The short answer
A first DUI conviction in Florida costs at least $840 in fines and state fees: a $500 to $1,000 fine, a $135 DUI court cost and $205 in license reinstatement fees. DUI school, vehicle impound, higher insurance and lawyer fees usually raise the total to several thousand dollars.
How much does a first DUI cost in Florida?
$840 is the least you will pay in fines and state fees for a first DUI conviction in Florida. That covers the $500 minimum fine, a $135 DUI court cost and $205 to reinstate your license. DUI school, towing, insurance and a lawyer usually push the real total into the thousands.
The figures come from § 316.193, § 938.07 and § 322.21, Florida Statutes (2026 text, as of October 2026). A DUI, or driving under the influence, is driving while impaired or with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
- Fine: $500 to $1,000 (§ 316.193)
- Fine if your blood alcohol was 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the car: $1,000 to $2,000
- DUI court cost: $135 added to the fine (§ 938.07)
- License reinstatement after revocation: $75 plus a $130 DUI fee (§ 322.21)
| Cost | Standard first DUI | BAC 0.15+ or minor in car |
|---|---|---|
| Court fine | $500 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| DUI court cost | $135 | $135 |
| License reinstatement fees | $205 | $205 |
| Ignition interlock device | Only if the court orders it | Required for at least 6 months, at your cost |
| Minimum from fines and fees | $840 | $1,340 |
What else adds to the cost of a first DUI?
Most of the cost comes from things the law requires you to do and pay for yourself. These prices are set by private providers, so they vary by county and company.
- DUI school: You must finish a DUI program with a substance abuse course and an evaluation, and you pay for it (§ 316.193).
- Vehicle impound: The court must impound or immobilize your car for 10 days, unless you show your family has no other way to get around.
- Probation: Up to 1 year of probation, which often carries monthly supervision fees.
- Community service: At least 50 hours. A judge may let you pay instead in some cases.
- Insurance: You must carry $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 liability coverage, called an FR-44 policy, for 3 years after reinstatement (§ 324.023). This often costs more than the fine.
- Lawyer fees: These depend on the lawyer and whether your case goes to trial. Ask for a written fee quote.
Deadline: You have 10 days from your arrest to ask the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to review your license suspension (§ 322.2615). Missing it can mean months without a license and lost work.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when you get a DUI for the first time in Florida?
You face two cases at once. The officer suspends your license on the spot, and you have 10 days to ask the state to review that suspension. Separately, the criminal case goes to county court, where a conviction brings a fine, probation, community service, DUI school, a 10-day vehicle impound and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation.
Is your license immediately suspended after a Florida DUI?
Yes. Under § 322.2615, Florida Statutes, the officer takes your license and issues a notice of suspension that works as a 10-day temporary permit. The suspension is 6 months for a first test at 0.08 or higher, or 1 year for a first refusal to test. You can ask for a review within 10 days.
Can I go to jail for my first DUI in Florida?
Yes. A first DUI conviction can bring up to 6 months in jail under § 316.193, Florida Statutes. The maximum rises to 9 months if your blood alcohol was 0.15 or higher or a minor was in the car. The law sets these as limits, and the judge decides the actual sentence based on your case.
What is the penalty for a first DUI conviction?
$500 to $1,000 in fines plus a $135 court cost, up to 6 months in jail and up to 1 year of probation. You also face at least 50 hours of community service, DUI school, a 10-day vehicle impound and license revocation of 180 days to 1 year. Higher blood alcohol or a minor in the car raises these penalties.
Sources
- § 316.193, Florida Statutes: Driving under the influence; penalties, Florida Legislature
- § 938.07, Florida Statutes: Driving or boating under the influence (court cost), Florida Legislature
- § 322.21, Florida Statutes: License fees; reinstatement, Florida Legislature
- § 322.28, Florida Statutes: Period of suspension or revocation, Florida Legislature
- § 322.2615, Florida Statutes: Suspension of license; right to review, Florida Legislature
- § 324.023, Florida Statutes: Financial responsibility for bodily injury or death (DUI), Florida Legislature