The Florida DUI penalties are very strict and can vary on a number of given factors including whether this is your first DUI offense, how long it has been since your last DUI offense, who you had in the car with you at the time of the DUI arrest, etc.
Below is an overview of Florida DUI penalties under state law.
First offense DUI
A first-time DUI is a misdemeanor offense and may include the following penalties:
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- Up to 1 year probation (combined with imprisonment)
- $500 to $1,000 fine
- 6 months to 1 year driver’s license suspension
- Community service (at least 50 hours)
- Substance abuse course (DUI school)
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
First offense DUI, Enhanced Penalties
Enhanced penalties apply if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content ) was over .15 or if there was a minor, a person under the age of 18, in the vehicle. The penalties will include the above penalties modified with these changes:
- Up to 9 months in jail
- $1000 to $2000 fine
- Interlock Ignition Device (IID) on all vehicles for up to 6 months
Second Offense DUI in More than 5 years
A second DUI offense more than five years after a prior conviction is a misdemeanor and may include:
- Up to 9 months imprisonment
- Up to 1 year probation
- $500 to $1000 fine
- 6 months to 1 year suspension
- Substance abuse course (DUI school)
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year
Second offense DUI in more than 5 years, enhanced penalties
A second DUI with a BAC over .15 or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:
- Up to 1 year imprisonment
- $2000 to $4000 fine
- 6 months to 1 year license suspension
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years
Second Offense DUI in less than 5 years
A second DUI within five years carries mandatory penalties, including:
- Mandatory 10 days to 9 months in jail
- Up to 1 year probation
- $500 to $1000 fine
- 5 years driver’s license suspension
- Substance abuse course (DUI school)
- Vehicle impoundment for 30 days (not concurrent with incarceration)
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year
Second offense DUI in less than 5 years, enhanced penalties
A second DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:
- Mandatory 10 days to 1 year in jail
- $1000 to $2000 fine
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years
Third offense DUI in more than 10 years
A third DUI offense more than 10 years after a prior conviction is a misdemeanor and may include:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to 1 year probation
- $2000 to $5000 fine
- 6 months to 1 year license suspension
- Substance abuse course (DUI school)
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years
Third offense DUI in less than 10 years
A third degree felony with penalties that include:
- 30 days to 5 years in jail
- Up to 5 years probation
- $2000 to $5000 fine
- 10 years license suspension
- Substance abuse course (DUI school)
- Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years
Third offense DUI within 10 years, enhanced penalties
A third DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:
- Minimum $4000 fine
Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer to defend your DUI charges at The Morris Law Firm – We Put Our Clients First
If you or a loved one needs the assistance of a DUI attorney, do not hesitate to contact The Morris Law Firm.
We’re available 24/7, so call us now if you need help from an experienced lawyer in Panama City or the surrounding areas, (850) 257-5680. Furthermore, we’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation with you and our attorney to discuss your case and your rights at your convenience.
We have a Spanish translator available if you are looking for a Spanish speaking criminal defense attorney (abogado de defensa criminal / abogado criminalista) on your defense team. We’ll provide the compassionate support, sound legal advice, and aggressive advocacy you need to get through this difficult time.
