1. Standard Penalties (BAC below 0.15)
If your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was between .08 and .15, and there was no minor in the car:
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Fines: $500 to $1,000.
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Jail Time: Up to 6 months (at the judge's discretion; not mandatory for a basic first offense).
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Probation: Up to 1 year (mandatory).
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Community Service: Mandatory 50 hours (or a "buy-out" fine of $10 per hour in some cases).
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License Revocation: 180 days to 1 year.
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Vehicle Impoundment: 10 days (cannot overlap with jail time).
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DUI School: Mandatory Level 1 (12 hours) and a substance abuse evaluation.
2. Enhanced Penalties (Aggravated DUI)
Penalties increase if your BAC was 0.15 or higher or if a minor was in the vehicle:
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Fines: $1,000 to $2,000.
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Jail Time: Up to 9 months.
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Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation for at least 6 months at your own expense.
3. Refusing the Breathalyzer
Under Florida's "implied consent" laws, refusing a breath, urine, or blood test has immediate consequences:
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First Refusal: Automatic 1-year driver's license suspension.
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Trenton's Law (2025/2026 update): As of late 2025, a first-time refusal can also be charged as a separate criminal misdemeanor in addition to the DUI charge.
Important Considerations
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Hardship License: You may be eligible to apply for a "Business Purposes Only" license if you enroll in DUI school immediately, but you must act within 10 days of your arrest to challenge the administrative suspension.
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DUI Manslaughter/Injury: If the DUI caused "serious bodily injury," it becomes a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison). If it caused a death, it is DUI Manslaughter, a second-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 4 years in prison.
Note: Many Florida counties offer DUI Diversion Programs (like "Back on Track" or "D.R.O.P.") for first-time offenders with no prior record and no crash. Completing these can sometimes lead to the charge being reduced to "Reckless Driving."
