On April 7, 2002 Governor Bush signed a Bill that changed many of the DUI laws. Below is a list of some of the DUI laws that have either changed or will be new Florida DUI laws as of July 2003.

Felony Driving Under The Influence

- A third DUI conviction within ten years of any prior DUI is a third degree felony. Prior to July of 2002 a third DUI within 10 years was a misdemeanor offense. Some Florida jurisdictions will still prosecute these cases as misdemeanors.

Ignition Interlock Devices

-An Ignition Interlock Device is a device placed inside a vehicle which requires the driver to breathe into a tube before the car will start. If any alcohol is detected on the drivers breath the vehicle will not start.
-Any person convicted of a second or third DUI that intends to obtain a permanent or restricted driver license, will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle at their own expense. The number of DUI convictions determines how long the interlock device must remain in the car. Previous to the new law (effective July 2003), Interlock devices were only installed in vehicles pursuant to court order. Drivers will now be required to submit proof of the interlock installation to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Breath Refusal Law Changes

-As of July 1, 2002, a second refusal to submit to a breath test can be charged as a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail. The license suspension will remain at 18 months. The constitutionality of this new law is being challenged by multiple criminal defense lawyers throughout the state.