🚨 Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, you’re likely focused on the immediate penalties—fines, jail, and license suspension. But a conviction can haunt you long after the case is closed.
Let’s break down the long-term consequences of a DUI in Florida—and why working with an experienced defense lawyer is critical from day one.
1️⃣ A Permanent Criminal Record
Florida classifies DUI as a criminal offense, not a civil traffic violation. Therefore, a conviction, in Fort Lauderdale becomes a permanent part of your criminal history.
Your DUI record will appear on background checks for:
- Job applications
- Rental housing
- Loan and credit approvals
- Professional license renewals
🚫 Even if your charges are dropped, the arrest may still appear—unless you qualify for sealing or expungement.
Facing a DUI in Fort Lauderdale or Anywhere in South Florida?
2️⃣ Your Driving Record Will Suffer for 75 Years
A DUI conviction triggers a license suspension (180 days to 1 year for a first offense), but that’s just the beginning.
In Florida, a DUI stays on your driving record for 75 years—effectively, for life.
This can lead to:
- Higher penalties for future violations
- Delays in reinstating your license
- Difficulty driving for work or school
📍 In Broward County, a DUI record follows you even if you move out of state.
3️⃣ Your Car Insurance Rates Will Skyrocket
💸 Florida drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country—and a DUI conviction sends those rates even higher.
After a DUI, insurers may:
- Increase premiums by 70%–100%
- Require SR-22 insurance filings
- Cancel your coverage altogether
In Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, some companies raise rates for 5–10 years post-conviction.
Working with a DUI lawyer can help you fight or reduce charges, limiting how much your insurance is affected.
4️⃣ Your Employment Opportunities May Shrink
Many employers in Florida run criminal background checks, especially in fields like:
- Finance
- Education
- Government
- Healthcare
A DUI conviction can:
- Block promotions
- Result in job loss (especially for CDL holders)
- Damage your professional reputation
- Interfere with professional license renewals
📉 Even if the job doesn’t involve driving, employers may view a DUI as a red flag.
5️⃣ Housing & Lending Opportunities May Be Limited
DUI convictions don’t just affect your job—they can hurt your chances of securing housing.
In Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, many landlords and property managers run background checks.
A DUI could lead to:
- Rental denial
- Higher security deposits
- Mortgage approval issues (if tied to income loss or credit damage)
📊 DUI in South Florida: By the Numbers
Police aggressively enforce DUI laws throughout the state —and especially in South Florida.
In 2023:
- 29,000+ DUI arrests occurred in Florida
- Broward County (Fort Lauderdale): ~2,200 DUI arrests
- Palm Beach County: 1,600+ DUI arrests
- Miami-Dade County: 3,000+ DUI arrests
Other key stats:
- 🔹 40% of DUI arrestees refuse the breath test, triggering harsher penalties
- 🔹 30% of arrests involve repeat offenders
- 🔹 Insurance rates spike up to 100% post-conviction
🛡️ Don’t Let a DUI Define Your Future
A DUI in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida doesn’t just “go away.” It impacts your freedom, finances, and reputation—sometimes for life.
At Michael White, P.A., we provide aggressive DUI defense for clients throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Whether it’s your first charge or not, we fight to reduce or dismiss charges and protect your future.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a free consultation today.
🛡️ Don’t Let a DUI Define Your Future
Q: How long does a DUI stay on your record in Florida?
A: It remains on your criminal record permanently and your driving record for 75 years.
Q: Will a DUI hurt my job prospects in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Yes. Many employers run background checks, and a conviction can make it harder to get hired or promoted.
Q: Do insurance rates go up after a DUI in South Florida?
A: Almost always. Premiums may increase by 70–100%, and some insurers cancel coverage entirely.
Q: Can I expunge or seal a DUI conviction in Florida?
A: Unfortunately, Florida law does not allow DUI convictions to be sealed or expunged, even for first-time offenders. However, if the charge was dismissed or you received a withhold of adjudication, you may be eligible—speak with a DUI defense lawyer to explore your options.
Q: How can a DUI affect my ability to travel internationally?
A: Some countries, including Canada, may deny entry to individuals with DUI convictions. You may need to apply for special permission or wait a specified period before you’re allowed to visit.
