The short answer
Yes. A Florida DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged, so it can show up on job background checks, and the license revocation or CDL disqualification that follows can cost you jobs that require driving.
Can a DUI affect my employment in Florida?
Yes, it can, but many people keep their jobs. A DUI conviction in Florida stays on your criminal record for good, so employers may see it on a background check. Losing your license can also hurt jobs that need driving. If you drive a commercial vehicle, a first DUI usually costs you your commercial license for a year.
The reason the record sticks is a Florida rule about adjudication, the court's formal finding that you are guilty. Under § 316.656, Florida Statutes (2026), "no court may suspend, defer, or withhold adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence for any violation of s. 316.193." Section 316.193 is the DUI law. Sealing a record under § 943.059, Florida Statutes, requires that you were never adjudicated guilty. So a DUI conviction cannot be sealed. It can't be expunged either.
What does the effect on my job depend on?
How much a DUI affects your work depends mostly on your kind of job and how your case ends. These are the main factors, based on Florida Statutes as of October 2026:
- Whether you are convicted: If the charge is dropped or reduced, for example to reckless driving, the rule against withholding adjudication may not apply. You may then be able to seal the record.
- Driving duties: A first DUI conviction revokes your license for 180 days to 1 year under § 322.28, Florida Statutes. Revocation means your license is cancelled for that time.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL): Under § 322.61, Florida Statutes, a first DUI means at least 1 year off commercial driving. This applies even if you were in your own car. A second DUI means a lifetime ban.
- Jail time: A first conviction can bring up to 6 months in jail under § 316.193, Florida Statutes. That could mean missed work.
- Licensed careers: Nurses, teachers, pilots and other licensed workers may face a review by their licensing board. Check your board's rules on reporting arrests or convictions.
Most Florida jobs are "at will." That means an employer can often let you go for any legal reason, including an arrest. Your employee handbook or union contract may give you more protection.
Deadline: After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days from the notice of suspension to ask for a formal review hearing on your license, under § 322.2615, Florida Statutes. If you miss it, you lose that chance to fight the suspension.
If you need to drive for work, you may be able to get a business-purpose license. This is a limited license for driving to work and for job duties. After a breath test of 0.08 or higher, you must wait 30 days after your temporary permit ends. After a test refusal, you wait 90 days.
| Situation | What happens | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Breath test of 0.08 or higher (arrest) | 6-month administrative suspension | § 322.2615 |
| First DUI conviction | License revoked 180 days to 1 year | § 322.28 |
| CDL holder, first DUI | Disqualified from commercial driving for 1 year | § 322.61 |
What should I do to protect my job?
Act early, because the license deadline is short. These steps can help:
- Request your formal review hearing within 10 days of the arrest.
- Read your employee handbook to see if you must report an arrest.
- Check your licensing board's rules if you hold a professional license.
- Talk to a DUI lawyer about whether the charge could be reduced or dismissed.
- Ask about a business-purpose license if you drive for work.
A lawyer can tell you how your facts fit these rules. You can learn more in our DUI and DWI guides.
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Florida?
A fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail, under § 316.193, Florida Statutes (2026). Your license is also revoked for 180 days to 1 year under § 322.28. Higher fines apply if your blood alcohol was 0.15 or more or a minor was in the car. The judge also orders conditions such as probation and DUI school.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?
Yes, in most cases. A DUI conviction cannot be sealed in Florida, so the stakes for your job and record are high. A lawyer can check whether the stop and the breath test were legal. They can also handle your 10-day license hearing and talk with the prosecutor about a reduced charge.
How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Florida?
Sometimes, by showing the evidence is weak or was gathered illegally. A lawyer may challenge the reason for the traffic stop, how the breath test was given or how the officer did field sobriety tests. If the court excludes key evidence, the prosecutor may drop the case or offer a lesser charge, such as reckless driving.
How Much Are Court Fees in Florida for a DUI?
It depends on the county and the case. The fine alone for a first DUI is $500 to $1,000 under § 316.193, Florida Statutes, as of October 2026. Court costs, DUI school, probation fees and higher insurance come on top. Ask the clerk of court in your county for an exact list of costs.
Sources
- Section 316.656, Florida Statutes: Mandatory adjudication, The Florida Senate
- Section 316.193, Florida Statutes (2026): Driving under the influence; penalties, The Florida Senate
- Section 943.059, Florida Statutes (2026): Court-ordered sealing of criminal history records, The Florida Senate
- Section 322.28, Florida Statutes (2026): Period of suspension or revocation, The Florida Senate
- Section 322.61, Florida Statutes: Disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle, The Florida Senate
- Section 322.2615, Florida Statutes: Suspension of license; right to review, The Florida Senate