Florida DUI Costs

Costs of a DUI in Orlando & Central Florida

Lots of people ask us what the true cost or average cost of a DUI in Orlando, Florida.  Knowing these costs isn’t just essential for those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law—it’s crucial for all of us. In the following article, we’ll dissect every potential DUI Costs in Central Florida. This isn’t a light topic, but it’s one we should all be informed about.

The State of Florida punishes DUI harshly; as such, there are a number of penalties a court will enforce if you are convicted of DUI. In addition, repeat DUI offenses and aggravating factors (such as the presence of minors, or damage to property) may lead to a more severe sentence.

In addition to the criminal penalties for DUI, you may be subject to administrative driver license penalties by DMV as well as financial and personal collateral consequences, including loss of a job, immigration issues or professional licensure discipline.  Here are some ranges of costs that you might expect to pay after being arrested for a DUI in Central Florida.

Click here to see the Florida DUI criminal penalties.

How Much is a DUI in Florida? 

Towing Costs in Florida After DUI

The first financial hit you’ll take is likely the towing of your vehicle. And let’s be clear: this is no small expense. You’re looking at anywhere from $100 to $300 just to get your car off the road. And don’t forget, that’s just the initial fee—every extra day your car sits in the lot will cost you more. This is just the beginning of a long and costly journey that goes far beyond a simple fine.

How Much is Bail for a DUI in Florida?

After the initial shock of being arrested, you’ll soon face the practical matter of securing your release. That’s where bail bonds come into play. A bail bond is essentially a guarantee to the court that you’ll show up for your future hearings. It’s a financial arrangement that temporarily gets you out of jail—but it comes with a price tag.

Average Bail for a DUI in Florida

For a first-time DUI offense, you’re generally looking at bail amounts ranging from $100 to $3,000.  It’s a wide range, largely influenced by your criminal history and the circumstances of your arrest and whether you pay your bail in full (which will be refunded to you later) Or if you just pay 10% to the bondsman (which is not refunded, that is just their bail bond fees.)   

Average Bail for a First Time DUI in Florida

Thus for a first time DUI, the average bail is $100-$200 if they pay the bondsman or $500-$1,000 bond for a first DUI offense if they pay the bond directly to the court.   

Although this is a one-time payment, it’s a significant one, and it’s essential to account for it in your overall DUI budget.

DUI Attorney Costs in Florida

The next step in this journey is one you shouldn’t navigate alone. You’ll need an attorney, and not just any attorney—a specialist in DUI cases. This isn’t a corner where you want to cut costs; your freedom and future are at stake. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal system, help you understand your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

How Much does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

Lawyer fees for a DUI case in Florida can range from $2,500 for a cheap lawyer to over $6,000 for some of the most experienced DUI attorneys in Florida. These figures don’t include the potential court costs, fines, or other associated expenses like court reporters, subpoenas, and depositions. It’s a hefty investment, but considering the alternative outcomes, it’s often an important one.

These are just a few of the hurdles you’ll face financially when dealing with a DUI. The costs add up quickly, and we’re not even halfway through the list. Would you like to continue with the next sections?

Education as a Penalty

DUI Classes for First and Multiple Offenders

Once you’ve tackled the immediate costs and legal fees, your journey through the DUI maze leads you to mandated education. Courts often require DUI offenders to attend specialized classes aimed at curbing future offenses. If it’s your first time, expect to enroll in a program costing around $264. For those with a prior DUI, the class will likely cost you $395.

Costs Involved

It might seem odd to spend money on education as a penalty, but consider it an investment in your future. A future that, ideally, doesn’t involve another DUI. While the costs for these classes may vary, they’re a mandatory step in fulfilling court requirements. Skipping this step is not an option, so budget accordingly.

Driving Privileges

DMV BPO Hardship License

Having a DUI on your record impacts your driving privileges, sometimes resulting in suspension. However, life doesn’t stop, and you may still need to drive for essential activities. Enter the DMV BPO Hardship License, a temporary solution that allows you some level of driving freedom while your case is sorted.

Cost for First and Second DMV Suspension

Whether it’s your first suspension by the DHSMV or a subsequent one ordered by a judge, the cost for a DMV BPO Hardship License remains the same: $223. Keep in mind that this is a privilege, not a right. It’s an additional cost that allows you to maintain some semblance of normalcy during a challenging time.

Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment

After your DUI charge, a Substance Abuse Evaluation is typically conducted during your mandated DUI school. This isn’t a mere formality; it’s a critical juncture that can influence both your legal case and your life ahead. Statistically speaking, about 95% of individuals are recommended for further treatment, which often takes the form of group sessions akin to AA meetings.

Costs of Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment after a DUI in Florida

Most people are often required to attend between 8 to 18 one-hour treatment sessions in order to maintain their hardship BPO license. The cost for these counseling sessions usually hovers around $60 each. 

How much does DUI treatment cost in Florida?

On average, you’re looking at around $720 for a commonly recommended 12-session treatment. This is another significant, yet unavoidable, expense in the overall cost of a DUI.

