[email protected] | July 29, 2026 | DUI
Being arrested for a DUI in Florida can feel like the ground is falling out from under you, especially if it’s your first experience with the criminal justice system. While the consequences of a first-time DUI are serious, they aren’t set in stone. The choices you make in the days right after your arrest can have a major impact on how your case plays out.
Florida law does provide certain paths for first-time offenders, from hardship licenses to diversion programs in select counties. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney early on is one of the best ways to learn what’s available to you. Until then, we’ll walk through the key details below.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Florida?
Under Florida law, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher qualifies as driving under the influence.
A first-time DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but the potential penalties are still significant and may include things like:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- A license suspension lasting between six months and one year
- Probation for up to one year
- Up to 50 hours of community service
- Mandatory completion of a DUI education course
- Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
If aggravating factors are involved, the stakes go up. A BAC of 0.15% or higher can push the maximum fine to $2,000 and extend potential jail time to nine months. Having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the arrest triggers the same enhanced penalties.
The 10-Day Window You Can’t Afford to Miss
One detail that catches many people off guard is the deadline tied to your driver’s license. After a DUI arrest in Florida, your physical license is typically taken by the officer and replaced with a temporary driving permit that only lasts 10 days. If you don’t take action within that window, your driving privileges will be suspended automatically.
What Should I Do After a First DUI Arrest?
The period right after a DUI arrest is critical. What you do in those first few days can shape everything that follows.
Keep the following in mind:
- Do not post about your arrest on social media or discuss details of the incident with anyone other than your attorney.
- Take action on your license suspension within 10 days to preserve your driving privileges.
- Enroll in a Florida-approved DUI education course as early as you can.
- Hold on to all documentation tied to your arrest, including any paperwork the officer gave you.
- Ask whether your county offers a DUI diversion program. These are available in parts of the state for first-time offenders and may allow your charges to be reduced or dismissed after you complete certain requirements.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney right away. A lawyer who handles Florida DUI cases can walk you through every available option and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Because a Florida DUI conviction generally cannot be sealed or expunged, it is important to explore every available legal option before deciding how to handle your case.
Contact the Polk County DUI Lawyer at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
A first-time DUI does not have to define your future. Florida law may provide options that could help reduce the impact of a DUI charge, but many of those opportunities depend on taking action quickly. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the better positioned you may be to protect your rights and your future.
At Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand how stressful a DUI arrest can be, especially if it is your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Our Polk County DUI attorney is committed to providing experienced legal representation and helping clients navigate every stage of the process.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your defense options.
For more information, contact the Lakeland DUI attorneys at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for a confidential consultation. We serve all areas in Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida.
Visit our convenient location:
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys
112 E Poinsettia St, Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 688-4606
