A DUI offense in Florida is a motor vehicle violation called “driving under the influence.” It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Florida has strict laws and penalties for DUI offenders. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the case and the individual’s driving and other personal histories. This blog post covers a few topics about Florida DUI violations.
Identifying DUI Offenses in Florida
Certain driving behaviors alert an officer to pull someone over for suspicion of driving under the influence. Once the driver has pulled over, the officer observes their speech and mannerisms. There are several field sobriety tests officers routinely ask suspect drivers to perform. They will administer a breathalyzer test if the driver fails any of those tests.
A driver must have a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC / BrAC) of .08% or higher to be categorized as a DUI offense in Florida. Driving while impaired by any substance, whether alcohol, drugs, or a combination, is also illegal.
Florida law also has a “zero tolerance” provision for drivers under 21. It is illegal for these drivers to have a BAC of 0.02% or higher when operating a motor vehicle.
DUI Penalties in Florida
Penalties for DUI offenses in Florida include fines, jail time, remedial driving and alcohol education programs, and license suspension or revocation. The severity of DUI penalties increases with repeat offenses. For example, a first-time violation may result in up to six months in jail, while a fourth DUI offense can result in up to five years.
The legal consequences of a DUI offense can be severe and have long-lasting impacts on a person’s life. Suppose you are facing DUI charges in Florida. In that case, it may be helpful to get advice from a qualified attorney to help you understand your rights and options.
Florida FR-44 Insurance For License Reinstatement
After a DUI offense in Florida, you must file a Florida FR-44 certificate to reinstate your license. A Florida FR-44 filing means you must maintain higher minimum liability coverage requirements than a standard/preferred car insurance policy. This, combined with perceived higher risk by insurance companies, can make Florida FR-44 insurance quite expensive in some cases.
UltraCar Insurance compares high-risk Florida FR-44 insurance rates from leading insurance companies to offer you the most cost-effective quote. We’ve sold high-risk auto insurance in 34 states for over a decade. We provide affordable owner and non-owner FR-44 insurance policies without charging any brokerage or filing fees! Our agents help you file an FR-44 certificate with Florida HSMV within 20 minutes.
Ready to reinstate your license with a Florida FR-44 filing? Call or start an online quote now!
