Penalties for First-Offense DUI in Florida

The possible consequences of a first-offense DUI (driving under the influence) in Florida include fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, having to install an ignition interlock device (IID), and jail time.

This article covers the penalties for a first DUI conviction in Florida and some of the circumstances that can enhance these penalties.

What's Considered a First DUI in Florida?

In Florida, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life. So a DUI is considered a first offense only if the driver has never previously been convicted of a DUI offense.

However, some of the penalties for a DUI are more severe if the driver has recent prior convictions.

Criminal Penalties for a 1st DUI Conviction in Florida

The specific penalties you'll face for a first DUI in Florida depend on the circumstances. However, below we discuss the range of possibilities.

Jail Time for a 1st Florida DUI Conviction

There's no mandatory minimum jail time for most first-offense DUIs. The maximum possible sentence depends on the circumstances of the case. Here are the maximum jail terms for first-offense DUIs involving the following circumstances:

• six months for a standard DUI
• nine months for DUI involving a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15% or more
• nine months for offenses involving a passenger under 18 years old
• one year if there was an accident involving property damage or minor injuries, and
• five years if there was an accident involving "serious bodily injury."

But, again, these are the maximum jail sentences. The judge doesn't have to impose any jail time for a first offense.

Fines for a 1st DUI Conviction in Florida

A standard first-offense DUI carries fines ranging from $500 to $1000. But if your BAC was .15% or more or you had a passenger under 18 years old, the fines will be from $1000 to $2000. And for DUIs where another person suffered "serious bodily injury," fines can be up to $5000.

Florida's First Offender DUI Probation

Florida judges are required to place all DUI first offenders on probation. Normally, the combination of the time on probation and time in jail can't exceed one year.

Community Service for a 1st Florida DUI

As a condition of probation, the judge must order all DUI first-offenders to complete at least 50 hours of community service.

License Suspension for a 1st DUI Conviction in Florida

A first-offense DUI conviction carries a license suspension ranging from six months to one year. The suspension for a DUI conviction is separate from the administrative suspension discussed below. However, this doesn't mean that a driver will always have to complete the two full suspensions—oftentimes the suspensions will have at least some overlap.

Florida's Ignition Interlock Requirements for DUI First Offenders

For most first-offense DUIs, Florida judges aren't required to order ignition interlock devices (IIDs). However, for offenders with BACs of .08% or greater, judges have the discretion to order an IID for six months or more. An IID is mandatory for six months where the convicted driver had a BAC of .15% or more or a passenger who was under 18 years old.

Vehicle Impoundment for a 1st Florida DUI Conviction

Drivers convicted of first-offense DUIs will ordinarily have their cars impounded or immobilized for ten days. The ten days can't overlap with any time the driver spends in jail for the DUI conviction.

Administrative License-Related Penalties for a 1st Florida DUI

Although a DUI conviction will result in license suspension, Florida's licensing agency can administratively suspend a driver's license even without a criminal conviction.

Administrative License Suspension for a 1st DUI Arrest in Florida

Generally, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will administratively suspend, for six months, the license of a motorist who's arrested for driving with a BAC of .08% or more. Drivers who refuse to submit to chemical testing in violation of Florida's "implied consent" laws face an administrative suspension of one year.

Typically, an administrative suspension is possible even if the driver isn't ultimately convicted of a DUI in criminal court.

Obtaining a "Hardship" License Following a DUI Suspension in Florida

A person whose license is suspended for DUI can often get a "hardship" license—typically, for driving only to and from work, school, church, and medical appointments. A driver whose license is suspended for having a BAC of .08% or more is generally eligible for a hardship license after completing 30 days of the suspension. On the other hand, drivers with refusal suspensions won't be eligible for a hardship license for 90 days.

Getting Legal Help

The consequences of a DUI are serious. If you've been arrested for or charged with a DUI, you should talk to an experienced DUI attorney right away. A DUI attorney in your area can help you understand how the law applies to the facts of your case and advise you on what to do next. Depending on the circumstances of your case, an attorney might be able to negotiate a plea bargain for a lesser charge such as a "wet reckless."