Enjoying Florida’s waterways shouldn’t end in criminal charges — yet every year, hundreds of boaters are arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Like a DUI, a BUI charge can carry steep penalties, including jail time, fines, and suspension of boating privileges.
At Roussos Law Group, we provide skilled legal defense for individuals charged with BUI across Florida. Our team brings prosecutorial insight to every case, identifying weak evidence and procedural errors to protect your rights.
Under Florida Statute §327.35, it is unlawful to operate a vessel while:
Unlike a DUI, a BUI occurs on public waterways, and enforcement is carried out by marine patrols, sheriff’s departments, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Typical penalties for a first BUI conviction include:
If the BUI involves an accident, injury, or prior convictions, penalties increase significantly, including felony charges for serious bodily injury or death.
Florida treats repeat BUI offenses much like repeat DUI offenses — with escalating fines, longer jail sentences, and stricter probation terms.
Possible penalties include:
Additional consequences can include:
Because BUI penalties can mirror DUI sanctions but rely on different evidence, having an attorney who understands both is critical.
This summary is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Always consult an attorney for advice about your case.
Defending a BUI charge requires knowledge of maritime law and criminal procedure. At Roussos Law Group, we challenge the evidence at every stage — from the stop and boarding of your vessel to the field sobriety or breath test procedures.
We analyze:
Our DUI Defense attorneys understand how boating enforcement differs from traffic enforcement — and how to use that to your advantage.
If you’ve been arrested for Boating Under the Influence in Florida:
Not exactly. While both involve impairment laws and 0.08% BAC thresholds, BUI applies to vessel operation and is enforced by marine patrol officers under §327.35.
Yes. Boating privileges can be suspended, and repeated offenses may result in permanent revocation.
Yes, but refusal carries its own penalties — including fines, evidence admissibility, and potential license restrictions.
In most cases, no. However, a criminal conviction may still appear on your record and impact background checks. A BUI can also act as a prior offense for a future DUI charge.
Yes, if the vessel was still considered “in operation,” such as drifting or anchored but capable of movement.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step with confidence.
Founder
Director of Criminal Defense & Equity Partner
Equity Partner
Complete the form below to connect with a Roussos Law Group attorney for your free, confidential consultation.
Not exactly. While both involve impairment laws and 0.08% BAC thresholds, BUI applies to vessel operation and is enforced by marine patrol officers under §327.35.
Yes. Boating privileges can be suspended, and repeated offenses may result in permanent revocation.
Yes, but refusal carries its own penalties — including fines, evidence admissibility, and potential license restrictions.
In most cases, no. However, a criminal conviction may still appear on your record and impact background checks. A BUI can also act as a prior offense for a future DUI charge.
Yes, if the vessel was still considered “in operation,” such as drifting or anchored but capable of movement.
