Penalties for DUI in Florida
As a minimum requirement, every person convicted of DUI in Florida will have a combined sentence that usually includes a driver’s license suspension or revocation, academic classes on drunk driving, a psychosocial evaluation followed by any recommended treatment, community service, vehicle immobilization or impoundment, court costs, fines, and restitution when appropriate.
However, depending on the type of DUI case you have, your exposure to jail or prison time will vary. The following chart explains some of the differences in regards to penalties:
1st DUI (Misdemeanor):
- Up to 180 Days Jail
2nd DUI Outside 5 Years (Misdemeanor)
- Up to 270 Days Jail
2nd DUI Within 5 Years (Misdemeanor):
- 10-270 Days Jail
DUI Causing Property Damage (Misdemeanor):
- Up to 364 Days Jail
3rd DUI (Felony):
- Up to 5 Years Prison
DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Felony):
- Up to 5 Years Prison
DUI Manslaughter (Felony):
- 4-15 Years Prison, per victim
DUI Manslaughter with Failure to Render Aid (Felony):
- 4-30 Years Prison, per victim
Driving Under the Influence also includes mandatory periods of probation, fines, driving school, community service, drivers license suspension, and a host of other requirements.
However, do not worry if you are a first time offender. A first offenses DUI that does not involve an allegation of serious bodily injury or death is only a misdemeanor, even if you were in an accident and are accused of causing injuries or property damage. In most cases of this type, first time DUI offenders usually receive probation with a host of very demanding special conditions, such as DUI school, community service, and a driver’s license suspension, among others – but no jail.