One of the components of a Florida DUI arrest or conviction is a requirement to attend what’s commonly called Florida DUI School. Florida requires those who are arrested or convicted of DUI to undergo drug and alcohol education as part of their “punishment” for a DUI and to comply with both licensing and judicial requirements.

The purpose of Florida DUI School is to teach the consequences of drinking and driving, to help each student understand and take responsibility for their substance dependency. Its goal is to curtail any relapses and to avoid future incidents of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances (drugs).

Levels I And II

There are two courses for DUI offenders. If you’ve never had an arrest or conviction for DUI before, you’ll take the Level 1 course. For a second or subsequent DUI, you’ll have to register for the Level 2 course. 

In Palm Beach County, five options are available—three in West Palm Beach, and two in Delray Beach, offered by two different vendors. These vendors are approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Bureau, which oversees these statewide programs.

After an arrest, you are required to register for DUI school in the county where you live, work, or attend school unless you are granted an exception in advance. Fortunately, these schools offer classes with a somewhat flexible schedule. You’ll have 90 days from the day you enroll to complete the entire course.

Curricula

Level I is for those with an arrest or conviction for:

• Driving Under The Influence
• Boating Under The Influence
• Reckless Driving
• Other drug-related offenses

The course includes 12 hours of education and substance abuse evaluation. There is also a private 1-hour meeting with an evaluator who will determine if you are at risk of becoming a repeat offender.

Level II is for those with two or more arrests/convictions and is 21 hours of education. The focus is on helping repeat offenders, and the classes are limited to 15 participants. This course utilizes interactional education in a group setting and will include referral to substance abuse treatment.

All classes are very strictly run. If you do not arrive on time, you miss a class and must start over, including re-registering and paying again. You can reschedule a class but with a five-day notice and a documented good cause. 

What Does DUI School Cost?

Levels I And II have different fee structures:

• Fees for the Level 1 course are about $350
• Fees for the Level 2 course are about $500

Registration is generally done online, with all fees paid in advance. The amount due at registration includes a Florida state assessment fee, Driver Risk Inventory testing fee, driver record fee, and possibly an online processing fee.

The fee rates are set by the FLHSMV. This chart includes all the fees that you might incur during the training. However, not all these fees will be applicable and will depend on your individual case.

If you don’t complete the training, you’ll forfeit the money you’ve paid, and you’ll have to pay re-assignment fees to re-register again. In addition, the court will be notified.

Training staff may administer substance abuse testing, and you’ll be required to pay for that testing. If you attend a class inebriated, you’ll be dismissed from the class. There is also an additional fee if you attend a class meeting under the influence, which must also be paid to re-register.

Successfully completing DUI education demonstrates to the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions.

If Arrested For DUI, Call Farkas & Crowley

If you are stopped and charged with a DUI, do not speak with the police until you have your lawyer present. Ask for an attorney immediately and do not say anything until you are in the presence of an attorney. You will need to be patient until you actually get an attorney or be able to call for one.

Adam Farkas and Jacqueline Crowley are experienced criminal defense attorneys ready to defend you against Florida DUI charges. Our number is (561) 444-9529. If you have been charged with a DUI in Palm Beach County or nearby, contact Farkas and Crowley P.A. today