⚖️ DUI and Your Professional License in Florida
A DUI conviction doesn’t just bring criminal penalties—it can jeopardize your career. In Florida, many professions require a valid license to practice, and a DUI may trigger mandatory reporting, investigations, and even license suspension or revocation.
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, therapist, lawyer, or teacher, here’s how a DUI may affect your ability to work—and what to do about it.
🧑⚕️ Medical Professionals
In Florida, licensed medical professionals—including doctors, dentists, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, therapists, and others—face strict consequences for DUI convictions.
📋 Mandatory Reporting
Under Fla. Stat. § 456.072(1)(x) and § 456.042, you must:
- Report a DUI conviction to your board or the Department of Health within 15–30 days
- Update your DOH license profile within 15 days of any final action
Failing to report can lead to additional discipline.
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, therapist, lawyer, or teacher, here’s how a DUI may affect your ability to work—and what to do about it.
Read More About Medical Professional Facing A DUI In Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
👨⚕️ Doctors
Doctors must report a DUI conviction to the Florida Board of Medicine within 15 to 30 days, depending on license type. The Department of Health will investigate and may issue an Emergency Suspension Order (ESO).
Possible consequences include:
- Fines
- Probation or suspension
- Random drug/alcohol testing
- Referral to PRN (Professional Resource Network)
Arrested for DUI in South Florida?
🦷 Dentists
Dentists must report a DUI conviction to the Florida Board of Dentistry within 30 days and provide:
- Certified court documents
- Disciplinary outcomes (DUI school, interlock device, etc.)
- A personal explanation letter showing insight and rehabilitation
They may also be referred to PRN for substance abuse evaluation.
🧑⚕️ Nurses
Nurses must report DUI convictions to the Florida Board of Nursing within 30 days. First-time DUIs often result in milder penalties, but repeat offenses carry serious risk.
The Board may issue an ESO and require enrollment in IPN (Impaired Nurses Program).
Read More About Nurses Facing A DUI In Fort Lauderdale and South Florid
🧠 Therapists
Therapists report DUIs to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
📉 Possible penalties:
- 1st DUI: $1,000 fine, disciplinary review
- 2nd DUI: $1,000 fine + 1-year suspension
- 3rd DUI: $2,500 fine + 2-year suspension
Therapists may also be referred to PRN for substance-related evaluations.
👨⚖️ Lawyers
Florida lawyers must report any felony charges to the Florida Bar within 10 days. Upon conviction:
- The Bar issues a Notice of Determination of Guilt
- An immediate suspension takes effect
- You may petition to modify or terminate the suspension
Discipline can include:
- Suspension or disbarment
- Probation or public reprimand
- Disciplinary resignation
Even misdemeanor DUIs require reporting and can impact standing with the Bar.
🍎 Teachers
In Florida, school districts determine whether a DUI must be reported—but a conviction may trigger disciplinary action by the Florida Department of Education.
If the DOE investigates:
- The teacher may appear before the Education Practices Commission
- Sanctions could include probation, suspension, or certificate revocation
Most districts show leniency for a first-time DUI, but repeat offenses are treated much more seriously.
Read More About Teachers Facing DUI Charges in South Florida
🛡️ Fort Lauderdale License Defense for Professionals
At Michael White, P.A., we help professionals across South Florida and the Treasure Coast navigate both criminal DUI charges and administrative licensing issues.
We represent:
- Doctors, nurses, dentists, therapists
- Lawyers and educators
- Other licensed professionals subject to board review
We provide:
- Defense in criminal court
- Guidance on reporting and compliance
- Advocacy during board investigations
- Strategy to avoid or reduce license suspension or revocation
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: DUI & Professional Licenses in Florida
Q1: Do all licensed professionals in Florida have to report a DUI conviction?
A: Yes. Most licensed professionals—including doctors, nurses, therapists, lawyers, and dentists—must report a DUI conviction to their respective board or to the Department of Health within 15 to 30 days of the conviction.
Q2: Can a DUI conviction cause me to lose my professional license?
A: Yes. While first-time DUIs may lead to lighter sanctions, repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances may result in suspension or permanent revocation—especially if the board believes public safety is at risk.
Q3: What is PRN/IPN and why might I be referred after a DUI?
A:PRN (Professional Resource Network) and IPN (Impaired Nurses Program) are Florida programs for impaired healthcare professionals. A DUI involving suspected substance abuse may result in mandatory evaluation, monitoring, and treatment.
Q5: Can a lawyer help me with both the criminal DUI charge and my license defense?
A: Absolutely. An attorney like Michael White, who handles both criminal defense and administrative license protection, can help ensure you fulfill reporting requirements while minimizing damage to your career.