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DUI and DWI

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A Florida DUI lawyer commonly charges about $2,500 to $7,500 for a first offense, more for accidents, high blood-alcohol levels or priors, and thousands more for trial. Here is what drives the price, how fees are billed, and what a conviction costs without a lawyer.

Drafted by Gordon MeyerPublished 3 min read

A desk with a legal pad, calculator, car keys and gavel representing DUI defense costs.

The short answer

A Florida DUI lawyer typically costs about $2,500 to $7,500 for a first-offense case, with higher fees for accidents, high blood-alcohol levels or prior convictions, and an added $5,000 to $10,000 if the case goes to trial. Figures are firm estimates, not set prices.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Florida?

Most Florida DUI lawyers charge roughly $2,500 to $7,500 for a first-time DUI with no aggravating factors. Prices vary by firm, county and case, and there is no official rate.

Ranges reported by one Florida defense firm (as of October 2026; check with any lawyer you consult):

Case typeTypical fee range
First-time DUI, no aggravating factors$2,500 – $7,500
DUI with accident or high BAC$5,000 – $10,000
Felony DUI or prior convictions$10,000 – $25,000
Trial (added to the above)$5,000 – $10,000 more

These are one firm's published estimates, not a statewide survey. Get a written quote from several lawyers.

Do Florida DUI lawyers charge flat fees or hourly rates?

Some lawyers charge a flat fee for the case, while others bill hourly, with reported hourly rates of about $250 to $500. Payment plans may be available.

Ask what a flat fee covers. Key questions:

  • Does it include the DUI court case and the separate driver license hearing?
  • Does it cover a trial, or only negotiation and pretrial motions?
  • Are expert witnesses, investigators or court costs extra?
  • Is any of the fee refundable if the case ends early?

What makes a Florida DUI lawyer more expensive?

Fees rise with case complexity, lawyer experience and the likelihood of a trial.

  • Aggravating facts: a crash, injuries, a minor in the vehicle, or a high breath or blood result.
  • Prior DUIs or a felony charge.
  • Trial: preparing for and trying a case takes far more time than negotiating.
  • Contested evidence: challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests or breath-test machine may require experts.
  • Experience and reputation of the attorney.

What does a DUI conviction cost if I skip the lawyer?

A first conviction can carry a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, monthly reporting probation, at least 50 hours of community service, a DUI school and substance-abuse evaluation, and 10 days of vehicle impoundment or immobilization, under section 316.193, Florida Statutes. The court must also suspend or revoke your license under section 322.28.

On top of that come higher insurance premiums and court costs. Fines rise for higher blood-alcohol levels (0.15 or more) or if a minor was in the vehicle. A lawyer's fee is often weighed against these consequences, and a lawyer may be able to challenge the evidence or negotiate a reduced charge, though no outcome is guaranteed.

How can I find an affordable DUI lawyer in Florida?

Compare written quotes from several defense lawyers, and ask about payment plans. Many offer free or low-cost initial consultations.

If you cannot afford a lawyer and face possible jail time, you can ask the court to appoint a public defender. Note that you must act quickly: the license-suspension window after arrest is short, so speak to a lawyer soon after arrest. For more on DUI law, see the DUI and DWI topic hub.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my license after a DUI in Florida?

Yes, a conviction requires the court to suspend or revoke your license under section 322.28, Florida Statutes. An administrative suspension can also follow arrest, so ask a lawyer promptly about deadlines.

Can a DUI be reduced or dismissed in Florida?

Sometimes. Lawyers may challenge the stop, testing or evidence, or negotiate a reduced charge, but outcomes depend on the facts and are never guaranteed.

What should I do after a DUI arrest in Florida?

Do not discuss the case with police beyond basics, write down what happened, and contact a defense lawyer quickly because license deadlines run from the arrest date.

Is a free consultation common for DUI cases?

Many Florida defense firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use it to get a written fee quote and learn what is included.

Keep reading

DUI and DWI topic hub

More guides on DUI and DWI law and defense.

Sources

  1. How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?, Musca Law
  2. Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, Florida Legislature

Related articles

Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Florida?

Sometimes. A Florida DUI can be dismissed or dropped if the stop was illegal, the evidence is weak or test results are thrown out. Some cases are reduced to reckless driving or go through a county diversion program. Judges cannot withhold adjudication on a DUI conviction under § 316.656, Florida Statutes.

What Florida Statute Covers DUI?

Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, covers DUI in Florida. It makes it a crime to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, and it sets the fines, jail and probation.

DUI Laws in Florida: What Happens on a First DUI Offense

A first DUI in Florida carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, up to 1 year of probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school and a 10-day vehicle impoundment. A conviction also revokes your license for 180 days to 1 year. A blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher raises every penalty.