DUI is a serious violation and can have a lasting impact on more than driving records. In Florida, convictions can lead to fines, licence suspensions and even prison time. But beyond legal penalties, you will likely see your car insurance premiums increase dramatically. Some airlines may even refuse to cover DUI drivers.
Florida Homework
Not only are you getting a DUI in Florida, it’s not just a traffic violation. This is a serious criminal offence that can affect your life for years. Whether it’s your first conviction or repeated attacks, the outcome can quickly snowball and lead to sudden fines, licence suspensions, prison time, and a long way to revive driving privileges. Florida’s DUI state laws are strict, and knowing what you are against is an important first step in keeping track of your next move.
Florida DUI Method
In Florida, driving under the influence is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, there is no need to blow away legal restrictions to claim. If your ability to think clearly, make decisions, or safely operate a vehicle is compromised by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances, it is sufficient for a DUI claim under state law.
The state has repeatedly taken crimes seriously. The more DUI convictions you earn, the more severe the penalty will be. Timing is also important. If the second DUI occurs within five years of the first and the third occurs within ten years, we are considering forced prison hours and long licence suspensions. Florida also has a zero-tolerance policy that has worsened factors, such as having minors in the vehicle and recording a BAC of 0.15% or more.
DUI penalty in Florida
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida increase significantly based on BAC, the number of previous crimes, and whether the crime caused damage or injury to property. Here’s what you can face:
fine
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First violation: $500-1,000
- If your BAC is 0.15% or more, or if there are minors in the vehicle, then $1,000-$2,000
-
Second violation: $1,000-$2,000
- $2,000-$4,000 with exacerbation factors
-
3rd violation or above: Up to $5,000
- If BAC is 0.15% or more, or there are minors, then a minimum of $4,000
Prison time
- First violation: Up to 6 months (9 months worsening factor)
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Second violation: Up to 9 months (12 months with deterioration factor)
- Required 10 days within the first 5 years
- Third crime in 10 years: At least 30 days, up to 5 years
- 4th violation or above: Up to 5 years for three-degree felony
Other penalties
- License revocation (ranges from 6 months to permanent)
- DUI Schools and Substance Abuse Treatment
- Forced installation of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for up to 2 years
- Vehicle reservoir (10-90 days depending on attack history)
DUI penalties for minor drinkers in Florida
Florida has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. This means that even a small amount of alcohol in your system can lead to serious trouble.
Important penalties for minor DUI crimes include:
- BACs of 0.02% or more will immediately result in a 6-month license suspension
- Over 0.05% BAC requires completion of a substance abuse course and DUI program
- Second crime or refusal to breath test? Expect 18 months of suspension
- No difficult licenses will be granted for second or subsequent refusals
These crimes may not result in criminal charges for minors in all cases, but administrative punishments are immediate – and they stick. For younger drivers, the impact of DUIs follows them into adulthood, affecting premiums, driving records, and even employment opportunities.
How does DUI affect car insurance in Florida?
A Florida DUI conviction can cause serious dents to your wallet as well as court fees and fines. One of the biggest financial impacts often comes from car insurance. In Florida, getting a DUI usually increases your premium as insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver.
On average, Florida drivers pay $6,145 a year for post-DUI car insurance. That increase can last for years, especially if it’s not your first crime.
In some cases, your current insurance company may remove your policy entirely. If that happens, you will need to shop for coverage with companies specializing in high-risk coverage – often at a sudden price. However, even if your record has a DUI, you can still find more manageable options by comparing quotes.
Cheap car insurance after drunk driving in Florida
Not all car insurance providers handle DUI convictions the same way. Some are more tolerant, others dramatically raise the premium, while others refuse to update their policies entirely.
To see how prices change, we analyzed the average premiums of several major Florida insurance companies offered by Quadrant Information Services. The table below shows how much money can rise after a DUI, highlighting the companies currently offering the most affordable average premiums in this driver profile.
| company | average. Rate before DUI | average. Rate after DUI | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,094 | $4,751 | 54% |
| All State | $3,999 | $5,140 | 29% |
| progressive | $5,525 | $6,187 | 12% |
| Geico | $4,287 | $6,305 | 47% |
| Direct Auto | $6,243 | $6,514 | 4% |
How to Find Affordable Auto Insurance in Florida After DUI
Getting car insurance after driving in Florida is not always easy. It’s not usually cheap. But that doesn’t mean you have no choice. With a little strategy and patience, you can find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Below are some ways to lower the premium after a DUI:
- Get quotes from multiple companies: Insurance companies assess risks differently, and some may offer better rates than others, even if you have a DUI on your records.
- Find available discounts: Even if you have a DUI, you are still eligible for savings by banding your car policy with your homeowner or tenant insurance. Some companies also offer usage-based or telematics programs that track driving habits. If you can demonstrate safe behaviour behind the wheels, so there are no smooth braking, drop in mileage, and no hard axela, you can show the insurance company working to earn discounts over time and rebuild your driving records.
- Take a defensive driving or DUI course: By completing approved courses, you may be able to show insurance companies that reduce premiums and take safer driving seriously.
- Keep your records clean in the future: Avoiding additional violations is one of the best ways to gradually pull back your fees.
Bottom line: Your fee won’t bounce overnight, but small steps can make a huge difference over time.
FAQ
Methodology
Using Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate analyzes all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states March 2025 rates, with Washington DC rates being weighted based on population density for each geographical region. The cited fees are based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with clean driving records, good credits and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 per person physical injury liability
- $300,000 for each accident
- Liability for property damages of $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured driver physical injury for $100,000 per person
- Uninsured driver’s physical injury for $300,000 per accident
- $500 collision deduction possible
- Comprehensive $500 deduction
To determine the minimum coverage limit, bank rates used minimum coverage to meet the requirements of each state. Our base profile driver owns a 2023 Toyota Camry, commutes five days a week and drives 12,000 miles a year. Bundles and paperless billing discounts apply.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparison purposes only. Your quote is different.
If specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:
