Florida DUI Statistics

Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida rose at a faster rate than DUI arrests in the three years from 2006 to 2008, according to the state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

DUI arrests numbered 63,591 in 2006, rose 1.29 percent to 64,410 in 2007, then 0.38 percent to 64,654 in 2008. Convictions for DUI rose 2.12 percent from 2006 to 2007, from 34,638 to 35,372. The increase from 2007 to 2008 was 9.31 percent, to 38,664. The percentage of convictions per arrest was 54.47 percent in 2006, 54.92 percent in 2007 and 59.80 percent in 2008.

Fines Increased with Number of Convictions

A first-time DUI offender in Florida will be fined between $500 and $1,000 for a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08 percent. If the BAC exceeds 0.15 percent, or if there is a minor in the vehicle, fines are doubled. Both penalty levels are doubled upon a second conviction, and redoubled upon a third. For fourth and subsequent convictions, the levels remain the same as for the third.

In addition to fines, 50 hours of community service is required of first-time offenders. A penalty of $10 per hour can be paid in lieu of service.

Courts may Impound Vehicle, Impose Jail Time

A DUI offender's vehicle may be impounded, unless it is the family's only transportation. Courts also have the option of sentencing DUI offenders to imprisonment, either in jail or in a residential abuse treatment program. Impounding of vehicles and confinement cannot be concurrent. First-time offenders may be sentenced to probation instead of imprisonment.

Contact a DUI Attorney

If you've been arrested for DUI in Florida, you need an experienced attorney on your side, to ensure that the state meets its burden of proof. If you've convicted, that same attorney will fight to keep the resulting financial burden from ruining your life.