Drunk Driving in Florida: What’s It Cost?
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!
