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When did drinking and driving become illegal in Florida?
My parents have lived in Florida their whole lives, and they always tell me wild stories from their younger years. They’ve made comments about how strict the drinking and driving laws are today. When did it become illegal to drink and drive in Florida?
Kaitlin May · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Drinking and driving has been illegal in Florida since 1986.
However, what it means to be intoxicated and how it’s measured has continued to evolve over the years.
While groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving inspired most states to establish stricter DUI laws in the 1980s, Congress approved a nationwide 0.08 blood alcohol (BAC) legal limit in 2000, and Florida tightened up drunk driving restrictions further in 2008.
After years of alcohol-related incidents, Florida established a new law requiring offending drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or higher to drive with an ignition interlock device. This applied to even first-time DUI offenders.
First-time DUI convictions could also result in:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to six months in jail
- Community service
- License suspension
Subsequent violations carry even higher penalties, with the potential for up to one year in jail. Floridians who are charged with a
DUI
could also lose access to a passport, the ability to carry firearms, employment opportunities, and more.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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