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Drunk Driving in Florida: What’s It Cost?

by sem on August 21, 2013

Drunk Driving Penalties and Fines in Florida

Wondering how much a DUI costs in the Sunshine State? The short answer is: a lot. A DUI in Florida comes with many penalties, both monetary and otherwise. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect if you are convicted of a DUI.

First Conviction

According to Florida DUI laws, the consequences you will face for your first conviction are:

  • A fine between $500 and $1,000
    • If your Blood/Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) is 0.15 or higher, or there is a minor in the vehicle, the fine is between $1,000 and $2,000
    • 50 hours of mandatory community service (or additional $10 fine for each hour of community service required)
    • Total probation and incarceration period of up to 1 year
    • Up to 6 months in prison
      • Up to 9 months if your BAL is 0.15 or higher, or there is a minor in the vehicle
      • Impoundment of vehicle for up to 10 days
      • Driver’s license revocation between 180 days and 1 year
      • Completion of a DUI school (visit http://www.trafficschoolonlineflorida.com/ to find out about the courses we offer)

As you can see, it’s a lot more than just drunk driving fines. And if you are convicted of driving under the influence more than once, the penalties are even harsher.

Second Conviction

  • A fine between $1,000 and $2,000
    • If your BAL is 0.15 or higher, or there is a minor in the vehicle, the fine is between $2,000 and $4,000
    • Up to 9 months in prison
      • Up to 12 months if your BAL is 0.15 or higher/there is a minor in the vehicle
      • If this is the second conviction within 5 years, you will get at least 10 days of imprisonment, with at least 48 hours being consecutive
      • Impoundment of vehicle for up to 30 days if this is your second conviction within 5 years
      • Driver’s license revocation between 180 days and 1 year
        • Revocation for 5 years if your second conviction occurred within 5 years of your first
        • Completion of a DUI school after conviction

Third Conviction

  • A fine between $2,000 and $5,000 (if the third conviction is over 10 years from the second)
    • If your BAL is 0.15 or higher, or there is a minor in the vehicle, the fine is at least $4,000
    • Up to 12 months in prison
      • If this is the third conviction within 10 years, you will get a minimum of 10 days of imprisonment, with at least 48 hours being consecutive
      • Impoundment of vehicle for up to 90 days if this is your third conviction within 10 years
      • Driver’s license revocation for at least 10 years if your third conviction occurred within 10 years of your second
      • Completion of a DUI school after conviction

It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process when you get a DUI. Sometimes, it is possible to have a plea bargain of “wet reckless,” or a conviction of reckless driving involving alcohol, accepted by the prosecution. This is a reduction from a DUI charge. But the best way to avoid the headache of drunk driving charges? Don’t drive drunk in the first place!


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