Florida State Laws for Drinking
Every state regulates alcohol, and Florida is no different. The sale, use and serving of alcohol in Florida is controlled by state laws. These laws establish who can legally drink alcohol, who can serve it and punishments for those who violate the state's alcohol regulations.
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Minor in Possession
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The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Anyone under 21 found with alcohol is guilty of the crime of minor in possession. State law imposes a potential punishment of $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail for a first conviction. Subsequent convictions carry punishments of $1,000 in fines and up to a year in jail.
DUI
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants is a crime in Florida punishable by fines, incarceration and suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Any driver in Florida found with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher is guilty of DUI. First-time convictions for DUI bring potential fines of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail and up to a one-year license suspension. Subsequent convictions carry more severe penalties, and subsequent DUIs are prosecuted as felonies. Anyone convicted of felony DUI faces 30 days to 12 months in jail, a fine of $2,000 to $5,000 and a 10-year license suspension.
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Alcohol Service
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Florida law allows anyone 18 or older to serve alcohol while employed by a licensed business. However, anyone who serves alcohol to a person under age 21 can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, with potential punishments of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
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References
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