A great number of tourists visit Florida each year. For most people, visiting Florida is a time for relaxation and letting loose. Unfortunately, some visitors might have one too many drinks and get behind the wheel. If you are charged with a DUI in Florida, you need to take it seriously, whether you live in this state or elsewhere. A DUI conviction will follow you home.

The Interstate Driver License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between participating states (all states with the exceptions of Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Tennessee, Michigan, and Wisconsin) that holds that jurisdictions will be open in exchanging information with one another and reporting out-of-state convictions. In most cases, member states also recognize penalties (such as driver’s license suspensions) that are issued by another state.

What DUI Consequences Will I Face in Florida?

While the state of Florida may not have the right to suspend your actual license, you may face other penalties under Florida law. For example, jail time, fines, and a prohibition from driving within Florida are all possible. The extent of action that will be taken against you by the state of Florida will likely depend upon the severity of your DUI charges, but you can be sure that if there is evidence against you that is strong enough to convict you of the crime, there will be consequences.

If you are convicted, a DUI conviction is almost always reported to your home state. Your home state will suspend your license for as long as the state where the conviction happened requires or the amount of time your home state requires – whichever is longer. If you fail to meet the requirements of the court, such as paying fines and attending an alcohol program, your suspension will remain in effect indefinitely. Suspensions in every state are reported to the National Driver Registry. All states check this registry when issuing or renewing driver’s licenses. If they notice a conviction in another state, they will refuse to issue a license. Your car insurance premiums will likely be much higher after a DUI charge, as well.

You should not try to fight Florida DUI charges on your own. These cases are complex and require extensive knowledge of DUI law. The first thing you should do is hire a knowledgeable Florida DUI defense attorney to help you through a very difficult process.