How Not Having a Good DUI Lawyer Could Cost You $15,255

How Not Having a Good DUI Lawyer Could Cost You $15,255

How Much Does a DUI Really Cost in Florida?

If you’re facing DUI charges in Florida, you’re probably overwhelmed with questions and fear:

  • Will I go to jail?

  • Is this going to follow me for life?

  • Can I lose my job?

  • How will this affect my family and finances?

  • Where do I even start when looking for a lawyer?

These are real concerns—and while you may be worried about the cost of hiring a DUI attorney, the truth is that not hiring the right attorney could cost you far more in the long run.

💸 The True Cost of a DUI in Florida

Across the U.S., the average cost of a first DUI conviction is over $12,000. In Florida, it’s even higher. Between mandatory insurance, court costs, and related fees, a first-time DUI can run around $15,000 or more—and that doesn’t include attorney fees.

Let’s break down where that number comes from:

🚗 Insurance Costs

  • Auto Insurance Increases: Your regular car insurance could jump by $1,500–$3,000 per year—or more.

  • FR44 Insurance: Florida is one of only two states that requires this high-risk policy after a DUI. It can cost up to $300/month and must be maintained for three years. That’s $10,800 alone.

⚖️ Legal and Administrative Fees

  • Court costs and fines: Around $1,000

  • Hardship license (if granted): Approximately $225

  • Probation supervision: Around $450

  • DUI school: $280

  • Mandatory MADD program: $75

  • Substance abuse treatment (if required): $500

  • Vehicle towing and booting: About $425 combined

🛑 Driving Restrictions

Your license may be suspended for 6–12 months. During that time, you’ll likely need to rely on:

  • Rental cars

  • Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft

  • Public transportation (which is limited in many parts of Florida)

That could easily add another $500 or more in extra transportation costs.

🧑‍⚖️ What About Attorney Fees?

Attorney fees in Florida vary widely—from around $2,000 to $15,000 or more—depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience.

Rather than shopping for the cheapest attorney, think about value:
✅ The better your legal outcome, the less you’ll pay in every area above.
✅ A good DUI lawyer can protect your record, minimize penalties, and potentially help you avoid conviction altogether.

🚨 A DUI Conviction Never Goes Away

Here’s the cost that matters most:
A DUI conviction stays on your record permanently.

  • It cannot be expunged.

  • Employers, landlords, and insurance companies can all see it.

  • It follows you for life.

💡 The Bottom Line

Hiring a skilled Florida DUI attorney isn’t just about representation—it’s about protecting your future, finances, and freedom. When you compare the cost of a qualified attorney to the $15,000+ you might otherwise pay in penalties, the decision becomes clear.

The right lawyer doesn’t cost you money—they help save it.