Penalties for DUI in Hillsborough County, Florida

Florida DUI Penalties 

Being arrested for DUI can trigger a chain of serious consequences that affect every aspect of your life. Florida’s DUI laws are among the strictest in the country, and Hillsborough County prosecutors take these charges seriously.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we believe that the more you know about the potential penalties, the better prepared you are to protect yourself. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the penalties for DUI in Hillsborough County — and what you can do to fight them.

First DUI Conviction Penalties

If this is your first DUI offense, the penalties can include:

• Up to 6 months in jail

• Fines between $500 and $1,000

• Driver’s license suspension for 6 to 12 months

• 10-day vehicle impoundment

• Mandatory DUI school and substance abuse evaluation

• Up to 12 months of probation

• Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirement if BAC was 0.15% or higher

Even a first-time conviction can impact your ability to work, travel, and maintain insurance coverage.

Enhanced Penalties for High BAC or Minor in the Vehicle

If your BAC was 0.15% or higher or you had a minor in the vehicle at the time of the offense, the penalties increase:

• Up to 9 months in jail

• Fines between $1,000 and $2,000

• Mandatory ignition interlock device installation for at least 6 months

Florida law imposes harsher punishments to deter aggravated DUI conduct.

Second DUI Conviction Penalties

If you are convicted of a second DUI within five years of the first:

• Minimum 10 days mandatory jail time

• Up to 9 months in jail

• Fines between $1,000 and $2,000

• Driver’s license suspension for at least 5 years

• Mandatory DUI school and treatment

• Ignition interlock device for at least 1 year

The mandatory jail time cannot be waived by probation or community service alternatives.

Third DUI Conviction Penalties

A third DUI conviction within 10 years of a prior offense is a third-degree felony under Florida law.

Penalties can include:

• Up to 5 years in Florida State Prison

• Fines up to $5,000

• Driver’s license revocation for 10 years

• Felony record that cannot be sealed or expunged

A third DUI is a life-altering charge and must be defended aggressively.

Fourth DUI Conviction Penalties

A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction is charged as a felony regardless of when prior convictions occurred.

Penalties include:

• Up to 5 years in prison

• Permanent revocation of driver’s license

• Significant fines and costs

• Permanent felony criminal record

Florida law shows little mercy for repeat DUI offenders, which is why immediate and strategic legal representation is critical.

Additional Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

Aside from legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have broader personal and professional consequences:

• Higher insurance premiums (or dropped coverage)

• Employment consequences, especially in jobs requiring driving or licensing

• Professional licensing issues (for doctors, nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and more)

• Immigration consequences (for non-citizens)

• Damage to personal and professional reputation

These collateral consequences can sometimes be more damaging than the immediate criminal penalties.

Administrative License Suspension After DUI Arrest

It is important to understand that even before a conviction, your driver’s license is at risk:

• If you blow over 0.08%, your license will be administratively suspended for 6 months.

• If you refuse the breathalyzer, the suspension is 1 year for a first refusal and 18 months for a second.

You only have 10 days to request a formal review hearing to challenge the suspension. Acting quickly is essential to protect your ability to drive.

The Florida DUI and Administrative Suspension Laws can be complicated and varying. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles publishes an expansive outline of penalties.

Can DUI Penalties Be Reduced or Avoided?

In many cases, DUI penalties can be reduced through effective legal defense strategies. Options may include:

• Filing motions to suppress evidence if police violated your rights

• Negotiating a reduction to reckless driving (often called “wet reckless”)

• Enrolling in diversion programs if available for eligible first-time offenders

• Challenging breath or blood test results for reliability issues

• Going to trial if the State’s evidence is weak

Every DUI case is different. Personalized defense strategies are critical to achieving the best outcome.

Why Choose The Brancato Law Firm for DUI Defense?

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we bring:

• Over 25 years of courtroom experience defending criminal charges

• Proven strategies tailored to minimizing or avoiding DUI penalties

• A strong reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive trial advocacy

• A client-centered approach to protecting your future, not just handling your case

We know the system. We know the stakes. And we are ready to fight for you.

Contact a Tampa DUI Lawyer Today

If you are facing DUI charges in Hillsborough County, time is critical. Early intervention can often make the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. at (813) 592-8981 or complete our confidential online form today to schedule your case evaluation.

Do not let one mistake define your future. Get the help you need.

Tampa DUI Lawyer