Boating Under the Influence Put Experience On Your Side

Fort Walton 
Beach BUI Attorney

Navigating Your Boating Under the Influence Charge

If you have been arrested for boating under the influence in Okaloosa County, it is highly advised that you seek legal counsel. At Vanover Law Firm, our legal team has successfully navigated thousands of drunk driving cases over the last 20+ years -- including many boating under the influence matters. We're ready to partner with you as you confront your charge, aggressively pursue viable defense options, and ensure that your rights and interests remain an absolute priority.

Our dedicated Fort Walton Beach BUI lawyers are ready to speak with you. Call (850) 999-0006 today.

Florida BUI Laws

Florida Statutes 327.02(43) includes Florida's boating under the influence law, which is the boating equivalent of a DUI offense. Boating is a way of life here in Florida and while many boaters responsibly operate their vessel every year, not all them are aware that similar drunk driving laws apply to our waters just as they do our roads.

Boating Under the Influence Penalties

Florida Statutes 327.02(43) states that a boater can be charged with BUI when they are "affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired" by alcohol or controlled substances. When it comes to alcohol, the same BAC (blood alcohol content) limit that applies to drivers also applies to boaters: .08%.

Penalties for a first-time BUI can include:

  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Up to six months in jail
  • Probation
  • Vessel impoundment (10 days)
  • Community service

Do You Lose Your License for BUI in Florida?

If you receive a conviction for boating under the influence (BUI) in Florida, you will not have your driver's license suspended. However, alternative penalties may lead to fines, a driver's license loss, a permanent record, or even jail time.

Just like in DUI cases, BUI penalties can intensify with repeat charges or aggravating circumstances. For instance, if your first-time BUI charge involved a particularly high BAC, injury to another party, or the presence of minors, you could be facing harsher penalties. For more specific information on your charge and what our firm can do resolve this matter as favorably as possible, reach out to us at Vanover Law Firm today.

Start mounting an effective defense today. Contact us to request a free case evaluation.

Meet Our Attorneys Keith & Chris
Attorney Profiles

Testimonials

Why People Choose to Work With Us

At Vanover Law firm, we strive to provide the best representation to our clients. Please take a moment to read what our past clients had to say about their experience with Vanover Law Firm. 

    "No greater than love than that you lay down you life for another."
    This law firm has been AMAZING! They truly care about their clients. My daughter was/is a client and they have called to check on her well-being, fought to get her penalties reduced, and even helped with assisting with indigent status for her.
    - Angie
    "Took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me."
    Mr. Garrett and his team took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me. Definitely would recommend!!
    - Shelby
    "My heartfelt thank you to all."
    I could not have been associated with a better, proficient, professional organization. I consider myself so fortunate to be represented by the entire staff. I would find it an embarrassment to let you and the prosecutor down. My heartfelt thank you to all.
    - Rick
    "This law firm and Mr. Garrett are a true blessing and he is an amazing and talented lawyer!!"
    Throughout the entire process, Mr. Garrett and Angela were always there to help and assist me and you felt they truly cared. They are an amazing team and Mr. Garrett is an extremely thorough and skilled lawyer.
    - Tamara
    "Very personal and professional and made sure I was taken care of and that justice was served in my case."
    Angela and attorney Chris Garret were very personal and professional and made sure I was taken care of and that justice was served in my case. They represented me in Okaloosa and Escambia and had no problem dropping everything to be there whenever I needed them in my case! Thanks again!!!
    - Philip
    "The man is truly a blessing. If you find yourself in any kind of similar situation call Mr. Christopher Wayne Garrett!"
    Let me start by wishing I could put 10 stars! I was in a horrible situation when I contacted Mr. Garrett. I was arrested and charged with a 2nd DUI within a two year span and was ultimately facing jail time. His services are reasonably priced, and he worked on my case diligently. I never had to set foot in a courtroom. my mindset from the beginning was that the best case scenario was that my charges would be dropped to a lesser charge. Which still would have hurt me financially and put my job in jeopardy. After a few continuances so Mr. Garrett had time to review my case, I got an unexpected call. The call was to inform me that my case was DISMISSED!!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. Through his knowledge of the legal system and persistence he was able to get my case thrown out. The man is truly a blessing. If you find yourself in any kind of similar situation call Mr. Christopher Wayne Garrett!
    - Tyler
    ""Referred by friend""
    Want to thank Chris Garrett & his staff for their prompt and professional service. With many attorneys to choose from in the area, Chris came highly recommended to handle my case by a friend. I am very pleased with the outcome and will refer him in the future to anyone seeking his professional services. Thanks again Chris!
    - Brandon
    "Mr. Garrett and his team did an amazing job representing me and helping me through the process. In the end I was acquitted by jury because of Mr. Garrett's knowledge and experience, couldn't be happier."
    Mr. Garrett and his team did an amazing job representing me and helping me through the process. In the end I was acquitted by jury because of Mr. Garrett's knowledge and experience, couldn't be happier. Thanks again!!
    - Brandon

    Our Values

    What Our Work Means To Us

    Vanover Law Firm P.A. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

    • Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience
    • Client Centered. Results Driven.
    • Air Force Veteran Owned Business
    • Free Consultations Available
    • Local Attorneys
    • Successfully Handled Over 3,000 DUIs