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.
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.
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"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
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""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
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"DUI for charging my phone"Great team, Chris and Angela are great, although things didn’t go easy through the COVID period they battled for me, unfortunately my Life took a turn and regretfully I backed out of going to trial and took the plea offered, I know what I did and I would make the same decision again in that situation but unfortunately some of the best decisions are punishable by law, I truly think Mr. Garret would have been a force to be reckoned with at trial, and I would have love to have witnessed it, but life is life. I would whole heartedly recommend him and his team, they where a blessing to me in the understanding all my circumstances.. God Bless- Ken Strickland
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"Great help!"I hired Mr. Vanover to handle my DUI in Okaloosa County. Not only did he help me not lose my drivers license but my case ended up being reduced to a reckless driving. I'm very happy and would recommend the Vanover Law Firm if you find yourself charged with a crime.- Gerald
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"I always felt my best interest was their focus and they worked hard to conclude my case in a favorable manner."Very professional attorney and great care was taken with my case. I always felt my best interest was their focus and they worked hard to conclude my case in a favorable manner. I highly recommend them.- Kate
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"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
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"Highly recommended!"Great DUI law firm. I had a DUI over Christmas. They got me a drivers license within 48 hours and I'm still driving on that license! I never had to go to court. Highly recommended!- Karson
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"A great team !"Vanoverlaw excellent team Mr Garret is an excellent lawyer and advocate, his staff is top of the mark- DAVID
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.
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Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience
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Client Centered. Results Driven.
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Air Force Veteran Owned Business
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Free Consultations Available
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Local Attorneys
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Successfully Handled Over 3,000 DUIs
