The penalties set for drinking and driving are remarkably severe in Florida. Based on the person’s DUI record or the fact that there was property damage or personal injury, the penalties can vary from probation to jail time, and everything in between.
Every DUI sentence includes probation, a suspension of the driver’s license, fines, DUI treatment and car impoundment. These penalties concern each and every DUI case, despite whether it is the person’s first or third DUI, a misdemeanor or felony. In some DUI cases it is also mandatory that the penalties include community service, ignition interlock devices or incarceration.
First DUI conviction
Even if you have a clean DUI record, your first conviction may include significant costs and consequences. The following actions can be taken by the courts and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Administrative Penalties
- Driver’s license suspension: 180 days to 1 year
- DUI Program and fee: $15
- Administrative fee: $130.
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee:
- Suspension: $45
- Revocation: $75.
- Maintain FR-44 for 3 years
- Ignition Interlock Device and fee of $12 (if granted a restricted driver’s license).
Criminal Penalties
- Fines of $500 to $1,000.
- If you have a BAL of 0.15% or higher, or had a minor in the car, the fine will range between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Community service. Mandatory 50 hours, or an additional fine equaling $10 per required community service hour.
- Probation of no more than 1 year.
- Jail time of up to 6 months. For BAL of 0.15% or higher, the sentence could last 9 months.
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days (not counted during your incarceration)
- Ignition Interlock Device.
Second DUI conviction
Administrative Penalties
- Driver’s license suspension/revocation
- Not within 5 years: 180 days to 1 year
- Within 5 years: 5 years
- DUI Program (if required) and fee: $15
- Administrative fee: $130.
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee:
- Suspension: $45
- Revocation: $75.
- Maintain FR-44 for 3 years
- Ignition Interlock Device: $12 if granted a restricted driver’s license.
Criminal Penalties
- Fines of $1,000 to $2,000. For BAL of .0.15% or higher, or a minor in the car, minimum $2,000 to $4,000.
- Jail time of not more than 9 months. A BAL of .0.15% or higher, or driving with a minor in the car, will require up to 12 months.
- Vehicle impoundment for 30 days.
Third DUI conviction
Administrative Penalties
- Driver’s license suspension/revocation:
- Not within 10 years: 180 days to 1 year.
- Previous offense within 5 years: 5 years
- Last 2 offenses within 10 years: 10 years
- DUI Program (if required) and fee: $15
- Administrative fee: $130.
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee:
- Suspension: $45
- Revocation: $75.
- Maintain FR-44 for 3 years
- Ignition Interlock Device: $12 if granted a restricted driver’s license.
Criminal Penalties
- Fines of $2,000 to $5,000. If your BAL was .0.15% or higher or you had a minor in the vehicle, the minimum fine is $4,000.
- Jail time. Mandatory 30 days. Depending on previous convictions the maximum jail time is 12 months.
- Vehicle impoundment for 90 days.
Fourth DUI conviction
Administrative Penalties
- Driver’s license suspension/revocation: 5 years (no hardship available)
- DUI Program (if required) and fee: $15
- Administrative fee: $130.
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee:
- Suspension: $45
- Revocation: $75.
- Maintain FR-44 for 3 years
- Ignition Interlock Device: $12 if granted a restricted driver’s license.
Criminal Penalties
Minimum $2,000 fine.
Jail time of up to 5 years.
