This article will examine what are Florida DUI laws.

First, you should know that you can pick up a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge with blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. You can be charged if your blood test reflects .08 or if you refuse to take a blood test.

This charge starts two separate cases. Of course, you have the criminal case which can result in fines or even jail. But you have a parallel case with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

You have only 10 days to challenge the revocation of your license with the FDHSMV. If you don’t request a hearing, your license will be suspended for six months.

What are Florida DUI laws and consequences of driving drunk?

A first time DUI can result in $250 to $500 fines, not more than six months in jail, and vehicle impounding for not more than 10 days. If the blood alcohol level is higher than .2 percent or there is a minor in the car, some of those penalties can be doubled.

The second DUI you pick up within 5 years will cause you more grief. The fine is $500 to $1000 and you can get up to 9 months in jail. In addition, you are more likely to get jail the second time around.

The third DUI within 10 years has a minimum $1000 fine and a mandatory imprisonment of 30 days. However, you could go to jail for up to a year.

The fourth DUI marks you as a habitual offender as provided by Florida statute and you could get up to 5 years in prison.

If you are a repeat offender or are charged in a DUI with serious bodily harm or death, you could be charged with a felony. Felony DUI convictions usually result in state prison time.

And, that’s what are Florida DUI laws.