During holidays, summer weekends, and big local events, DUI checkpoint s and saturation patrols become more common in Florida. If you're driving in St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, or the Jacksonville area, you might come face to face with an officer looking for impaired drivers. Knowing what to expect and what your rights are can help you stay calm and protect yourself during a stop.

 

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Florida?

 

Florida does allow DUI checkpoints, but they must follow strict rules . Officers cannot stop you randomly without cause. At a proper checkpoint, law enforcement must use a neutral, predetermined formula for selecting vehicles (like stopping every car or every third car). They also need to make the checkpoint's purpose clear and keep disruption to travelers minimal.

 

Even at a checkpoint, officers still need a reason to move you from a brief screening to a full DUI investigation. If that reason is missing, any evidence gathered afterward may be challenged.

 

What Should You Do If You’re Stopped?

 

If an officer stops you, stay calm and keep your hands visible. Follow instructions politely and have your license, registration, and insurance ready when asked. You do not need to argue, make jokes, or try to "explain away" anything right at the scene.

 

Do You Have to Answer Every Question?

 

No. You must identify yourself and provide required documents , but you do not have to answer every question an officer asks. You can politely decline to discuss where you were, how much you drank, or whether you think you're impaired.

 

In Florida, you also have t he right to remain silent beyond what's required for the stop . This does not make you look guilty. It simply protects you from saying something that could be misinterpreted.

 

Field Sobriety Exercises: What Drivers Should Know 

 

Field sobriety tests are not mandatory in Florida. These include tasks like walking a line, standing on one leg, or following an object with your eyes. Officers use them to build evidence of impairment, but they are subjective and often imperfect.

 

Be aware that refusing a breath, blood, or urine test after an arrest can lead to an administrative "on-the-spot" suspension of your license and other penalties under Florida's implied consent law. A first refusal results in a one-year suspension, while further refusals can lead to an 18-month suspension.

 

As of October 1, 2025, refusing a breath or urine test after arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first refusal (and a first-degree misdemeanor if your license was previously suspended for refusal). Judges cannot withhold adjudication, and the refusal can be used as evidence in your case. That's why it's critical to speak with a DUI attorney quickly if you're arrested.

 

When to Contact a DUI Attorney 

 

If you've been stopped at a DUI checkpoint or during a traffic stop, contact a DUI attorney as soon as you can. An experienced lawyer can review whether the stop was lawful, challenge faulty evidence, and protect your license and record.

 

At Taylor Waldrop Pribisco, we help drivers in St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, and Jacksonville navigate DUI cases from the first stop through court. We know how fast deadlines move and how much damage one wrong statement can cause.

 

If you're facing a DUI charge or worried about what happened during a stop, reach out to us today. We can explain your rights, review your case, and help you take the next step with confidence.