2024 How Much Does a DUI Cost in Florida?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense and carries severe penalties for those convicted – even for first-time offenders. It is imperative if you’ve been charged with a DUI to seek professional legal counsel from a skilled and experienced attorney. A strong DUI lawyer can fight diligently for your rights because you are innocent until proven otherwise.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s important to know what the potential penalty costs will be if you are convicted. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Gates Law Firm can walk you through the legal process of your defense, working to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.

How Much Does a DUI Cost?

The combined fees and penalties associated with getting a DUI in Florida will depend on multiple factors, such as the number of offenses, the degree of impairment at the time of the offense, and whether there were any aggravated factors. In total, you should generally expect to incur the following costs:

• Fines
• Legal fees and court costs
• Increased insurance premium
• Additional penalties

How Much Are DUI Fines?

If you are convicted of a DUI, you should expect to pay the following minimum penalties, depending on the number of offenses:

• First DUI offense. A first offense carries a fine of a minimum of $1,000.
• Second DUI offense. A subsequent offense carries a minimum fine of $2,000.
• Third DUI offense. If you are convicted of a third DUI within a 10-year period, you should expect to receive fines of up to $5,000.

How Much Are Court Fees for a DUI?

Whether you choose to represent yourself or hire a DUI attorney, you will incur court costs associated with your case. The following represent the kinds of fees that you can expect to pay:

• Administrative fees
• Filing fees
• Suspension and revocation fees
• Probation supervision fees
• Ignition interlock device fees

Combined, these fees can total up to between $500 – $1,000. Additionally, there may be an extra $200 – $300 for DUI school fees if that is required. This amount does not include any attorney fees associated with your case.

How Much Will My Insurance Increase for a DUI?

An individual with a DUI conviction will be considered a high risk for insurance companies, causing your premium to increase significantly. Depending on your insurance provider, this amount can increase up to 60% on average for Florida drivers. In most cases, this can cause your premiums to increase by as much as $1,000 – $2,000 annually.

In addition to increased premiums, your insurance will require you to file an FR-22 and obtain an FR-44 for three years to reinstate and maintain your driver’s license.

What Other Costs Come With a DUI?

Unfortunately, the costs don’t end with fines, court fees, and increased premiums. There are many other hidden costs that follow a DUI conviction, depending on your circumstances. The following are some of the most common:

• Restitution. If your DUI led to property damage or caused an injury, you will be liable for restitution costs for repairs and medical bills.
• Lost income. A DUI can lead to up to six months of jail time for a first offense and up to five years for a third offense. Lengthy jail sentences have long-term economic costs, as they can impact both your current and future job opportunities.
• Rehabilitation. A court may require certain rehabilitation programs for a DUI conviction, such as DUI school, substance abuse treatment, or counseling for alcohol or drug abuse. All these will be mandated at your own expense.

FAQs About How Much Does a DUI Cost in Florida

Why Is a DUI So Expensive?

A DUI charge is expensive, particularly when you total all the combined costs. This includes legal fees, court costs, fines, and an increase in insurance premiums. Insurance premiums will tend to go up significantly after a DUI conviction because the driver is now considered to be high-risk. The average cost of a DUI in Florida is around $3,500, just in the cost of fines. A DUI is a serious offense that carries heavy penalties as a result.

How Does DUI Affect Insurance in Florida?

When an individual is convicted of a DUI in Florida, insurance companies will consider them high-risk, leading to a significant rise in premium costs. On average, Florida drivers with DUIs tend to see a 60% or more annual increase for full coverage car insurance. This is an increase of between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on your insurance carrier. It’s important to be aware that a DUI will stay on your insurance record in Florida for 10 years.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Get a DUI?

Whether this is your first, second, or subsequent charge, it is essential that you seek professional legal help if you get a DUI in Florida. Although it is not required by law, hiring a DUI attorney can help you get a charge reduced to one with comparatively much less severe consequences, such as reckless driving. In many cases, especially if it is your first charge, a skilled DUI attorney can even help get the charge dismissed.

Will My DUI Be a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

In Florida, a DUI is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the number of prior DUI convictions and/or the circumstances of the current charge. The first and second DUI offenses are considered misdemeanors, provided that there were no aggravating factors, such as:

• Having a high BAC
• Having a minor present
• Causing a non-serious injury or property damage

A DUI is considered a felony if it is a third offense or if there are aggravating factors.

Your Florida DUI Representation

Being charged with a DUI requires an experienced and aggressive DUI defense attorney to fight on behalf of your rights. Regardless of whether this is your first or subsequent alleged DUI offense, the team at Gates Law Firm can be trusted to work diligently to secure the most favorable outcome in your case. We can work to reduce your penalties or, if possible, have the charges dismissed altogether. Contact us today.