Form FR-44 and DUI Insurance in Florida

One of the often-overlooked ramifications of a DUI conviction is the impact on your car insurance. You’ll be required to file an FR-44 form for the next three years, which is the state’s way of ensuring you maintain a high level of liability coverage. The state’s minimum liability coverage for FR-44 insurance is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, along with $50,000 for property damage. 

Cost of SR-22 DUI Insurance in Florida

Hold onto your wallet—your insurance premiums are about to soar. After a DUI conviction in Florida, Expect an increase in the ballpark of 200%.  The national average cost of a full coverage policy is $2,076 a year. After a DUI, the average cost of car insurance is $4,291.   This isn’t a temporary spike; you’re in for a long-term financial commitment.  It’s best to shop around for the best rates of DUI insurance

Community Service

Time is Money

Let’s switch gears for a moment. While most penalties hit your wallet, community service takes a toll on your most valuable asset: time. The court will typically mandate at least 50 hours of community service. Now, you might think, “It’s just time; it’s not like it’s costing me money.” But let’s face it, time is money. Those are hours you could be working, spending with family, or investing in yourself. You also have to pay for insurance which is about $3/hr to cover if you get in an accident while you are performing insurance.

Court Costs, Costs of Prosecution, and Costs of Investigation Explained

By now, you’ve probably realized that a DUI is a costly affair in more ways than one. And we haven’t even talked about the court itself yet. Alongside attorney fees, you’ll also be footing the bill for court costs, prosecution costs, and possibly investigation costs. These can range from $250 to $1,000 and are another unavoidable expense.

First Time DUI Fines in Florida

Last but not least, the court will impose fines. For a first-time DUI Costs in Central Florida, fines typically start at $500 for a simple DUI and can go up to $2,000 maximum fine. 

Second and Multiple DUI Fines in Florida

For those with prior offenses, fines can range from $1,000 to $5,000. These are not just numbers; these are real costs that you’ll need to cover, likely at a time when your finances are already stretched thin.  However, courts will give you a payment plan or time to pay costs. 

Average Court Costs and Fines for a First Time DUI in Florida

The average court DUI Costs and fines in Central Florida for a first time simple DUI run about $900.  For aggravated first time DUIs in Florida (breath above .15 or crash case) the fine and costs are about $1,400.

Other Monthly Commitments

Monthly Costs of Probation Supervision Fees

After the court proceedings, you may find yourself on probation, which is another recurring cost you’ll need to plan for. Probation supervision fees typically cost around $50 a month and last for usually 6 to 12 months. It’s another monthly bill, another reminder of the long-lasting financial impact of a DUI.

Intake and Drug Tests

Part of the probation process often involves routine drug tests. These usually come with a price tag as well, around $20 for the intake and $17 for each drug test. It’s not a huge sum, but it’s another drop in the bucket that’s already overflowing.

Unexpected Costs

Restitution

If your DUI incident involved an accident where someone was injured, you might be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. This is a variable cost that could range significantly based on the damages and injuries sustained.

Transportation

If you lose your license or don’t obtain a hardship license, you’ll have to find alternative means of transportation. Whether it’s public transport, Uber, or relying on friends and family, each has its own set of costs that add up over time.

Other Long-Term Collateral Consequences

Job Loss and Opportunities

A DUI can have repercussions that go beyond immediate costs. It could affect your current employment or future job opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction can be a significant red flag.

Collateral Consequences for Various Groups

If you’re a professional with a license, a student, a veteran, or a non-U.S. citizen, a DUI conviction could have additional consequences. From license suspensions to disciplinary actions and even potential deportation, the collateral damage can be extensive and far-reaching.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Choose Leppard Law: Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC

If you’ve read through this article, you understand the complexities and costs of a DUI in Central Florida. Now, you need an ally who can navigate this maze with you. Here’s why Leppard Law should be your first call:

Our Actions Speak Louder

We’re not just talk; we get results. Our track record is filled with real victories. Don’t just take our word for it—see for yourself.

We Treat Clients Like Family

You’re not just another case number; you’re part of our legacy. Our clients always come first, and we have the testimonials to prove it.

A Culture of Excellence

Our team comprises carefully vetted legal experts with a breadth of experience that is second to none in the industry.

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It—Check Out Our Wall of Accolades!

From being ranked the #1 Best DUI Attorney to consistently appearing on top lists, we’ve earned our reputation through hard work, expertise, and a commitment to our clients.

• Hundreds of 5 star reviews!
• “Top 7 DUI Attorneys near Orlando, FL” by Thumbtack (2017-2023)
• “Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orlando” by Expertise (2016-2023)
• #1 “Best Orlando Law Firms” on Yelp (2016-2020)
  #1: “Best DUI Law” in Orlando on Yelp (2016-2020)
• “Top 10 Best Lawyers Near Orlando, Florida” on Yelp (2016-2023)
• #1 “Top 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Orlando, Florida” on Yelp (2016-2023)
• “3 Best DWI & DUI Lawyers in Orlando, FL” by Three Best Rated (2018-2023)
• “10 Best DUI Lawyers in Orlando” by TrustAnalytica (2020-2023)
• #1 Best Orlando DUI Attorney by Best DWI Attorneys (2016-2019)

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Ready to take action? We are. Contact us for a free consultation today by calling or texting 407-476-4111. It’s the first step in regaining control of your life.