Florida State Laws and IID Requirements
In Florida, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. Anyone caught driving with a BAC of .08 or above risks a variety of penalties, including fines, license revocation, and vehicle immobilization. Some offenders are able to get back on the road if they agree to install an ignition interlock device.
The FL Ignition Interlock Program
Florida allows some offenders to regain their driving privileges during the license revocation period, if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider like ADS. The offender must meet a variety of criteria to qualify.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Florida?
First Offense
- Fines of $500 to $1,000, or $1,000 to $2,000 if a minor is present or the offender has a BAC > .15 percent
- Vehicle impounded or immobilized for 10 days
- License revoked for 180 days to one year
- Possible jail sentence of up to 6 months, or 9 months if a minor is present or the offender has a BAC > .15 percent
- IID may be required to regain driving privileges
Second Offense
- Fines of $1,000 to $2,000, or $2,000 to $4,000 if a minor is present or the offender has a BAC > .15 percent
- Vehicle impounded or immobilized for 30 days
- If offense is within five years of a prior offense, the offender must complete DUI school
- License revoked for five years (if second offense is within five years of the first), but offender may be able to request a hardship license after one year
- Possible jail sentence of no more than 9 months, and 10 days minimum if the offense is within 5 years of prior offense
- IID may be required to regain driving privileges
Third Offense
- Fines of $2,000 to $5,000, and no less than $4,000 if a minor is present or the offender has a BAC > .15 percent
- Vehicle impounded or immobilized for 90 days, if third offense is within 10 years of the first
- If offense is within five years of a prior offense, the offender must complete DUI school
- License revoked for one year maximum, or as many as 5 years if the offense is within 5 years of a prior offense
- Possible jail sentence of no more than one year, (mandatory 30 days if offense is within 10 years of the prior offense)
- IID may be required to regain driving privileges
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How Do I Get a Hardship Permit in Florida?
Florida allows some drivers to regain their driving privileges if they meet certain criteria, including installing an ignition interlock device from an approved provider, like ADS. They include:
- Finish DUI school
- Complete any treatment, jail, or community service obligations
- Install an ignition interlock device approved by Florida government
- May have to wait a year or more from date of license revocation, if this is a second offense
- Receive a favorable recommendation
- Present approval for early reinstatement to Florida DMV
- If prior offenses were less than 5 years ago, then the offender is not eligible for a hardship license
- If prior offenses were more than 5 but less than 10 years ago, drivers must serve out two years of the revocation period and meet all other criteria before they can apply for a hardship license
Ignition Interlock Devices in Florida
Ignition interlock devices are required for many drivers following a DUI offense. The devices are installed into a vehicle’s ignition, and require drivers to take a breath test before they can start the car. If they fail the test, the car will not start. Random retests will also be requested during most trips to ensure the driver remains sober. ADS interlock devices are easy-to-use and feature bilingual prompts, and our partner network has more locations than any other provider.
Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Florida
Offenders in Florida are required to cover the cost of their interlock device, including installation and leasing costs. The devices are leased because they are both expensive to purchase outright, and because the interlock provider shares testing data with the monitoring authority. Devices cost between $100 and $150 to install, and between $2.50 and $3.50 per day. ADS offers flexible payment options and customers can pay monthly or bi-weekly.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.