How Much a DUI Costs in Florida

If you’re asking how much a DUI costs in Florida, the short answer is that a first-offense DUI usually carries a court fine of $500 to $1,000 under Fla. Stat. 316.193, but the true cost runs much higher once you add court fees, DUI school, license fees, an ignition interlock device, and rising insurance. In real terms, most people pay several thousand dollars for a first Florida DUI, and the number climbs with a higher BAC (blood alcohol concentration, the percentage of alcohol in your blood) or a second or third offense.

Below is what the law actually says, with the hard numbers cited so you can see where each figure comes from.

The base fine: what Florida law sets by offense

The fine is only one piece, but it’s the piece set directly by statute. Florida ties the amount to your offense count and to whether your case had aggravating factors, meaning a BAC of 0.15 or higher or a minor in the vehicle (Fla. Stat. 316.193).

These are the fines alone. They do not include the court costs, surcharges, and program fees described next, which is why the sticker price of a DUI is so much higher than the fine itself. For the full breakdown of jail and probation terms, see our guide to Florida DUI penalties.

The other costs that add up

The fine is usually the smallest line on the bill. Here are the costs that typically come with a Florida DUI conviction. Exact amounts vary by county and by case, so treat these as common ranges, not promises.

Court costs and statutory fees

On top of the fine, Florida adds court costs and statutory surcharges. These vary by county clerk’s office and can total several hundred dollars or more. Your clerk of court sets the exact figures.

DUI school and evaluation

A conviction requires you to complete DUI school (a state-approved substance abuse education program) before you can get your license back (Fla. Stat. 322.291). The course and any required follow-up evaluation or treatment carry their own fees.

License reinstatement fees

Getting your driving privilege back involves administrative fees paid to the FLHSMV. You may also need to pay for a hardship license if you apply for one. See how to get your license back after a Florida DUI for the step-by-step.

Ignition interlock device

An ignition interlock device (IID, a breath tester wired to your ignition that stops the car from starting if it detects alcohol) is required in many cases. For a first conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or with a minor passenger, the court must order an IID for at least 6 months (Fla. Stat. 316.193). Second and third offenses carry longer terms. You pay the installation, monthly lease, and removal fees. Our Florida ignition interlock guide covers who has to install one.

Insurance and FR-44

After a DUI, Florida requires you to carry FR-44 insurance, a high-liability policy with coverage limits well above the state minimum, for three years. This is often the single largest long-term cost, because your premium can rise sharply.

The cost of the license suspension

A DUI in Florida hits your license two separate ways, and each one has its own cost and deadline.

The administrative suspension and the 10-day window

When you’re arrested, the FLHSMV can suspend your license administratively, separate from the criminal case. A first suspension for a failed breath test is usually 6 months; refusing the test is usually a 1-year suspension (Fla. Stat. 322.2615 and 316.1932).

You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a formal review hearing to challenge that suspension (Fla. Stat. 322.2615). Your citation often serves as a temporary permit for those 10 days. Miss the window and the suspension generally stands. Read more in our overview of Florida DUI license suspension.

The conviction-based revocation

A conviction triggers a separate revocation: a minimum of 180 days up to 1 year for a first offense, 5 years for a second within 5 years, and 10 years for a third within 10 years (Fla. Stat. 322.28). The lookback period (how far back the state counts prior DUIs) is generally 5 years for the second-offense jail enhancement and 10 years for felony treatment. See our Florida DUI lookback period explainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of a first DUI in Florida?

There’s no single fixed number, because counties and cases differ. Between the $500 to $1,000 fine (Fla. Stat. 316.193), court costs, DUI school, license fees, an ignition interlock device if ordered, and years of higher FR-44 insurance, most people end up paying several thousand dollars for a first offense.

Does refusing the breath test cost more in Florida?

It can. Refusing a breath test usually triggers a 1-year administrative suspension on a first refusal, longer than the 6 months for failing it (Fla. Stat. 316.1932). A second refusal is also a separate misdemeanor charge. Learn more in our page on refusing a breathalyzer in Florida.

How long does a DUI stay on my record in Florida?

A Florida DUI conviction generally cannot be sealed or expunged and stays on your record permanently. The lookback period for sentencing purposes is 5 to 10 years, but that’s separate from how long the conviction itself remains visible (Fla. Stat. Chapter 322).

Can I drive while my DUI case is pending?

Sometimes. If you request the formal review hearing within 10 days, you may be eligible for a business-purposes-only permit while you wait (Fla. Stat. 322.2615). Eligibility depends on your offense history and whether you refused testing, so check the rules for your situation.

Your most urgent deadline is the 10-day window to request a formal review hearing after your arrest (Fla. Stat. 322.2615). Mark that date now, gather your arrest paperwork, and decide your next step before it passes.