DUI Fines in Florida

Understanding the Financial Cost of a Florida DUI Conviction

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida? If your answer includes jail term, mandatory license suspension, and probation, you’re absolutely right. However, while these are typical penalties associated with Florida DUI, it’s easy to overlook another crucial aspect: fines.

Impaired driving carries one of the most substantial fines of any traffic offense in Florida. One can expect to pay a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars upon conviction, depending on the type of DUI charge.

In essence, a DUI charge has the potential to significantly affect your financial future. That’s why it’s essential to gain a thorough understanding of this subject upon an arrest for DUI. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to learn about DUI fines in Florida. You’ll also discover how our tenacious and experienced DUI defense lawyers can mitigate the long-lasting financial consequences of a DUI conviction.

What Are the Financial Penalties Associated with DUI in Florida?

Understanding Florida’s DUI Fine Schedule

The fines associated with a DUI charge depend on the number of prior convictions and the unique circumstances of the case. They are as follows:

First Conviction  

A first DUI conviction carries a minimum fine of $500 and maximum fine of $1,000. However, the dynamics change if a minor was in the vehicle or the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) was .15 and above. In such cases, the fine skyrockets to the range of $1,000 to $2,000.

Second Conviction  

If you have one prior DUI conviction, the minimum and maximum fines are $1,000 and $2,000. The fine becomes $2,000 to $4,000 if there was a minor passenger or your BAC was at least .015.

Third Conviction 

A three-time DUI charge will carry fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. If there was a minor in the vehicle or you had a BAC of 0.15 or higher, your fine will be at least $4,000.

Fourth and Subsequent Convictions

Fourth or subsequent DUI convictions attract a minimum fine of $2,000. With a 0.15 minimum BAC or underaged passenger, it increases to $4,000.

Note: Specific aggravating factors may affect the standard fines for a DUI conviction. For example, DUI manslaughter involves the death of another and carries a penalty of up to $10,000.

Are There Additional DUI Costs Beyond Fines?

An Introduction to Administrative Court Costs and Penalties

The financial implications of a DUI conviction go beyond the above fines and include additional statute-ordered costs such as:

Crimes Compensation Trust Fund Surcharge

Per Chapter 938 of Florida Statutes, any person who is convicted for a criminal traffic offense will pay a mandatory $50 cost. This is in addition to other costs that may be required by law. $49 from this fee will be forwarded to the Department of Revenue and deposited in the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.

Court Costs for Criminal Traffic Offenses 

Individuals convicted of a felony DUI will pay $225, from which $25 will be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. For misdemeanors, the sum is $60, from which $10 will be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.

Costs for Drug Abuse and Alcohol Programs 

In accordance with Section 938.07 of the Florida Statutes, you’ll be mandated to pay court costs of $135 for driving under the influence. Of this sum, $25 will be remitted to the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund, $50 deposited in the Operating Trust Fund of the Department of Law Enforcement, and $60 in the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Trust Fund.

Discretionary DUI Costs 

Section 983.23 of the Florida Statutes provides for discretionary costs in DUI cases. Per this provision, the court can order an offender to pay an additional sum up to the amount of the fine authorized for the offense. This sum, if imposed, will be used to finance drug abuse/alcohol treatment or education programs.

Cost for Misdemeanor Convictions Involving Drugs 

Per Section 938.13 of the Florida Statutes, a DUI misdemeanor carries a $15 fine in addition to any other required cost; $14 of this sum will be deposited in the County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Trust Fund to finance local substance abuse programs.

Beyond these, a DUI offender will be financially responsible for a mandatory substance abuse course by a licensed DUI program. This is not to mention other day-to-day costs such as paying someone else to drive you around if your license is suspended. A DUI conviction can also lead to increased insurance premiums.

What Should I Do to Avoid the Financial Consequences of a Florida DUI Conviction?

Hiring an Experienced DUI Attorney Is the Best Way to Beat a DUI Charge in Florida

The wisest decision you can make when faced with DUI charges is investing in an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney. A good DUI lawyer will help you avoid the financial impact of a DUI by fighting to have your case dismissed. In the worst case, they’ll work hard to minimize the consequences by negotiating to have your charge reduced.

Need to Avoid Or Mitigate the Financial Impact of a DUI Charge in Florida?

Speak with the Competent Defenders of DUI at Taracks and Associates Law Firm Now!

The economic consequences of a Florida DUI conviction can be overwhelming, devastating, and enduring. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this unpleasant situation by choosing to have our dedicated DUI defense attorneys on your case.

As professionals who have defended DUI cases for years, we understand the nitty-gritty of the legal system. Our goal is to build a strong case to ensure that you escape a DUI conviction and its dire financial repercussions. Even in the seemingly hopeless cases, we don’t give up. Instead, we’ll leverage all resources at our disposal to have your sentence or charges reduced.

Learn more about how the compassionate legal team at Taracks and Associates law firm can help you fight your DUI charge by dialing (813) 281-2897 now. Our initial consultation is free.