In 2019, Florida reached a historic high in tourism, with more than 68 million people visiting “The Sunshine State” in just the first half of the year. With such a vast influx of visitors, it's inevitable that not all of them will be familiar with Florida's laws, which they must follow as soon as they enter the state. Breaching Florida's DUI regulations, regardless of your home state, can lead to substantial fines, driving privilege suspension, and potential incarceration.

If you are a non-resident facing a DUI charge in Florida, it is crucial to promptly consult with the best Florida DUI attorney to understand Florida's DUI laws and potential penalties, as well as to safeguard your driver's license.

Consequences for Out-of-State DUIs in Florida A first-time DUI conviction in Florida while visiting or passing through the state may result in the following penalties:

Fines ranging from $500 to $1000 Up to six months in jail Driver's license suspension for 6-12 months Installation of ignition interlock devices on all vehicles you own Vehicle impoundment for up to 10 days Community service Substance abuse treatment program Interstate Agreements and the National Driver Registry

Will Getting a DUI in Florida Affect My Driver’s License in My Home State?

Yes. A prevalent misconception is that a driving offense in another state won't impact your driving privileges in your home state. However, this is far from the truth for a Florida DUI charge. Florida participates in two interstate agreements for traffic violations — the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC). Both compacts facilitate information exchange among member states regarding traffic violations committed by non-residents, and they recognize penalties imposed by other states, including driver's license suspensions.

Additionally, the National Driver Registry (NDR), which includes 45 member states, enables states to honor driver's license suspensions issued by other states. Consequently, if you are arrested for a DUI in Florida with an out-of-state license, your driver's license suspension will likely be communicated to your home state. To contest these charges and safeguard your driving privileges in both Florida and your home state, it's essential to consult with the best DUI attorneys in Florida.

Swiftly Address Your Out-of-State DUI with Our Skilled Florida DUI Attorneys

Prompt action is vital in managing your out-of-state DUI and preserving your right to drive. As soon as possible, schedule an initial consultation with the leading DUI lawyer in Clearwater to understand the implications of the administrative driver's license suspension and discover how you can prevent the Florida DHSMV from instructing your home state to suspend your driving privileges. Due to the dual threat of a Florida DUI charge on your driving privileges, it is even more important to vigorously defend your case at both the DHSMV level and within the criminal court system.

The following measures our attorneys can perform for you in order to reduce your costs, minimize the duration of your potential driver's license suspension, and/or eliminate the suspension altogether:

  • Contest the administrative suspension of your license within 10 days of your DUI arrest.
  • Obtain a temporary driving permit allowing you to continue driving beyond the 10 days from the date of your arrest.
  • Attend your first court case in Florida. Our attorneys can represent you without requiring your personal presence in the courtroom.
  • Supply you with copies of the narrative police report, field sobriety supplements, and any videotape related to your case.
  • Acquire, review, and send you the breath test report and maintenance records associated with the Intoxilyzer.
  • Conduct a phone conference with you to discuss the most effective strategy for resolving your charge.
  • Negotiate a reduction of your DUI charge to a reckless driving offense.

If you've been charged with a DUI while visiting Florida, it's crucial to act quickly and secure the services of our top Florida DUI lawyers. We offer complimentary phone consultations and are more than happy to discuss your case over the phone.

Free DUI Defense Consultations Offered 24/7 at 1-888-484-5057

If you or a member of your family is facing DUI criminal charges in Florida, do not make the mistake by waiting to get legal help. Contact Musca Law today for a free legal consultation. With our experienced Florida DUI defense lawyers by your side, you can protect your legal rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call us toll-free at 1-888-484-5057 to schedule your consultation. Our DUI attorneys will provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal system and minimize the consequences of your charges. Don't face DUI charges alone - call Musca Law today to get the help you need.