The short answer
Yes, in most cases. Florida judges cannot withhold adjudication for a DUI, so a conviction means a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation, and a lawyer can challenge the stop, the test and the license suspension.
Should I get a lawyer for a DUI in Florida?
Yes, in most cases. Even a first DUI conviction in Florida brings a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail and a driver license revocation of at least 180 days. A judge cannot withhold adjudication, which means the judge cannot skip a formal finding of guilt. So a conviction stays on your record. A lawyer can challenge the traffic stop and the breath or blood test.
You have time to make a careful choice, but one deadline comes fast. You have only 10 days from your arrest to ask for a hearing to fight the license suspension.
Source: § 316.193, § 316.656 and § 322.28, Florida Statutes (2026 text, checked October 2026).
What does the answer depend on?
How much a lawyer helps depends on the facts of your case. These points matter most:
- Your test result: A breath or blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher raises a first-offense fine to $1,000 to $2,000 and the jail cap to 9 months. At that level, a judge also cannot accept a plea to a lesser charge.
- A refused test: Refusing a breath test means a 1-year license suspension for a first refusal, separate from the criminal case.
- Prior DUIs: Penalties grow with each conviction, so repeat charges call for a lawyer.
- A crash or injury: DUI with property damage or injury carries heavier charges.
- Your job and license: If you drive for work or hold a professional license, the stakes go up.
- Your budget: If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court for a public defender.
Deadline: You must ask the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for a formal or informal review within 10 days of your notice of suspension. The 10-day temporary permit on your ticket also ends then (§ 322.2615, Florida Statutes).
Can I get a free lawyer for a DUI in Florida?
Sometimes. You qualify for a public defender if your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you get TANF cash help, SSI or certain veterans' benefits. You apply through the clerk of court and pay a $50 application fee, as of October 2026 (§ 27.52, Florida Statutes).
| Path | Who it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private DUI lawyer | Anyone who can pay a fee | Can request the license hearing, review the stop and testing, and negotiate |
| Public defender | People who meet the income test in § 27.52 | $50 application fee as of October 2026; a lawyer is appointed by the court |
| Representing yourself | Rarely a good fit | A judge cannot withhold adjudication, so a guilty plea is a permanent conviction |
Frequently asked questions
How Much Are Court Fees in Florida for a DUI?
It varies. The fine alone for a first DUI is $500 to $1,000 under § 316.193, Florida Statutes, or $1,000 to $2,000 with a 0.15 or higher test result. Court costs, probation fees, DUI school and the impound are added on top. Those extra costs differ by county, so ask your clerk of court for current amounts.
How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Florida?
Sometimes, by showing the evidence is flawed. A case may be dismissed or reduced if the officer had no legal reason to stop you, the arrest lacked probable cause, or the breath or blood test was not done properly. A lawyer reviews police video and testing records to find these problems. A plea to a lesser charge is not allowed with a 0.15 or higher result.
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, 50 hours of community service, up to 1 year of probation and a 10-day vehicle impound. Your license is revoked for 180 days to 1 year. With a 0.15 or higher test result or a minor in the car, the fine rises to $1,000 to $2,000 and jail to 9 months.
Can a DUI Affect My Employment in Florida?
Yes. Because a Florida judge cannot withhold adjudication for a DUI under § 316.656, Florida Statutes, a conviction stays on your criminal record. Employers may see it in background checks. Losing your license can also affect jobs that require driving. A commercial driver's license or professional license can face added consequences.
Sources
- § 316.193, Florida Statutes (2026): Driving under the influence; penalties, The Florida Senate
- § 316.656, Florida Statutes (2026): Mandatory adjudication; prohibition against accepting plea to lesser included offense, The Florida Senate
- § 322.28, Florida Statutes (2026): Period of suspension or revocation, The Florida Senate
- § 322.2615, Florida Statutes (2026): Suspension of license; right to review, The Florida Senate
- § 27.52, Florida Statutes (2026): Determination of indigent status, The Florida Senate