Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol (BAC of 0.08% or higher), chemical substances, or controlled substances. DUI penalties in Florida increase with each subsequent offense.
Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 316.193 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 316.193"A person is guilty of the offense of driving under the influence... if the person is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle... and the person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood."
DUI Penalties
- 1st offense — Up to 6 months jail, $500-$1,000 fine, license revocation 180 days-1 year
- 2nd offense — Up to 9 months jail, $1,000-$2,000 fine, 5-year revocation
- 3rd offense (within 10 yrs) — 3rd degree felony, up to 5 years prison
- DUI with serious bodily injury — 3rd degree felony
- DUI manslaughter — 2nd degree felony, up to 15 years
Bail & Special Rules
1st DUI bail: $500-$1,000. Florida requires a mandatory 8-hour hold before release (sobriety requirement). BAC above 0.15% or refusal to test may increase bail.