Driving sober, following traffic rules, and practicing safe driving are the keys to avoiding a license suspension. Unfortunately, some drivers will fail to achieve these goals and discover that Florida DUI consequences bring strict penalties.
The staggering number of impaired driving incidents that occur annually requires deterrence. Therefore, the state implements harsh penalties for DUI and DWI convictions to help decrease the number of people injured or killed in accidents involving alcohol or drugs.
How do Florida DUI Consequences Affect Your Life?
Among the most inconvenient outcomes of getting a DUI is the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Driver’s license suspension can last anywhere from six months to the rest of your life, based on the nature of the offense and previous convictions. There are also a variety of detrimental financial effects involving fines, fees, and ignition interlock device (IID) requirements.
A skilled DUI lawyer in Florida can be an ally in this challenging situation. They can:
- Develop defense options
- Dispute your DUI conviction
- Challenge your suspension
- Negotiate lower fines, a shorter license suspension, or reduced charges
- Help you obtain restricted driving privileges
- Assist you with license reinstatement
Refusing To Take A Breathalyzer Test
Florida has set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% to be the benchmark of legal intoxication. In addition to alcohol, being under the effects of any pharmaceutical or controlled substance can result in a DUI arrest.
The statutes differ slightly for drivers under 21 or those operating a business vehicle. Drivers under 21 whose BAC is 0.02% or higher and commercial drivers with a BAC of 0.04% or more are subject to criminal prosecution.
A police officer may request that you take a breathalyzer test if they reasonably suspect that you’re intoxicated or impaired by drugs. You can refuse the test, but doing so will have serious repercussions. Florida has a mandatory one-year license suspension for not providing a breath sample. This penalty is to encourage drivers to consent to the test. If a person refuses a breathalyzer test twice, their license will be revoked immediately for 18 months.
Surpassing The Legal Alcohol Limit
Suppose your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the permissible limit of 0.08% during a routine stop. Florida DUI consequences for this include a six-month license suspension. This suspension, which begins ten days following your detention, is administrative and doesn’t result in criminal charges, like the penalty for refusing a breathalyzer test.
Within ten days of receiving notice of your license suspension, you may file a formal petition for an administrative hearing to examine the suspension. You may be eligible for a hardship license if you request a legal inquiry. A hardship license permits driving for 42 days, but only under specified conditions.
Criminal License Revocation
The date of your criminal conviction is the date of your license suspension. A criminal conviction could take weeks or months once the state issues your administrative suspension. The details of your DUI violation and the competence of your legal representation determine the duration of your criminal sentence.
Below is a breakdown of the maximum and minimum driver’s license revocation periods allowed by Florida law.
Six to Twelve Months
If the court determines you are guilty of a first-time DUI or if it has been more than five years since your first conviction, you’ll fall into this bracket.
Five Years
The state sets this punishment if a second conviction occurs within five years of the initial conviction.
Ten Years
You fall into this category if you have more than two DUI convictions within ten years.
Permanent Revocation
If you are facing a fourth DUI sentence or a charge for a DUI that resulted in severe physical harm or death to a person, the court could indefinitely suspend your driver’s license.
Florida DUI Consequences: What To Do After A License Suspension
Florida DUI and Administrative Suspension Laws outline Florida DUI consequences and requirements for license reinstatement. Each individual’s requirements will depend on the circumstances of the charges. One of the final prerequisites is filing an FR-44 insurance certificate. FR-44 insurance is high-risk auto liability coverage that guarantees compliance with the state’s liability insurance requirements. It’s a form of financial responsibility that you must maintain for three years from the date of your suspension.
The state will lift a driver’s Florida license suspension only after they file the FR-44 certificate. The minimum liability coverage required by DUI insurance in Florida is $100,000 per injured individual, $300,000 for every accident, and $50,000 per incident for property damage. Purchasing a total limit of $300,000 is also possible.
Get Your FR-44 Certificate with UltraCar Insurance
UltraCar Insurance is one of the most experienced Florida FR-44 and non-owner FR-44 high-risk insurance providers. We also offer SR-22 and non-owner SR-22 insurance for non-alcohol & drug-related license reinstatement. Our partnership with Intoxalock® IID services can help you save money on your IID installation.
We’re on your side as you navigate Florida DUI consequences. Our FR-44 insurance rates are affordable, and we never charge filing, processing, or hidden fees. Contact us today! We’ll help you with a policy to suit your needs so you can get back on the road!
