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By Kevin A. Raudt

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DUI

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Last Modified on Jul 13, 2026

DUIs can have long-lasting consequences on many aspects of your life. Many who are accused or convicted of a DUI wonder whether they can have the incident removed from their permanent record. Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., can explain DUI expungement in Florida and when it is possible.

About Kevin A. Raudt, P.A.

As a Jacksonville DUI lawyer, Kevin Alan Raudt is committed to assisting the people of Jacksonville, St. Johns County, and the surrounding areas of Northeast Florida in their DUI cases. He has over 40 years of legal experience, having handled thousands of cases, ranging from first-time DUIs to serious violent felonies. His legal accomplishments earned him over 50 five-star reviews across legal review sites such as Google and Avvo.

*Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

DUI Cases in Florida

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a common criminal offense in the Sunshine State. In 2025, law enforcement across Florida reported 44,503 DUI violations, with 19,842 resulting in guilty verdicts. During the same year, impaired driving was linked to 13,815 crashes, 903 serious injuries, and 693 deaths. Accidents happen while driving on Interstate 95, Beach Boulevard, or any other street.

A DUI occurs in Florida when someone drives a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAL) over 0.08 percent or is impaired by any chemical substance. DUIs range from first-degree misdemeanors to felonies, depending on previous offenses and any aggravating factors. Charges are handled at the county courts where you live. For instance, Jacksonville residents have their cases processed through the Duval County Courthouse downtown on West Adams Street.

DUI Penalties

Penalties for a DUI in Florida are based on the severity of the offense. For example, a first-time offense carries fines of $500 to $1,000, while a third conviction for a BAL over .15 percent carries a maximum fine of $4,000. Other potential punishments include:

• Imprisonment
• License suspension or revocation
• Enrollment in a DUI school
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process by which someone’s criminal record is destroyed, making it inaccessible to the public and most court proceedings. It can be a key tool for erasing a charge from any future background checks. Florida expungement laws have strict eligibility standards for expungement, including that the applicant has no prior expunged or sealed records and has not been found guilty.

Opportunities for Erasing a DUI From Your Record

Under Florida law, DUI convictions are typically not eligible for criminal record expungement since they are criminal offenses. DUIs must be accessible to courts for any additional charges or traffic violations. The few circumstances where someone may apply for expungement include:

• Dropped charges. One common opportunity for a DUI expungement is if you were arrested, but the charges were dropped. Arrest records without penalization have greater options for erasure across all offenses.
• Not guilty verdict. DUI cases that proceeded to trial and resulted in an acquittal can qualify for removal from your record. Only a conviction for impaired driving bars someone from requesting alterations.
• Reduced charge. In some cases, an attorney can negotiate with the state to reduce a DUI charge to a conviction for a lesser offense. Those with reckless driving or similar violations may qualify for expungement.

FAQs About DUI Expungement in Florida

Can You Erase a DUI From Your Record in Florida?

In most circumstances, you cannot completely erase a DUI from your record in Florida. State law has strict restrictions on barring criminal convictions from being removed from your criminal history. Unlike other states, juvenile offenses are subject to the same restrictions. Unique scenarios where charges are dismissed, dropped, reduced, or acquitted can have opportunities for erasure.

When Should You Speak With an Attorney for a DUI in Florida?

It is recommended that you speak with a Florida DUI attorney as early as possible in your situation. After a conviction, the avenues for Florida DUI sealing or expungement are rare. Legal counsel consulted before a guilty verdict can provide options for resolving an issue without affecting your driving record.

What Is the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing DUI Records?

It is important to understand the difference between expungement and sealing when attempting to alter your permanent record. Expunging a DUI removes the incident from both private and public databases, while sealing a record makes a criminal conviction still accessible to courts but hides it from public access. An experienced attorney can review your case to determine which method may fit your situation.

How Long Does a DUI Conviction Remain on Your Driving Record in Florida?

When considering whether expungement is worth undertaking, many wonder how long a DUI conviction remains on one’s driving record in Florida. The FLHSMV retains any alcohol-related violation for 75 years after the conviction. The lookback period for determining penalties for additional DUI offenses is ten years. For insurance premiums, each provider uses a different approach for determining your annual fees.

Hire an Expungement Lawyer

Expunging a DUI or any criminal conviction can be a difficult and frustrating legal process. If you are looking to erase a DUI from your record, hire an expungement lawyer to help with your case. Skilled legal counsel can make a positive impact on your situation before and during any DUI case. Services that Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., can provide include:

• Advocating for you during preliminary hearings
• Gathering supporting evidence that strengthens your case
• Challenging procedural errors, such as illegal traffic stops, faulty chemical tests, and unlawful search and seizures
• Representing you in all court hearings and appearances
• Negotiating with the state to reduce penalties and charges on your record

Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., recognizes the challenges that come with a DUI. Our team can use decades of legal experience, skills, and knowledge to aid you at every stage of your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, where we can learn your story, discuss the challenges you currently face, and explore your options for moving forward in your life.