miss part of the course or do not meet participation requirements, you will not receive a certificate of completion.
When you finish, the provider gives you a certificate of completion. This certificate is your proof that you completed the course. The provider also files a report with the Florida DMV showing that you finished. You should keep a copy of your certificate for your records — bring it with you if you need to show proof to the court, your insurance company, or the DMV.
Cost and payment options
The cost of a drug and alcohol course in Florida ranges from $150 to $400. First-time offenders typically pay less than repeat offenders. Online courses are sometimes cheaper than in-person courses, though not always.
The court does not pay for the course — you are responsible for the full cost. Some providers accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Others offer payment plans that let you pay in installments. If cost is a hardship, ask the provider whether they offer reduced rates or sliding-scale fees based on income.
Do not confuse the course fee with court fines or other DUI-related costs. The course is separate from any fine the judge imposed, any restitution you owe, or any administrative fees charged by the DMV for license reinstatement.
important date and what happens if you miss them
The court sets a important date for course completion, usually 30 to 90 days from your sentencing date. This important date is written in your sentencing paperwork. You must enroll and complete the course before that date.
If you do not finish by the important date, the court may hold you in contempt, issue a warrant for your arrest, or add additional criminal charges. You will also not be able to reinstate your driver's license until the course is complete. Missing the important date can extend your suspension by months or years.
If you believe you cannot meet the important date, contact the court clerk or your attorney before the important date passes. In some cases, the court will grant an extension if you have a valid reason and request it in writing before the important date expires. Do not straightforward ignore the important date and hope the court forgets — it will not.
How course completion affects your license reinstatement
Completing the course is a requirement for license reinstatement, but it is not the only one. After a DUI conviction, you must also pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV, serve any license suspension period ordered by the court, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Once you have completed the course, the provider reports this to the DMV. You can then contact the DMV to begin the reinstatement process. You will need to provide proof of course completion, pay the reinstatement fee (which varies by offense type), and meet any other requirements the court imposed.
Reinstatement does not happen automatically. You must take action with the DMV after the course is done. If you were ordered to use an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before your license is reinstated. The DMV website has a reinstatement checklist for your specific offense type.
Scam alerts and how to protect yourself
Several scams target people ordered to take a drug and alcohol course. The most common is a fake provider that is not on the DMV's approved list. You pay the fee, complete what they call a "course," and receive a fake certificate. When you try to reinstate your license, the DMV rejects it because the provider was never approved. You then have to take the course again at a real provider and pay twice.
To protect yourself: Always check the provider's name against the official DMV-approved list before you pay anything. Call the DMV directly if you are unsure whether a provider is legitimate. Do not rely on an internet search result or a phone number the provider gives you — look up the DMV's phone number yourself and call them.
Another scam involves someone claiming they can "waive" or "remove" your DUI conviction if you pay them a fee. No private company can do this. Only the court can modify or dismiss a conviction, and that requires a legal motion filed by an attorney. If someone promises to erase your DUI for money, they are committing fraud.
Finally, be cautious of providers who may provide your license will be reinstated after you take their course. The course is one step, but the DMV and court make the final decision on reinstatement. Any provider who promises reinstatement is misleading you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the course online if the court ordered me to take it in person?
Check your sentencing paperwork — it will specify whether the course must be in-person or whether online is acceptable. If it does not specify, contact the court clerk. Some courts allow online courses; others require in-person attendance. Taking the wrong format means the course will not count and you will have to retake it.
What if I move to another state before I finish the course?
You must complete the course in Florida before you move. The court order applies to you regardless of where you live, and the DMV will not reinstate your Florida license until the course is done. If you move before completing it, you may face additional legal consequences. Contact the court before you move to discuss your options.
Do I have to disclose the DUI course to my employer?
The course itself is not public record, but your DUI conviction is. Whether you tell your employer is your choice. Some employers ask about criminal convictions during hiring; if you are already employed, most employers do not monitor court orders. Check your employment contract or ask your HR department if you are unsure.
Will taking the course reduce my car insurance rates?
Some insurance companies offer a small discount if you complete a drug and alcohol course, even if it was not court-ordered. Contact your insurance company to ask whether they offer this discount and what documentation they need. The discount is usually modest — $50 to $100 per year — but it can help offset the course cost over time.
Can I take the course before the court orders me to?
Yes, you can take the course voluntarily before your trial or sentencing. Some people do this to show the court they are taking the matter seriously, which may influence sentencing. However, if the court later orders you to take the course as part of your sentence, you may have to take it again — the court's order is separate from a voluntary course you took beforehand. Ask your attorney whether taking it early would help your case.