• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Guardian Interlock

Guardian Ignition Interlock

The Original Ignition Interlock System

  • Locations
  • Our Device
    • Ignition Interlock Program
    • Ignition Interlock Device Information
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Training Videos
    • Contact Us
  • State Laws
  • About Us
    • Reviews
    • Become a Provider
    • Partners
      • DUI Attorneys
      • Recovery Counselors
      • Monitoring Authorities
      • Road Safety Resources
  • 800-499-0994

Is Florida’s DUI Diversion Program For You?

You are here: Home / Law / Is Florida’s DUI Diversion Program For You?
November 18, 2014 by Matt Talley

ignition interlockYou might have made the choice to drink and drive, but you don’t get to make a lot of choices after you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Most states will require you to pay fines, potentially spend time in jail, and cover the cost of a ignition interlock device for a period of time, but there’s a county in Florida that’s trying something new – they’re giving drunk drivers a choice.

Palm Beach County, Florida is the setting for a program designed to keep streets safe while easing up on tough DUI penalties for offenders. The DUI Diversion program launched on June 1st, 2013 and has been endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), but don’t think it’s easy street for offenders who choose to drink and drive – the requirements for the program are tougher than those you would face for a first time DUI conviction in Florida.

DUI laws in Florida require first offenders to pay fines up to $1000, lose their license for six months, potentially spend time in jail, and have their vehicle impounded for 10 days. If the offender registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest, they must also install an ignition interlock for six months. With the DUI diversion program, the first step is for the offender to plead guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor reckless driving charge instead of a first-degree misdemeanor.

The offender will not lose their license, receive a conviction on their record, or have points added to their license, but in lieu of that they must pay for several alcohol monitoring devices, including an ignition interlock device, for three to six months. They will also be required to adhere to the following penalties:

  • Probation for one year
  • Pay fines up to $500
  • Lose their vehicle for 10 days
  • Complete 50 to 75 hours of community service
  • Attend DUI school
  • Submit to random drug testing

Violating the terms of the diversion program are severe. If the participant triggers their ignition interlock or other alcohol monitoring device, they could spend 90 days in jail. That might be why there are currently only 1,000 participants in a county where there were 2,500 driving under the influence arrests in 2013.

Yes, it’s a strict program, but the DUI diversion program is well worth the effort for offenders in Florida. For more information on ignition interlock devices in Florida, visit Guardian Interlock’s Florida state page.

Category: LawTag: Drunk Driving, Florida, Ignition Interlock

About Matt Talley

Previous Post: « ignition interlock device Why Are So Many Women Driving Drunk?
Next Post: PSA’s, Car Breathalyzers, And Harsh Penalites Are Stopping Drunk Drivers »

24/7 Bilingual Customer Service

Call now on 800-499-0994 and we’ll help you get back on the road

Call Now
Guardian Interlock Logo
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Call Toll-Free

800-499-0994

Partners

DUI Attorneys

Recovery Counselors

Monitoring Authorities

Need Help?

Support

FAQ

Contact Us

© Copyright 2022 Guardian Interlock, LLC

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use