Last updated February 2026
After a DUI arrest in Broward County, you don’t just face a criminal case — your driver’s license is at risk immediately. The Florida DHSMV can suspend your license before you ever step into court.
A DUI license suspension hearing is one part of a broader DUI defense strategy in Broward County. For an overview of how DUI cases are handled locally, see our Broward County DUI Lawyer page.
The key? Knowing the rules and acting fast.
⏱️ The 10-Day Deadline
Under Fla. Stat. §322.2615, you have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DHSMV hearing. If you miss this window:
🚫 Your license is automatically suspended
❌ You lose the right to contest the suspension
🚗 Driving without reinstatement could mean new charges
⚖️ What Happens at a DHSMV Hearing
At the hearing, the State must prove:
The officer had probable cause for the stop/arrest
Your breath/blood test was administered correctly
All procedures and paperwork were followed
If they fail on any of these points, the suspension can be overturned.
What the Hearing Officer Actually Decides
At a Broward DHSMV hearing, the officer is not deciding guilt or innocence. The decision is limited to whether the State met its burden on a few specific issues:
Whether the officer had lawful cause to stop or arrest you
Whether you refused testing after proper warnings or whether testing complied with required procedures
Whether the paperwork and timing requirements were met
If the State fails on any one of these points, the suspension can be invalidated.
🛡️ How a Lawyer Helps You Win
An experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can:
📄 Challenge officer reports and paperwork errors
🧪 Attack breath/blood testing reliability
🎯 Challenge the legality of the stop or detention
🚗 Pursue a hardship license so you can keep driving
🌟 Why the Hearing Matters
Winning a DHSMV hearing doesn’t just save your license — it can expose weaknesses in the State’s case early, strengthening your defense in criminal court.
Because officers must testify under oath at DHSMV hearings, inconsistencies between testimony, reports, and video often surface early — creating leverage that carries directly into the criminal case.
📍 Protect Your License Now
You have 10 days to act. Don’t lose your license without a fight.
👉 Contact a proven Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer today.
❓ FAQs
⏱️ How long do I have to request a hearing?
Just 10 days from the date of your arrest.
✅ Can a lawyer stop my suspension?
Yes — if we prove flaws in the stop, test, or paperwork, the suspension may be thrown out.
⚖️ Is this the same as my DUI court case?
No — it’s an administrative process separate from the criminal case.
🚫 What if I miss the 10-day deadline?
Your license is suspended, but you may still qualify for a hardship license.
👨⚖️ Do I really need a lawyer for this hearing?
Absolutely. Without one, you risk losing your license and leverage in your DUI defense.