Florida HSMV Form 78015 Worthless Check Hardship Form – If your Florida driver’s license has been suspended because of a worthless check case, the official way to request limited driving privileges is through Florida HSMV Form 78015, also known as the Worthless Check Hardship Hearing Form. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), this form allows eligible drivers to apply for a hardship (restricted) license while resolving the underlying court matter.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form 78015 is, who needs it, how to complete it, where to submit it, and how it fits into Florida’s driver license reinstatement process. All information is based on official FLHSMV resources and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 78015?
Form 78015 is the official “Worthless Check – Hardship License Request” document used by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It is specifically designed for drivers whose licenses were suspended under Florida Statutes § 832.09 after a warrant or capias was issued in a worthless check prosecution.
According to the statute, a court may order suspension or revocation when a person being prosecuted for passing a worthless check (in violation of § 832.05) fails to appear, provided the person has a prior adjudication of guilt for the same offense. The clerk of court then notifies FLHSMV within five working days.
Form 78015 lets the driver request an administrative hearing so the Bureau of Administrative Reviews can consider hardship reinstatement of driving privileges on a restricted basis.
You can download the official form directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 78015 PDF
Who Needs to File Form 78015?
You typically need Form 78015 if:
- Your Florida driver’s license was suspended due to a worthless check case under § 832.09.
- A warrant or capias for failure to appear was issued after a prior worthless check adjudication.
- You need limited driving privileges (for work, school, medical care, or other essential purposes) while the court case remains open or restitution arrangements are being made.
Note that many other types of suspensions (unpaid traffic tickets, child support, DUI, points, etc.) use different forms, most commonly HSMV Form 78306 (Application for Hardship or Administrative Hearing). Form 78015 is specific to the worthless-check suspension pathway.
Key Sections of the Worthless Check Hardship Hearing Form
The form is short and contains three main parts:
- Applicant Section – You provide your full name, Social Security number, Florida driver’s license number, daytime telephone number (reachable between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.), and mailing address. You then sign and date a statement requesting an administrative hearing for hardship reinstatement of your driving privilege.
- Clerk of Court or State Attorney Section – An authorized court official or state attorney must complete this portion. It confirms either that the defendant has agreed to make restitution under court terms or that a court date has been set. The official signs, prints their name, indicates the agency (Clerk of Court or State Attorney), and lists the county.
- Resident County Clerk Section – The clerk of court in the county where you reside certifies whether you have any traffic cases pending in that county during the past 30 days. If cases are pending, they are listed.
A note at the bottom instructs the customer to mail or fax the completed form to the Division of Driver Licenses, Bureau of Administrative Reviews. After submission, you will be contacted for a brief telephonic hearing.
How to Complete and Submit Florida Form 78015?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the current official PDF from the FLHSMV forms page: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/78015.pdf.
- Fill out the top (applicant) section completely and accurately. Use black ink if printing by hand.
- Take the form to the Clerk of Court or State Attorney’s office handling your worthless check case so they can complete and sign their section.
- Have the Clerk of Court in your county of residence complete the final certification regarding pending traffic cases.
- Mail or fax the fully completed form to the Bureau of Administrative Reviews (contact details are available on the FLHSMV website or by calling a local BAR office).
- Wait to be contacted for your brief telephone hearing.
It is strongly recommended that you also resolve the underlying court obligation (restitution, appearance, or clearance) as soon as possible. Related clearance documentation is often handled with HSMV Form 72862 (Worthless Check Clearance).
What Happens After You Submit Form 78015?
Once the Bureau of Administrative Reviews receives the completed Form 78015, a hearing officer will contact you to schedule a short telephonic hearing. During the hearing, the officer reviews:
- Your driving record
- The court certifications on the form
- Your need for limited driving privileges
If approved, you may receive a hardship license restricted to business purposes only or employment purposes only, depending on the hearing officer’s determination and applicable Florida law (primarily § 322.271 and related administrative rules).
Important: Hardship licenses for certain non-driving suspensions, including those related to worthless checks, generally do not require enrollment in a driver improvement school unless ordered by the court.
Related Florida Forms and Resources
Drivers dealing with worthless check suspensions frequently encounter these additional official documents:
- HSMV 72862 – Worthless Check Clearance
- HSMV 78306 – Application for Hardship or Administrative Hearing (used for most other hardship requests)
- Complete FLHSMV Forms Library
You can also check the current status of your driver’s license online through the official FLHSMV Driver License Check tool.
Eligibility Tips and Common Pitfalls
Eligibility for a hardship license is not automatic. The hearing officer considers whether suspension creates a genuine hardship and whether granting restricted privileges is consistent with public safety. Providing complete and accurate information on Form 78015, along with any supporting documentation the court or BAR may request, improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
Common reasons applications are delayed or denied include:
- Incomplete form sections (especially missing court signatures)
- Unverified restitution arrangements
- Pending traffic cases in the resident county that have not been disclosed
- Failure to respond to the scheduled telephonic hearing
Always verify the most current version of the form and submission instructions on the official FLHSMV website, as procedures can be updated.
Final Thoughts on Florida HSMV Form 78015
Florida HSMV Form 78015 provides a clear, official pathway for drivers facing a worthless-check-related license suspension to request limited driving privileges. By completing the form accurately, obtaining the required court certifications, and submitting it promptly to the Bureau of Administrative Reviews, you can move forward with a hardship hearing and potentially regain the ability to drive for essential purposes.
For the most reliable information, always refer to primary sources:
If your situation involves multiple suspensions or complex court matters, consulting a Florida attorney experienced in driver license issues is advisable. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.