DUI Lawyer in Florida — License Hearing & Penalty Guide

A Florida DUI arrest brings an immediate license suspension and a criminal case. A DUI lawyer in Florida helps you meet the 10-day deadline and prepare the strongest defense.

Florida DUI penalties include fines, probation, community service and license revocation. Moreover, penalties increase sharply for high BAC, minors in the car and repeat offenses. Therefore, early decisions matter.

Our attorneys prepare license hearing materials, DUI defense packs and mitigation packets for cases across Florida.

Florida DUI law basics

Florida's DUI law is section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes. You can be charged if your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or if your BAC is 0.08 or more.

Penalties increase if your BAC is 0.15 or more, or if a minor was in the vehicle. Furthermore, DUI causing serious bodily injury is a felony, and DUI manslaughter is a serious felony.

Implied consent

Florida drivers agree to lawful chemical testing. A first refusal brings a one-year administrative suspension. Moreover, a second refusal can be a separate misdemeanor. Consequently, refusals carry their own risks.

The 10-day license review deadline

After a DUI arrest with a failed or refused test, your license is suspended administratively. You usually have 10 days to request a formal review hearing or to choose another option, such as applying for a hardship license where eligible.

The formal review hearing examines the lawfulness of the stop and arrest and the test results or refusal. Additionally, it can produce useful sworn testimony. Our license hearing service prepares the request and arguments. Therefore, act within the 10 days.

Florida DUI penalties

Penalty ranges change and depend on the facts, so treat the figures here as a general guide and confirm them for your case.

A first DUI typically brings fines, up to six months in jail, 50 hours of community service, probation and a license revocation of six months to a year. In addition, DUI school and vehicle impoundment are common.

A second DUI within five years brings mandatory jail time and a longer revocation. Meanwhile, a third DUI within ten years is a third-degree felony. Furthermore, a fourth DUI at any time is a felony.

Ignition interlock

Florida requires an ignition interlock in many cases, including first offenses with a BAC of 0.15 or more or a minor in the vehicle. As a result, plan for the cost and installation.

Defenses in Florida DUI cases

Common defenses challenge the stop, the arrest and the testing. For example, Florida breath tests depend on approved instruments and operator procedures. Similarly, field sobriety tests can be affected by weather, footwear and medical conditions.

Video is often important. Dashcam, bodycam and booking videos may contradict the officer's report. Therefore, request them early. Our DUI Defense Pack reviews the evidence and identifies issues.

Mitigation and reinstatement in Florida

If a conviction is likely, mitigation helps. Completing DUI school early, attending treatment and showing community ties can reduce penalties. Our DUI Mitigation Packet prepares these materials.

Afterwards, our license reinstatement service explains hardship licenses, FR-44 insurance and interlock requirements. For more, read our national guide to multiple-offense and felony DUI.

A typical Florida DUI timeline

First, the arrest and administrative suspension happen on the same day. Next, you have 10 days to request a review hearing. Then the arraignment is scheduled in county court.

After that, discovery and plea negotiations take place over several weeks or months. Meanwhile, completing DUI school or an evaluation can strengthen your position. Finally, the case resolves by plea, dismissal or trial. Consequently, early organization saves time and stress.

Our DUI Defense services in Florida

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Florida. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

DUI / DWI Defense Document Package in Florida

For a first or repeat DUI, DWI or OWI charge: a full review of the stop, arrest and testing, discovery requests and a defense and plea strategy for your state.

It includes arrest timeline and police report review, stop, field sobriety and chemical test issue checklist, discovery requests (bodycam, dashcam, breath-machine calibration, blood chain of custody). Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order DUI / DWI Defense Document Package — from $199 See what's included →

DMV License Suspension Hearing — Request & Preparation in Florida

The administrative hearing to save your license after a DUI arrest has a strict deadline (often 7–15 days). We prepare the request, subpoenas and hearing arguments.

It includes hearing request within your state deadline, stay of suspension / temporary permit request, subpoena requests for the arresting officer. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order DMV License Suspension Hearing — Request & Preparation — from $99 See what's included →

DUI Sentencing Mitigation Packet in Florida

Evidence that persuades a judge or prosecutor toward a reduced charge (e.g. wet reckless), diversion or minimum sentence.

It includes personal statement, character letter templates, proof of alcohol education / treatment / SCRAM compliance. Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order DUI Sentencing Mitigation Packet — from $149 See what's included →

License Reinstatement / Hardship (Restricted) License in Florida

Apply for a hardship, occupational or restricted license, or reinstate your license after suspension, including SR-22 and ignition interlock requirements.

It includes eligibility and timeline for your state, hardship / occupational license petition, sR-22 and ignition interlock (IID) compliance checklist. Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order License Reinstatement / Hardship (Restricted) License — from $99 See what's included →

Felony DUI consultation in Florida

A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about a felony DUI charge. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Felony DUI consultation — $399 See what's included →

DUI / DWI consultation in Florida

A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about a DUI / DWI charge and your license. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

Order DUI / DWI consultation — $299 See what's included →

Character Reference Letters for Court in Florida

Effective letters from employers, family and community members for sentencing, bail or diversion.

It includes templates for each referee, do's and don'ts for judges, cover letter. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Character Reference Letters for Court — from $49 See what's included →

DUI Defense across Florida — cities we serve

We work with clients in every part of Florida, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Florida law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.

More Florida services

DMV License Suspension Hearing — Request & Preparation in Florida · DUI Sentencing Mitigation Packet in Florida · License Reinstatement / Hardship (Restricted) License in Florida · Felony DUI consultation in Florida · DUI / DWI consultation in Florida · Character Reference Letters for Court in Florida. See all legal services in Florida.

Nearby states

Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover DUI / DWI Defense Document Package in Georgia, DUI / DWI Defense Document Package in Alabama. See every location we cover.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to request a hearing after a Florida DUI?

Usually 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing or choose another license option.

Is a third DUI a felony in Florida?

A third DUI within ten years is a third-degree felony, and a fourth DUI at any time is a felony.

Will I need an ignition interlock in Florida?

Often yes for high BAC or a minor in the vehicle, and for repeat offenses.

What happens if I refuse a breath test in Florida?

A first refusal brings a one-year administrative suspension, and a second refusal can be a separate misdemeanor.

Do you help with DUI cases across Florida?

Yes. We prepare license hearing materials, defense packs and mitigation for DUI cases in every Florida county.

Contact American Counsel

📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (217) 426-5403 · Chat on WhatsApp
✉ Email: support@american-counsel.com
🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
🕑 Response: most enquiries answered the same working day

Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.