The state of Florida considers driving as a privilege, not a right. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs considered proof that a person no longer deserves the privilege of driving. In an attempt to discourage drunk driving, Florida enforces harsh penalties, including:
- Fines
- Possible Jail Time
- License Suspension
- License Revocation
You should consult a reputable attorney immediately following a DUI charge. You may have a viable defense case, resulting from wrongly administered breath or blood tests, police errors or rights violations, faulty testing units or other possible factors. Allow me the opportunity to help reduce your stress regarding this matter and guide you through this difficult time.
DUI Penalties in Florida
First DUI Offense
- Fine of $500 – $1,000
- Jail sentence of up to 6 months or probation for up to a year
- Mandatory 50 hours of community service
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
- License revocation for a minimum of 6 months
Second DUI Offense
- Fine of $1,000 – $2,000
- Jail sentence of up to 9 months
- Minimum sentence of 10 days if convicted within 5 years of a first offense
- Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
- License revocation for a minimum of 6 months
- 5 years revocation if convicted within 5 years of first offense
Third DUI Offense
- Fine of $1,000 – $2,500
- Fine of $2,000 – $5,000 if convicted within 10 years first offense
- Jail sentence of up to 12 months
- Minimum sentence of 30 days if convicted within 10 years of first offense
- Vehicle impoundment for 90 days if convicted within 10 years of first offense
- License revocation for 5 years
- 10 year revocation if convicted within 10 years of first offense
Fourth DUI Offense
- Minimum fine of $1,000
- Jail sentence of up to 5 years
- Mandatory permanent license revocation (not eligible for hardship license)
If you are convicted of three or more DUI’s within a 10 year period, you will face a felony conviction and possible prison time.
Florida Penalties for Felony DUIs
Third DUI within 10 years, or a Fourth or Subsequent DUI
- Third degree felony
- fine of up to $5,000
- Prison sentence of up to 5 years
DUI with Injury
- Third degree felony
- Fine up to $5,000
- Prison sentence of up to 5 years
DUI Manslaughter
- Second degree felony
- Fine of up to $10.000
- Prison sentence of up to 30 years
Under 21 DUI
Penalties for under 21 drivers on a first offense DUI include:
- Fines
- Mandatory 6 month license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education
- Community service
- Fine of up to $5,000