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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"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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"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
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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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"Definitely would recommend!!"Mr. Garrett and his team took very good care of my situation and were excellent at communicating with me.- Shelby
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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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"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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"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
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"I couldn't be happier with my experience."Mr. Garrett represented me in a DUI case and did an amazing doing so. His staff was more than helpful throughout the process and I couldn't be happier with my experience. In the end I was found not guilty do to the knowledge, experience and hard work put forth by my Mr. Garrett. 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.
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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
