Understanding Trenton's Law: Key Changes to Florida DUI Laws You Need to Know

alanbernsteinlaw
Jan 24
3 min read

Driving under the influence (DUI) laws in Florida have undergone one of the most significant changes in decades. On October 1, 2025, House Bill 687, known as Trenton's Law, took effect, introducing much harsher penalties for impaired driving offenses. It also changes how refusals to take breath or urine tests are handled by law enforcement and the courts. If you drive in Florida, knowing these changes is essential to protect your rights and avoid severe consequences.

What Is Trenton's Law?

Trenton's Law is named after a young man whose tragic death in a DUI-related crash sparked a push for tougher laws. The bill aims to reduce impaired driving by increasing penalties and closing loopholes that previously allowed some offenders to avoid strict consequences.

The law affects several areas:

Penalties for DUI offenses
Handling of breath and urine test refusals
Procedures for law enforcement and courts

Understanding these changes helps drivers stay informed and cautious on Florida roads.

Harsher Penalties for DUI Offenses

One of the most noticeable changes under Trenton's Law is the increase in penalties for DUI convictions. The law raises fines, extends license suspensions, and increases jail time for repeat offenders.

Key Penalty Changes

First-time DUI offenders now face a minimum of 48 hours in jail, up from no mandatory jail time in some cases.
Repeat offenders face longer jail sentences, with some facing up to 12 months in county jail.
Fines have increased by several hundred dollars depending on the offense level.
License suspensions have been extended, with some lasting up to 10 years for multiple offenses.

These changes reflect Florida’s commitment to deterring impaired driving by making the consequences more severe.

New Rules for Breath and Urine Test Refusals

Before Trenton's Law, refusing a breath or urine test often resulted in a civil penalty, such as a license suspension. Now, refusals carry criminal consequences.

What Has Changed?

Refusing a breath or urine test is now a criminal offense punishable by fines and jail time.
Law enforcement officers have clearer authority to enforce test requests.
Courts may impose harsher penalties for refusals, including longer license suspensions and potential jail sentences.

This change aims to discourage drivers from refusing tests, which previously allowed some to avoid DUI convictions.

How These Changes Affect Drivers

The new law means drivers must be more aware of their rights and responsibilities when stopped for suspected DUI.

Practical Tips for Drivers

Always comply with breath or urine test requests to avoid criminal charges.
Understand that refusing a test can lead to more severe penalties than failing one.
If charged with DUI, seek legal advice immediately to navigate the new legal landscape.
Be aware that repeat offenses carry much harsher consequences.

Examples of How Trenton's Law Works

Consider a driver stopped for suspected DUI who refuses a breath test. Under previous laws, this refusal might have led only to a license suspension. Now, the driver faces criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time.

Another example is a repeat offender who previously might have received probation. Under the new law, that person could face mandatory jail time and a longer license suspension.

These examples show how the law aims to reduce impaired driving by increasing accountability.

What Drivers Should Do Next

Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself under Trenton's Law. Here are some steps to take:

Review the new DUI laws on official Florida government websites.
Consider attending a driver safety course focused on DUI awareness.
If you are charged with DUI, contact an experienced attorney familiar with Trenton's Law.
Avoid driving if you have consumed any alcohol or substances that impair your ability.

Final Thoughts

Trenton's Law marks a major shift in Florida’s approach to impaired driving. By increasing penalties and criminalizing test refusals, the state aims to make roads safer for everyone. Drivers must understand these changes to avoid severe consequences and protect their future.