A DUI arrest for someone under 21 in Florida can have lasting effects — even if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is well below the adult legal limit. Under Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law, drivers under 21 can face administrative suspension and criminal consequences for a BAC of just 0.02%.
At Roussos Law Group, we understand how quickly one mistake can jeopardize a young person’s education, career, and future. Our team provides skilled, compassionate defense for underage drivers and their families throughout Florida.
Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law (§322.2616) establishes a BAC limit of 0.02% for drivers under 21, the equivalent of roughly one drink for most individuals. This means you can be penalized for driving after consuming any measurable amount of alcohol, even if you’re not legally impaired.
An under-21 DUI can result in two separate processes:
Possible administrative penalties include:
Even without a criminal conviction, an administrative suspension can impact college enrollment, scholarship eligibility, and insurance costs.
If the under-21 driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, the case can proceed as a standard DUI under §316.193, exposing the individual to adult-level criminal penalties.
Possible consequences include:
Beyond legal penalties, a DUI arrest can have lasting academic and employment impacts. Some universities and professional programs require disclosure of DUI offenses during admission or licensing.
This summary is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect the latest statutory updates. Always consult an attorney for advice specific to your case.
At Roussos Law Group, we represent minors and young adults facing DUI-related charges with professionalism and discretion. Our team reviews the evidence, officer reports, and testing procedures to determine whether your rights were violated or if the stop lacked probable cause.
Our DUI defense attorneys understand the administrative and criminal systems from both sides, including how to challenge questionable test results, improper police procedures, or administrative errors that can lead to unwarranted license suspensions.
We also help families navigate the DHSMV hearing process and pursue hardship licenses when available.
If you or your child has been charged with an underage DUI, it’s critical to act immediately:
Quick action can make a difference in minimizing both the legal and personal impact of an under-21 DUI arrest.
Under §322.2616, any BAC of 0.02% or higher triggers penalties — well below the adult limit of 0.08%.
Yes. Even administrative suspensions can appear on driving records, and criminal charges can remain permanently unless dismissed.
Yes. In most cases involving drivers under 18, a parent or guardian must attend. For drivers 18–20, family representation can still be helpful for coordination and compliance.
It can. Some universities require disciplinary reporting for alcohol-related offenses. Early legal intervention may help minimize those consequences.
Possibly after a 30-day period, depending on whether the case involved refusal to test or a prior offense.
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step with confidence.
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Under §322.2616, any BAC of 0.02% or higher triggers penalties — well below the adult limit of 0.08%.
Yes. Even administrative suspensions can appear on driving records, and criminal charges can remain permanently unless dismissed.
Yes. In most cases involving drivers under 18, a parent or guardian must attend. For drivers 18–20, family representation can still be helpful for coordination and compliance.
It can. Some universities require disciplinary reporting for alcohol-related offenses. Early legal intervention may help minimize those consequences.
Possibly after a 30-day period, depending on whether the case involved refusal to test or a prior offense.
