Florida DUI and Administrative Suspension Laws
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* Disclaimer: This summary was prepared by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and should be used as a reference only. Interested parties should refer to the full text of the law before drawing legal conclusions.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages, Chemical Substances or Controlled Substances). s. 316.193, F.S.
Under Florida law, DUI is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.
Fine Schedule s. 316.193(2)(a)-(b), F.S.
- First Conviction: Not less than $500, or more than $1,000. With Blood/Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000.
- Second Conviction: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $2,000, or more than $4,000.
- Third Conviction
More than 10 years from second:
Not less than $2,000, or more than $5,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $4,000.
- Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not less than $2,000.
Community Service – s. 316.193 (6)(a),
F.S.
First Conviction: Mandatory 50 hours of community service or additional fine of $10 for each hour of community service required.
Probation – s. 316.193 (5)(6), F.S.
First conviction, total period of probation and incarceration may not exceed 1 year.
Imprisonment- s. 316.193 (2)(a) 2, 4(b), (6)(j), F.S.
At court’s discretion, sentencing terms may be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program, credited toward term of imprisonment.
- First Conviction: Not more than 6 months. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not more than 9 months.
- Second Conviction: Not more than 9 months. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not more than 12 months. If second conviction within 5 years, mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
- Third Conviction: If third conviction within 10 years, mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive. If third conviction more than 10 years, imprisonment for not more than 12 months.
- Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not more than 5 years or as provided in s.775.084, Florida Statutes, as habitual/violent offender.
Information provided by: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles –
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/duilaws.html#dui12