A DUI conviction in Florida is more than a fine or a slap on the wrist. It’s a criminal offense with serious and lasting consequences that can affect your license, your job, and your record—for life.
If you’re wondering what happens next, here’s a breakdown of the legal penalties, collateral consequences, and what you can do to move forward.
🔹 Criminal Penalties After a DUI Conviction
Florida imposes mandatory minimum penalties for DUI—many of which increase depending on your BAC, whether it’s a first offense, and whether there was a crash or injury.
Typical penalties include:
❌ Up to 6–12 months in jail
💵 Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
🚫 License suspension (6 months to permanent)
🚗 Mandatory DUI school and treatment
🔒 Probation up to 12 months
📦 Community service (50+ hours)
📌 Related:Florida DUI Sentencing Guidelines
🔹 Will I Lose My License?
Yes—a conviction triggers mandatory suspension. Even if you previously got a hardship license during the administrative suspension, a conviction restarts the suspension period.
First DUI: 6 to 12 months
Second DUI: 5 years (if within 5 years)
Third DUI: 10 years
Felony DUI: Permanent revocation
🚘 You may be eligible for a hardship license—but not always.
🔹 You’ll Be Required to Install an Ignition Interlock
If your BAC was .15 or above, or this is a repeat offense, Florida will likely require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for at least 6 months.
This means:
You must blow clean to start the car
You’ll pay monthly monitoring fees
Tampering can result in jail or revoked license
🔹 Your Auto Insurance Will Skyrocket
A DUI conviction labels you as high-risk, requiring:
FR-44 filing with your insurer
Minimum $100K/$300K/$50K liability coverage
Often 2–3× your old premiums
📌 Related:How DUI Affects Car Insurance in Florida
🔹 It Stays on Your Record Permanently
DUI convictions in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged—even for first-time offenders.
That means:
Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can see it
It counts toward future enhancements
You’ll carry it forever, unless it’s reduced before conviction
📌 Related:Can a DUI Be Sealed or Expunged in Florida?
🔹 Is There Any Way to Avoid a DUI Conviction?
Yes—if the charge is:
Reduced to reckless driving
Dismissed via motion or diversion (in rare cases)
Fought and won at trial
📌 Related:What Is a Wet Reckless Plea in Florida?
An experienced DUI lawyer may be able to suppress key evidence, challenge probable cause, or expose testing flaws to negotiate a better outcome.
✅ Don’t Face the Consequences Alone
A DUI conviction in Florida is serious—but it’s not always the end of the road. With early intervention, strategic defense, and smart negotiations, you may be able to protect your future.
At Michael White, P.A., we help clients in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County fight DUI charges—and limit the damage when conviction is unavoidable.
📞 Arrested for DUI? Let’s Talk Before You’re Convicted.
📞 Call now for a free case review. We’ll walk you through your options and fight for the best possible outcome.
🙋♂️ What People Ask After a DUI Conviction in Florida
Q1: Will I go to jail for a first DUI conviction in Florida?
🔒 Possibly. The court can impose up to 6 months in jail for a first offense—more if there was property damage or injury.
Q2: Can I get a hardship license after a DUI conviction?
🚘 Maybe. It depends on your driving record, whether you’ve completed DUI school, and how many prior offenses you have.
Q3: Will my insurance go up after a DUI?
💸 Yes. Expect much higher rates, FR-44 insurance, and limited carrier options.
Q4: Can a DUI conviction be removed from my record in Florida?
📁 No. DUI convictions are not eligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law.
Q5: What happens if I get another DUI in Florida?
⏱️ Penalties increase sharply. You could face a 5–10 year license revocation, ignition interlock, mandatory jail, or felony charges.