DUI Program
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Links
1. I received my DUI in another state. Will you inform them once I complete the program requirements?
It is the client’s responsibility to provide the certificate of completion to that state unless a transfer has occurred.
2. Do I have to have an evaluation if the Court has already sent me for an evaluation?
DHSMV requires approved education and evaluation components of the DUI program, this is likely different than the evaluation the Court has sent you for.
3. Why is a DUI course required when my arrest was for drug charges and I wasn't driving?
Florida statues require the DUI program for persons convicted of chapter 893 and seeking a hardship license.
4. Can I split the classes to fit my schedule rather than taking them exactly as they are offered?
Classes must be taken in the sequence offered.
5. Once I complete the DUI requirements, do I need to take my completion certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles?
Yes, if you are seeking a driving privilege.
6. Are there any hidden costs that I need to be made aware of?
All our fees are posted on our Registration page. If referred to treatment, the agencies conducting will charge a fee.
7. Where do I obtain the documents needed for registration?
You may obtain documents from the Clerk of Court in the county in which the offense occurred. In Pinellas County the telephone number to the Clerk of Court is (727) 464-7000. Arresting law enforcement agency may also be a resource for information.
8. When do I get my completion certificate?
You will receive a certificate of completion after completing both the education and evaluation components of the program.
9. Is the Safety Council the only place that offers the DUI School?
In Pinellas County, we are the only licensed DUI program.
10. I received my DUI in another county. Can I take the program in this county?
Enrollees must take the DUI program in the county where they live, work or attend school.
11. Does an evaluation appointment need to be made before attending the class?
When feasible, enrollees are registered for the evaluation component prior to the education class.
12. What do I have to do to get my hardship license?
Contact the DHSMV Administrative Hearing office (727) 570-4404 or (727) 570-4405
13. When are classes held?
Evaluations and classes are available in our Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs locations. To meet the needs of varying schedules of enrollees, classes are available weekly, including, days, evenings and weekends.
14. I am turned down for Special Supervision Services program, can I get my money back?
All fees paid are non refundable.
15. How do I know if I should register in Level I or Level II?
The Level I DUI program is designed for individuals who have had one alcohol and/or drug related traffic arrest/conviction in a lifetime.
The Level II DUI program is designed for clients who have been arrested and/or convicted of more than one alcohol or drug related traffic offense, have previously attended a DUI Level I Drug and Alcohol Education Course, and/or have been convicted of two or more times of an offense requiring DUI program attendance in a life time.
16. Can I make payments?
Partial payments can be made in minimum increments of $75.00. Payment in full must be received within 90 days or all money rendered is forfeited. Client is not considered enrolled until full payment is received.
17. Can I still register if I do not have all of my paperwork?
At registration you will need the arrest/accident report, the ticket, and the court order if you have gone to court. One of documents must contain the Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) or stating your refusal. You can get copies at the Clerk of Court in the county where the offense occurred. For a $6.00 fee Suncoast Safety Council offers a copy of your life time Florida driving record. Please contact our office to discuss paperwork needed if the offense is older than 10 years.
18. Once I register for Special Supervision Services program, when can I get my license?
When all required records are received, an intake appointment is set with an evaluator. Due to needing medical records from third party sources, times vary greatly. Upon completion of your evaluation, your file is placed into staffing. Once staffing is complete, the file comes back to the SSS Coordinator who will inform you by letter as to whether you are accepted or denied.
19. What occurs when I am approved for the Special Supervision Services program?
A Case Management plan will be developed with your input. Once you review the plan and agree to it, you will need to sign the plan and return it. Once received, paperwork will be mailed to the local Bureau of Administrative Review to issue you a restricted license. Your first appointment will follow.
20. What do I need to register into the Special Supervision Services program?
- Letter from the hearing office.
- Picture ID
- DUI School Certificate of Completion
- Treatment Certificate of Completion
- (3) references with name/address/phone# (One can be a relative)
- Name/address/phone# of any doctors/hospitals/emergency rooms walk- in clinics that you may have been to in the last two years.
- $299.00 Registration fee
Helpful Links
Bureau of Administrative Review
4585 140th Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33762
727-507-4404 or 727-507-4405
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/
Pinellas County Clerk of Court
727-464-7000
www.pinellasclerk.org
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
www.hillsclerk.com
Pasco County Clerk of Court
www.pascoclerk.com |
