A DUI is a serious offense — and one that can have lasting effects on more than just your driving record. In Florida, a conviction can lead to fines, license suspension and even jail time. But beyond the legal penalties, you will also likely see your car insurance rates increase dramatically. Some carriers may even deny coverage to drivers with DUIs.
DUIs in Florida
Getting a DUI in Florida isn’t just a traffic violation — it’s a serious criminal offense that can impact your life for years. Whether it’s your first conviction or a repeat offense, the consequences can quickly snowball, leading to steep fines, license suspension, possible jail time and a long road to reinstating your driving privileges. Florida’s DUI state laws are strict, and knowing what you’re up against is an important first step in figuring out your next move.
DUI laws in Florida
In Florida, driving under the influence is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. But you don’t have to blow over the legal limit to be charged — if your ability to think clearly, make decisions or operate a vehicle safely is impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of substances, that’s enough for a DUI charge under state law.
The state takes repeat offenses seriously. The more DUI convictions you rack up, the more severe the penalties become. Timing matters too — if your second DUI occurs within five years of your first, or your third happens within 10 years, you’re looking at mandatory jail time and longer license suspensions. Florida also has zero-tolerance policies for aggravated factors, like having a minor in the vehicle or recording a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher.
DUI penalties in Florida
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida increase sharply based on your BAC, the number of prior offenses and whether your offense caused property damage or injuries. Here’s what you could be facing:
Fines
-
1st offense: $500–$1,000
- $1,000–$2,000 if BAC is 0.15 percent or higher or a minor is in the vehicle
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2nd offense: $1,000–$2,000
- $2,000–$4,000 with aggravating factors
-
3rd offense or more: Up to $5,000
- Minimum $4,000 if BAC is 0.15 percent or higher or a minor is present
Jail time
- 1st offense: Up to 6 months (9 months with aggravating factors)
-
2nd offense: Up to 9 months (12 months with aggravating factors)
- Mandatory 10 days if within 5 years of first
- 3rd offense within 10 years: At least 30 days, up to 5 years
- 4th offense or more: Up to 5 years as a third-degree felony
Other penalties
- License revocation (ranges from six months to permanent)
- DUI school and substance abuse treatment
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for up to 2 years
- Vehicle impoundment (10-90 days depending on offense history)
DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Florida
Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. That means even a small amount of alcohol in your system can land you in serious trouble.
Key penalties for underage DUI offenses include:
- BAC of 0.02 percent or higher results in an immediate six-month license suspension
- BAC of 0.05 percent or higher requires completion of a substance abuse course and DUI program
- Second offense or a refusal to take a breath test? Expect an 18-month suspension
- No hardship license is granted for second or subsequent refusals
Although these offenses may not result in criminal charges for minors in every case, the administrative penalties are immediate — and they stick. For young drivers, the impact of a DUI can follow them into adulthood, affecting their insurance rates, driving record and even job opportunities.
How does a DUI affect car insurance in Florida?
A Florida DUI conviction can make a serious dent in your wallet — and not just because of court fees or fines. One of the biggest financial impacts often comes from your car insurance. In Florida, getting a DUI typically causes your premium to increase, since insurers see you as a high-risk driver.
On average, Florida drivers pay $6,145 per year for car insurance after a DUI, which is 46 percent more than the average car insurance rate for drivers with a clean record. That increase can stick around for years, especially if it’s not your first offense.
In some cases, your current insurer may drop your policy entirely. If that happens, you’ll need to shop for coverage with companies that specialize in high-risk coverage — often at a steep price. But even with a DUI on your record, comparing quotes can help you find more manageable options.
Cheap auto insurance after a DUI in Florida
Not all car insurance providers handle DUI convictions the same way. Some are more forgiving, while others may raise your premium dramatically — or decline to renew your policy altogether.
To help you see how rates can vary, we analyzed average premiums from several major Florida insurers, provided by Quadrant Information Services. The table below shows how much rates can increase after a DUI and highlights which company currently offers the most affordable average premium for this driver profile.
| Company | Avg. rate before DUI | Avg. rate after DUI | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,094 | $4,751 | 54% |
| Allstate | $3,999 | $5,140 | 29% |
| Progressive | $5,525 | $6,187 | 12% |
| Geico | $4,287 | $6,305 | 47% |
| Direct Auto | $6,243 | $6,514 | 4% |
How to find affordable car insurance in Florida after a DUI
Getting car insurance after a DUI in Florida isn’t always easy — and it usually won’t be cheap. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With a little strategy and patience, it’s possible to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Here are a few ways to potentially lower your premium after a DUI:
- Get quotes from multiple companies: Insurers evaluate risk differently, and some may offer better rates than others, even with a DUI on your record.
- Look for available discounts: Even with a DUI, you might still qualify for savings by bundling your auto policy with homeowners or renters insurance. Some companies also offer usage-based or telematics programs that track your driving habits. If you can demonstrate safe behavior behind the wheel — like smooth braking, lower mileage and no hard accelerations — you may earn a discount over time and show insurers you’re working to rebuild your driving record.
- Take a defensive driving or DUI course: Completing an approved course can sometimes help reduce your premium and show insurers you’re serious about safer driving.
- Keep your record clean going forward: Avoiding additional infractions is one of the best ways to gradually bring your rates back down.
The bottom line: while your rates won’t bounce back overnight, small steps can make a big difference over time.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze March 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually. Bundling and paperless billing discounts are applied.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:
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