Florida CDL DUI Suspension Appeal: How Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato Got a Commercial License Restored

A strategic legal challenge to DHSMV administrative suspension resulted in complete reversal by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit

The Hidden Danger of Florida DUI Arrests

Most people—even some DUI attorneys—only think about the criminal case when arrested for DUI in Florida. However, the reality is far more consequential. Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) automatically suspends your license unless you request a hearing within 10 days. Consequently, this administrative suspension can become permanent—even if you later win your court case.

For commercial drivers, the stakes are even higher. A CDL DUI suspension doesn’t just affect your personal driving privileges—it can end your career. Furthermore, under Florida Statute § 322.61, CDL holders face a mandatory one-year disqualification for a first DUI offense, with no hardship license available.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we don’t just fight DUI charges in court. We also challenge the administrative suspension through formal hearings and, if necessary, appellate review. Our recent win in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit demonstrates how strategic thinking and legal precision can restore a client’s driving privileges.

The Case: Strategic Challenge to CDL DUI Suspension

Our client, a commercial driver in Hillsborough County, was arrested for DUI. As expected, the Florida DHSMV initiated an immediate suspension of both his regular license and his CDL. We promptly filed a demand for formal review, preserving our client’s right to challenge the suspension.

The Strategic Decision

What made this case unique was our deliberate strategy. Specifically, we chose not to subpoena the arresting officer. We knew the DHSMV would likely rely solely on its own BAR packet (the Breath Alcohol Results packet containing the police report and test results). In particular, we identified that the packet failed to establish probable cause on its face.

Despite this critical deficiency, the hearing officer upheld the suspension. Nevertheless, the hearing officer improperly relied on facts outside the record to reach this conclusion—a clear legal error.

The Appeal

We immediately filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, arguing that the hearing officer departed from essential requirements of law. After full briefing and review, the court agreed with our position.

Florida DUI License Suspension Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical for anyone facing a Florida DUI arrest. The following table outlines the key deadlines and consequences:

Why This Matters for CDL Holders

Timing is everything. If you don’t act within 10 days of arrest, your license may be suspended—regardless of what happens in your criminal court case. The administrative and criminal proceedings are completely separate.

Most lawyers ignore the DMV. Many defense attorneys focus solely on the courtroom and let the administrative suspension go unchallenged. This is a critical mistake, especially for CDL holders whose livelihoods depend on their driving privileges.

We handle both. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we aggressively and strategically defend both your criminal case and your driving privilege from day one. And if needed, we take it all the way to appeals court—and win.

CDL vs. Regular License: DUI Consequences Comparison

Questions to Ask When Hiring a DUI Attorney

If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI charge in Florida, make sure your attorney knows how to provide a complete defense. Before you hire a DUI lawyer, ask these two simple questions:

1. Have you ever handled a formal review hearing with the DMV?
2. Have you ever appealed a license suspension?

If the answer to either question is no, you’re not getting a full DUI defense—you’re getting a fraction of one, and the consequences can be enormous.

Frequently Asked Questions: Florida CDL DUI Suspension

What happens to my CDL if I’m arrested for DUI in Florida?

When you’re arrested for DUI in Florida, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver license and issue a 10-day temporary permit. Additionally, the DHSMV will initiate an administrative suspension that is separate from your criminal case. For CDL holders, this triggers a minimum one-year disqualification under Florida Statute § 322.61.

How long do I have to challenge a Florida DUI license suspension?

You have exactly 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to challenge the administrative suspension. Therefore, contacting an experienced DUI attorney immediately after arrest is critical.

Can I get a hardship license if my CDL is suspended for DUI?

No. Unlike regular driver license holders, CDL holders are not eligible for a hardship license during a DUI-related disqualification. This makes challenging the administrative suspension even more important, as there is no alternative way to legally operate a commercial vehicle.

What is a petition for writ of certiorari in a DUI case?

A petition for writ of certiorari is an appellate procedure that asks a higher court to review a lower tribunal’s decision. In Florida DUI cases, this is used to challenge an adverse ruling from a DHSMV formal review hearing. Specifically, the circuit court reviews whether the hearing officer departed from essential requirements of law.

What is the BAC limit for CDL holders in Florida?

While operating a commercial motor vehicle, CDL holders in Florida are subject to a 0.04% BAC limit—half the 0.08% limit that applies to regular drivers. However, a DUI arrest in your personal vehicle using the standard 0.08% threshold will still trigger CDL disqualification under Florida law.

How can a Tampa DUI attorney help with my CDL suspension?

An experienced Tampa DUI attorney can challenge both your criminal case and your administrative suspension simultaneously. Furthermore, if the formal review hearing results in an adverse decision, an attorney with appellate experience can petition the circuit court for review. As demonstrated in our recent case, strategic legal action can result in complete reversal of the suspension.

What happens if I win my criminal DUI case but already lost my license?

The administrative suspension and criminal case are completely separate proceedings. Consequently, winning your criminal case does not automatically restore your license if you lost the administrative hearing or failed to request one. This is why challenging the administrative suspension within 10 days is essential—regardless of the strength of your criminal defense.

How much does it cost to appeal a Florida DUI license suspension?

The cost of appealing a DUI license suspension varies depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fee structure. Nevertheless, for CDL holders whose careers depend on maintaining their commercial driving privileges, the investment in appellate review is often far less than the cost of losing employment. During your initial consultation, we can discuss fees and evaluate whether appellate review is appropriate for your situation.

Related:

• Tampa DUI Lawyer – Full DUI defense services
• Retrograde Extrapolation: Challenging BAC Evidence in Florida DUI Cases
• Marijuana DUI in Tampa: What You Need to Know
• Mistakes to Avoid after a DUI
• Key Steps to Protect your License
• Florida DUI Penalties
• Tampa Criminal Forensic Science Attorney

Related Documents (Redacted for Privacy)

While these documents are public record, we’ve removed identifying details out of respect for our client. For legal professionals or journalists interested in reviewing the court’s reasoning:

• 📄 Petition for Writ of Certiorari (PDF)
• 📄 Order Granting Petition (PDF)

Case Number: 25-CA-004400
Court: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County, Florida
Ruling Date: September 19, 2025