The short answer
A first DUI conviction in Florida costs at least about $840 in fines and court costs: a $500 to $1,000 fine plus state costs such as the $135 DUI court cost. Counties can add up to $65 more, and repeat or high-BAC convictions carry higher fines.
How much are court fees in Florida for a DUI?
About $840 is the usual minimum for a first DUI conviction in Florida, once the $500 base fine and the state court costs are added together. The judge can set the fine anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Your county may add up to $65 more. A second offense, a high blood alcohol level or a minor in the car raises the fine.
This is a cost you can plan for, and the judge decides the final amount at sentencing. Sentencing is the hearing where the judge sets your penalties after a plea or a guilty verdict.
These figures come from the 2026 Florida Statutes, as of October 2026. Each charge below is set by law:
- DUI fine: $500 to $1,000 for a first conviction (§ 316.193, Florida Statutes)
- Fine surcharge: 5% of the fine, so $25 on a $500 fine (§ 938.04)
- DUI court cost: $135 (§ 938.07)
- Misdemeanor court cost: $60 (§ 938.05)
- Crimes compensation cost: $50 (§ 938.03)
- Cost of prosecution: at least $50 (§ 938.27)
- Crime prevention cost: $20 (§ 775.083)
- Additional court cost: $3 (§ 938.01)
- County court cost: up to $65, if your county adopted one (§ 939.185)
Added up, a $500 fine plus these costs comes to about $843 before any county charge. Your clerk of court can give you the exact total for your case.
Tip: If you truly cannot pay part of the fine, § 316.193 lets the judge order community service instead. Each hour is valued at no less than the federal minimum wage.
| Offense | Standard fine | Fine with BAC 0.15+ or a minor in the car |
|---|---|---|
| First conviction | $500 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Second conviction | $1,000 to $2,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Third conviction, more than 10 years after a prior | $2,000 to $5,000 | At least $4,000 |
| Fourth or later conviction (felony) | At least $2,000 | At least $4,000 |
What else does a Florida DUI cost besides court fees?
Court fees are only one part of the bill. Other DUI costs are set by law but paid to someone else, such as a towing company or a treatment program.
- Vehicle impoundment: 10 days after a first conviction, 30 days after a second, 90 days after a third (§ 316.193)
- DUI school and treatment: you pay the reasonable cost of the required education, evaluation and treatment (§ 316.193)
- Probation: up to 1 year for a first conviction, often with its own monthly fees
- License: revoked for 180 days to 1 year after a first conviction (§ 322.28), with fees to get it back
- Lawyer: private fees vary widely, and a public defender may be an option if you qualify
Warning: Unpaid court costs do not go away. The clerk can send the debt to collections, which can add fees and make it harder to get your license back.
Frequently asked questions
Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?
Yes, in most cases. A DUI is a criminal charge with jail, license and record consequences. A lawyer can check the traffic stop, the breath test and the deadlines for your license hearing. If you cannot afford one, ask the court about a public defender at your first court date, called the arraignment.
How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Florida?
Sometimes, by challenging the evidence. A judge may throw out evidence if the stop was unlawful, the breath or blood test was handled wrongly, or your rights were violated. Without that evidence, the prosecutor may drop the case or reduce it. A DUI lawyer can tell you whether these defenses fit your facts.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in Florida?
A first DUI brings a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail and at least 50 hours of community service under § 316.193. Probation can last up to 1 year. Your license is revoked for 180 days to 1 year. A blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher raises the fine and jail limits.
Can a DUI Affect My Employment in Florida?
Yes. A DUI conviction shows up on background checks. It can hurt jobs that involve driving, a commercial license or a professional license. Some employers also need you to have a valid license. Ask a lawyer how a plea deal or reduced charge might protect your record and your work.
Sources
- Section 316.193, Florida Statutes (2026): Driving under the influence; penalties, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.07, Florida Statutes (2026): Driving or boating under the influence, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.05, Florida Statutes (2026): Additional court costs for felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.04, Florida Statutes (2026): Additional cost for criminal offenses, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.03, Florida Statutes: Crimes Compensation Trust Fund, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.27, Florida Statutes (2026): Judgment for costs on conviction, The Florida Senate
- Section 775.083, Florida Statutes (2026): Fines, The Florida Senate
- Section 938.01, Florida Statutes (2026): Additional Court Cost Clearing Trust Fund, The Florida Senate
- Section 939.185, Florida Statutes (2026): Assessment of additional court costs and surcharges, The Florida Senate
- Section 322.28, Florida Statutes (2026): Period of suspension or revocation, The Florida Senate