Tyler Gross | January 5, 2026 | DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence happens all too often, and it can lead to some serious consequences. Drivers who are convicted of a DUI can face substantial fines, a suspension of their license, and even jail time. If they cause a car accident, they can also face serious financial consequences in civil court.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about DUIs in Florida.
Florida DUI Laws
While some states distinguish between DUI and DWI, the Florida DUI laws lump all impaired driving together. This includes driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances.
According to Florida statute, a person commits a DUI if they:
- Operate a vehicle with a breath or blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher,
- Operate a vehicle with a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, or
- Operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances such that their “normal faculties are impaired.”
Keep in mind that the law says a person is guilty of a DUI if they are driving or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired. This means that you can be convicted of a DUI even if the vehicle is not moving.
DUI Penalties in Florida
Florida takes impaired driving seriously, and the DUI penalties in the state reflect that.
Drivers who are convicted of a first offense DUI can face penalties of:
- Fines of $500 to $1000
- Jail time of up to six months
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
For subsequent convictions, you may face higher fines, more jail time, longer license suspension, community service, and mandatory substance abuse programs.
In addition to criminal penalties, drivers convicted of a DUI may also face other consequences. Their auto insurance premiums may skyrocket, or they could be dropped from coverage altogether. They may struggle to find employment or housing due to their criminal history. They could also be liable for any damages or injuries they cause if they are involved in an accident.
Civil Damages Available to DUI Accident Victims
Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance would provide coverage for your injuries after an accident. However, DUI accidents often result in severe injuries. This means that you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for damages not covered by your PIP insurance.
Victims who are hurt in a DUI crash may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This includes compensation for both monetary losses as well as physical and emotional trauma.
Some common examples of damages available in DUI accident claims are:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression
- Anxiety
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you explore all the damages that may be available in your case.
Contact Our Pensacola DUI Accident Lawyers at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you are hurt in a DUI accident, it is important that you know what to do to protect your legal rights. One of the best ways to ensure your case is on the right track is to consult with a Pensacola DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our team to get started. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us anything up front for our services, and our fees won’t come out of your pocket.
We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170