Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, you’re probably concerned about the immediate penalties—fines, jail time, and losing your license. But what many people don’t realize is that a DUI conviction carries long-lasting consequences that can follow you for years, even decades.
Below, we break down the long-term impacts of a DUI conviction in Florida. If you’re facing charges, contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer to protect your rights and minimize the damage to your future.
1. A Permanent Criminal Record
In Florida, driving under the influence is a criminal offense, not a traffic infraction. If you’re convicted of DUI in Fort Lauderdale, it becomes a permanent part of your criminal record.
That record will likely show up in background checks when you apply for:
- Jobs
- Housing
- Professional licenses
- Loans or credit
Even if you’re not convicted, the DUI arrest may still appear unless you qualify for record sealing or expungement. A knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer in South Florida can advise you on your eligibility and help with the process.
2. Your Driving Record Will Suffer
Even a first DUI offense results in a driver’s license suspension of 180 days to one year in Florida. But the impact doesn’t stop there.
A DUI remains on your driving record for 75 years, which is effectively for life. That means:
- Future traffic violations can carry harsher penalties
- It could be harder to get your license reinstated
- It may affect your ability to drive for work or school
If you live in Broward County or the surrounding area, a DUI on your Florida driving record will follow you wherever you go.
3. Higher Car Insurance Rates in Fort Lauderdale
Expect your car insurance premiums to rise significantly after a DUI conviction. Insurance providers in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida will consider you a high-risk driver.
Some companies only look at your driving history for a few years, but others may raise your premiums for 5 to 10 years or longer—or even drop your coverage altogether.
Working with a DUI attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you explore strategies to avoid conviction or reduce charges, which may also reduce the impact on your insurance.
4. Employment Challenges After a DUI
Many employers in South Florida, especially those in finance, government, education, and healthcare, conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. A DUI conviction in Fort Lauderdale can make it harder to:
- Land a new job
- Get a promotion
- Renew a professional license
Even if the role doesn’t involve driving, a conviction can raise red flags for potential employers. And if you hold a CDL license or drive for a living, your job could be directly at risk.
5. Difficulty Renting or Buying Housing
Background checks don’t just happen in the job market. Many landlords in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida conduct criminal background checks before approving tenants.
A DUI conviction could cause them to:
- Deny your rental application
- Charge higher deposits
- View you as a risk or liability
It may also affect your ability to qualify for a home loan or mortgage, especially if it affects your credit or income.
DUI in South Florida by the Numbers
DUI enforcement is aggressive throughout South Florida—and the data backs it up. In 2023:
- Florida saw over 29,000 DUI arrests statewide, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
- Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) recorded approximately 2,200 DUI arrests.
- Palm Beach County reported over 1,600 DUI arrests, making it another hot zone for enforcement.
- Miami-Dade County, the most populous in Florida, had more than 3,000 DUI arrests.
Other important stats:
- Roughly 40% of drivers arrested for DUI in Florida refuse the breath test, leading to harsher administrative penalties.
- Nearly 30% of DUI arrests involve repeat offenders, which means courts are more aggressive with sentencing.
- After a conviction, auto insurance premiums in Florida often increase by 70%–100%, and some drivers are dropped by their insurers altogether.
If you’re facing charges in any South Florida county, know that local law enforcement and prosecutors take DUIs seriously—and so should you.
Don’t Let a DUI Define Your Future
A DUI conviction in Fort Lauderdale doesn’t just disappear after you pay your fines or serve your sentence. The long-term consequences can affect your life for years to come. That’s why it’s critical to build a strong legal defense from day one.
At Michael White, P.A., we provide experienced and aggressive DUI defense for clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. Whether you’re facing your first offense or a repeat charge, we’ll fight to protect your future.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Convictions in Florida
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Florida?
A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently and on your Florida driving record for 75 years.
Will a DUI hurt my job prospects in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Many employers perform background checks. A DUI conviction can make it harder to find work, keep your current job, or maintain professional licenses.
Do insurance rates go up after a DUI in South Florida?
Almost always. After a DUI, most drivers in South Florida will see increased premiums, and some insurers may cancel your policy altogether.
