Drink-driving limits in Florida (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Stricter rules apply to drivers under 21. Penalties are set in the state's impaired-driving statute.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.02% blood or breath alcohol or higher is unlawful for a driver under 21. [2] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First conviction: a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in prison, with probation of up to 1 year. At 0.15% or higher, or with a passenger under 18: a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 9 months. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: any alcohol in the body is prohibited (24-hour out-of-service); 0.04% or more also brings disqualification. [3] |
Notes
- The official sources read for this state do not state this. Not confirmed.
Sources
- Florida Legislature: Section 316.193, Florida Statutes - Driving under the influence; penalties (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Florida Legislature: Section 322.2616, Florida Statutes - Suspension of license; persons under 21 years of age (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Florida Legislature: Florida Statutes s. 322.62, Driving under the influence; commercial motor vehicle operators (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Florida and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | Any alcohol (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; $500-$1,000 fine |
| Alabama | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year; $600-$2,100 fine |
| Georgia | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety roadchecks | Up to 1 year jail, $300-1,000 fine |
More rules in Florida
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 20 g) · Growing at home: Prohibited, including for patients
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 12 months on a learner's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: None (local may set)
- Fireworks
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Common pocketknife is not a 'weapon' · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (from 30 Sep 2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.