Florida’s New DUI Law: How “Trenton’s Law” Impacts Repeat Offenders in 2025
Florida has always taken DUI cases seriously, but a major legal change, known as Trenton’s Law, has raised the stakes for anyone facing a repeat DUI charge. Passed in response to several high-profile DUI fatalities, the new law increases penalties, expands prison time, and tightens restrictions on drivers with prior convictions. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florida, especially with a past record, it’s crucial to understand what this law means for you.
What is Trenton’s law?
Trenton’s Law is a legislative update that imposes harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders and for DUI cases involving death or serious bodily injury. The goal is clear: discourage repeat offenses and impose stricter consequences when impaired driving causes harm.
While every case is unique, the law significantly impacts three major areas:
- Increased mandatory minimum sentences.
- Longer maximum prison terms.
- Tougher ignition-interlock device requirements and license sanctions.
These changes are especially important for individuals with one or more prior DUI convictions. Under Trenton’s Law, even a second or third DUI carries heavier consequences than in years past.
Harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders
One of the most significant changes under Trenton’s Law is the way Florida treats drivers who have more than one DUI on their record. The law elevates penalties at each level:
- Second DUI offense – You will face increased jail time, longer license suspensions, expanded requirements for ignition interlock devices, additional fines, and longer probation periods.
- Third DUI offense – Heightened likelihood that the charges become a felony rather than a misdemeanor, dramatically longer maximum prison time, and potential long-term or permanent driver’s license suspension.
For many people charged with DUI, the difference between a misdemeanor and felony conviction is life-changing. It will impact employment, housing, professional licensing, and future rights.
Stricter penalties for DUI involving death
Trenton’s Law significantly raises the stakes in DUI cases that result in injury or death.
For DUI Manslaughter:
- The maximum prison sentence has been increased.
- Judges now have far less flexibility to hand down lighter sentences.
- Probation and post-release conditions have become much stricter.
In cases involving serious bodily injury:
- The charge has been upgraded to a more severe felony classification.
- Offenders face longer potential jail time.
- Hefty fines and harsh license penalties are now more likely.
These tougher penalties are part of Florida’s broader effort to crack down on impaired driving. But for anyone facing these charges, the legal risks and personal consequences have never been more serious.
Why is this important?
These changes apply to new arrests, meaning anyone charged in 2025 or beyond could face far more severe consequences than they expected, especially if they believed older laws still applied. Even a single prior conviction from several years ago can dramatically increase exposure under the new framework.
Talk to an Orlando, FL, DUI Attorney Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando residents who have been charged with DUI. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
