How Much Does A DUI Cost in Florida? 2025

In 2020, there were over 29,000 DUI arrests in Florida, which was a decrease from previous years but still considerable. Because of this, Florida enforces strict penalties for DUI offenders, which can also be costly. Therefore, whether you are a resident or just visiting, you may want to know, “How much does a DUI cost in Florida?”

If you are suspected of a DUI and are subsequently arrested and charged, you have rights. Police officers are doing their due diligence to create a safer driving environment in Florida. Whether you are rightfully charged or unlawfully accused, we will aggressively protect your rights and defend you in court if necessary.

What Is a DUI in Florida?

A DUI in Florida is similar to other states in that it involves driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. Because driving intoxicated can impair your concentration, limit hand-eye coordination, memory, and slow your reaction time, the penalties for a DUI are serious. You are considered to be DUI if your blood alcohol level (BAL) is 0.08 or above according to a chemical test.

Penalties for a DUI in Florida

The penalties for a DUI in Florida are listed under Florida Statute 316.193. In Florida, DUI penalties are categorized by offense, with first offenses being the least severe and fourth and subsequent offenses being the most severe. Most DUI penalties are misdemeanors, but in some cases, your DUI may be a felony. The specific DUI penalties are as follows:

• Paying fines between $500 and $1,000 and serving up to 6 months in prison for the first conviction
• Paying fines between $1,000 and $2,000 and serving up to 9 months in prison for the second conviction
• Paying between $2,000 and $5,000 and serving up to 12 months in prison for the third conviction, which is a third-degree felony
• Paying fines of no less than $2,000 and serving up to 5 years in prison for the fourth offense, which is also a third-degree felony
• Serving up to 5 years in prison and paying fines for DUI, serious bodily injury, which is a second-degree felony
• Serving up to 15 years in prison and paying fines for DUI manslaughter or homicide without leaving the scene, which is a second-degree felony
• Serving up to 30 years in prison and paying fines for DUI manslaughter or homicide without leaving the scene, which is a first-degree felony

Cost of a DUI in Florida

The most notable cost for a DUI in Florida is paying fines, which can range depending on the severity of your crime and are at the court’s discretion. On the lower end, you may pay $500 in fines, but your fines can escalate to up to $5,000 or more if you have subsequent convictions or if you committed a DUI felony.

There are other costs associated with a DUI in Florida. Another consequence of getting a DUI is having your license suspended for 6 months or up to a year, depending on whether you have subsequent offenses. Moreover, under Florida’s Implied Consent Law, if you refuse a breath test, you could have your license suspended for up to 18 months. To get your license reinstated, you may have to pay $45 plus an additional $130 fee. In addition to these fees, you may also be liable for the following fees:

• Attorneys’ fees
• Court fees
• Impoundment fees
• DUI education course fees
• Increase in insurance
• Ignition interlock fees

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average DUI Cost in Florida?

A: It is difficult to pinpoint the average DUI cost in Florida. The cost for a DUI varies depending on whether it was your first or subsequent conviction, or whether your DUI was a misdemeanor or a more serious felony. Generally, the factors that contribute to DUI costs in Florida are fines, court fees, license reinstatement fees, increases in insurance, ignition interlock fees, DUI course fees, and attorneys’ fees.

Q: What Is the Penalty for First-Time DUI in Florida?

A: The penalty for first-time DUI in Florida is paying $500-$1,000 in fines, serving up to 6 months in prison, or both. Your prison time and fines are at the court’s discretion and can depend heavily on your lawyer’s ability to assist in your case. In addition to these penalties, you may have your license suspended for up to 6 months and endure other consequences. In Florida, DUIs are typically handled by the County Court where the offense occurred.

Q: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Florida?

A: A DUI appears on both your criminal record and driving record in Florida. A DUI may remain on your criminal record indefinitely in Florida, impeding your ability to secure housing, employment, or other opportunities. However, it may remain on your driving record for 75 years. A DUI on your driving record may impact insurance rates as well as lead to other consequences.

Q: Can a First-Time DUI Be Dismissed in Florida?

A: Yes, in some cases, a first-time DUI may be dismissed in Florida, but this is not guaranteed. Whether or not your DUI case is dismissed depends on the evidence against you, the lawfulness of your arrest, the prosecution’s case, and your lawyer’s ability to craft a solid defense on your behalf.

Contact a Skilled DUI Lawyer Today

Hiring a skilled DUI lawyer in Florida is crucial because they can navigate the complex legal system, including challenging evidence like breath tests or field sobriety results, to potentially reduce or dismiss charges. Their proficiency in Florida’s DUI laws ensures tailored defenses that account for local court procedures and penalties like license suspension or jail time.

An experienced attorney can also negotiate plea deals or alternative sentencing, minimizing long-term consequences like increased insurance rates or a criminal record. Our team at Jeff Marshall Law works tirelessly to help our clients achieve positive outcomes for their DUI cases. If you find yourself arrested or charged with a DUI, do not hesitate to contact our office for a consultation. We are here to help you.

See Related Posts:

• How to Choose the Best Tampa DUI Defense Lawyer?
• How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?
• Boating And Alcohol Laws In Florida