How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Florida?

| by Max Soni

Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:11 pm

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Florida?

Getting arrested for DUI can be a scary experience with severe consequences. While DUI penalties like license suspension and fines may only last months or years, the DUI conviction itself stays on your Florida record much longer.

So exactly how long does a DUI conviction remain on your driving and criminal record in Florida? Is there any way to get a DUI removed from your record? Let’s take a look at how long that DUI follows you and steps to minimize the damage.

DUI Convictions Stay on Florida Driving Record for 75 Years

If convicted of DUI in Florida, the DUI conviction remains on your official state driving record for 75 years according to Florida Statute 322.28[1]. It does not drop off your driving record after a set period of time.

So that DUI arrest from five years ago will still show up on your Florida driver’s license record decades later when you go to renew your license.

DUI Conviction Stays on Criminal Record Indefinitely

In addition to your driving record, a DUI conviction remains on your permanent Florida criminal record indefinitely. It does not get removed over time.

Potential employers, landlords, and others performing background checks will see the DUI arrest and conviction anytime they check your criminal history.[2]

Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenses

Having a prior DUI on your record also means any repeat DUI arrest will face enhanced penalties in Florida. Prosecutors can pursue increased fines, jail time, license suspension, and other punishments.[3]

So that decades old DUI conviction still comes back to haunt you if arrested again for DUI.

No Expunging DUI Convictions in Florida

While many criminal records can potentially be expunged in Florida, DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement under Florida law.[4]

Once convicted of DUI, it remains on your record permanently with no way to expunge it.

Sealing DUI Arrest Records

If your DUI arrest did not result in conviction, you may be able to have the arrest record sealed after 10 years. Sealing limits public access to the record.[5]

However, sealed records can still be accessed by law enforcement and some agencies. An attorney can advise if sealing is possible in your case.

Reducing DUI Charges

The best way to avoid a permanent DUI record is to have your DUI charges reduced or dismissed. An experienced DUI defense attorney may negotiate dropping the DUI down to reckless driving or another less serious offense.[6]

While not guaranteed, this prevents a DUI conviction from ever appearing on your record.

Long-Term Consequences

Having a DUI conviction on your record can impact your life for decades. Some potential long-term consequences include:

• Difficulty finding employment
• Higher insurance rates
• Travel limitations
• Custody issues

That’s why minimizing the charges is so important to avoid permanent damage to your record and future opportunities.